Sudgated by the mafia

o

you want to ta

as something I had expected to hear for days when I bought t

a chance to meet my father's family

fore letting o

im, but your mother wasn't

kno

s high fashion model in Europe was a well-known one. What was never known about her

ever told anyone about who the man who impregnated her was. Her last words were for me to gro

company that studies family trees, I didn't hesitate to accept his invitation to the promised land. And although my

t 589 to Rome, please

ers, and Aunt Camelia look

said before hugg

n me a stable family full of love, so I woul

our life, let me know when you arrive. Don't forget to give me all the det

wil

way and went straight

ince she never said anything about my father, he could never register me, so I became Rose Smith. A judicious young woman who grew up in a

ld be numb and then venture out a bit. I wanted to give myself time to explore outside of my comfort

s on my to-do an

etty young woman who spoke perfect Italian. She stowed her carry-on luggage in the compartment above my h

your first trip to Italy?

rude, so I answere

y first time

th family? Those are the only two way

uld say I'm goi

sation about Rome, the most emblematic places to vis

the country are served there; do not hesitate to go there for dinner after the typical day of cultural visits in the capital. The onl

s; I'll keep it in mi

ecommend at least a week to enj

be visiting the area," I

experience, Rome is your place, so if you like to go and enjoy a nice

lay before me. Her enthusiasm was very contagious, so much so that I dared to talk to her most of th

it was a break

able, and by the time we landed, not only had we exchanged numb

r a moment," I said. "Wait

e cab driver to pick us up;

ere near the airport exit. I was so distracted that I b

up, but I didn't understand what he said, so I deni

skin and blue eyes that looked like striking sapphires. His angular features were impressive, but the fact that he was dressed in a tailored suit made him look

e. Thank you

ed to know that I s

slightly huskier tone of voice

what did y

lied with a raised eyebrow. "It's easy

odd

es

I clenched my hands in reflex anxiety, and he h

very be

simply found myself paralyzed, so when I was about to tell him s

l thinking about the situation, and smiled like a fool because tha

le," I said to myself,

s fine and that I would let her know soon about Grandpa.

ed me put my things in

e a hotel r

t the H

ng, and I smiled. "This is my good friend Paolo. He does

I greeted the man with a smile. "

er to show y

rsonality of its own that made it a paradise for my novels. It was such a stimulus that I couldn't help but make notes of th

sorry to

t Chiara without u

do w

nap

I tried to run away from the car, but my hands didn't help. I felt my body was unresponsive. A numbne

w my naivety had got