Who do you think you are?
730 Words
Caterina led the three girls down the wide, marble hallway, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor.
“This is your room, Elena,” she said, pushing open a tall door.
The room was breathtaking — soft cream walls, a large canopy bed with silk sheets, a crystal chandelier, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the estate gardens. Elena stood in the doorway, eyes wide.
“It’s… beautiful,” she murmured.
Caterina smiled and turned to Lucia.
“Come, Lucia. I’ll show you to your own room just down the—”
“Don’t worry,” Lucia interrupted gently. “I’ll stay here with Elena.”
Elena glanced at her and smiled.
“Yeah, I have no problem sharing.”
Valentina, who had been walking behind them, let out a loud, irritated huff and stormed off down the corridor without a word.
Caterina hesitated for a second, then nodded.
“All right. If that’s what you want. I’ll have extra things brought in for both of you.”
As Caterina turned to leave, Elena looked at Elisa, who was still standing quietly in the hallway.
“Elisa… why are you wearing a maid’s outfit?” Elena asked softly.
Caterina spun back around quickly.
“Oh, she was just learning something with the cook earlier,” she said with a light laugh. “Nothing serious.”
Lucia stared at her, unconvinced.
“Is that enough reason to wear a full maid’s outfit?”
Elisa stepped forward before Caterina could answer.
“It’s okay,” she said quietly, forcing a small smile.
Caterina cleared her throat.
“I’ll be back shortly,” she said, and hurried away down the hall.
The moment her footsteps faded, Elisa quickly shut the bedroom door behind them. She looked at Lucia with wide, curious eyes.
“You’re really Valentina’s twin?” she asked. “You guys look nothing alike.”
Lucia smiled and walked closer to her.
“Yeah, we don’t. And honestly, I don’t even want to look like her.”
Elisa let out a soft laugh and pulled Lucia into a warm hug.
“You’re both welcome home,” she whispered.
Lucia hugged her back tightly.
“Thank you.”
When they pulled apart, Lucia studied Elisa’s face carefully.
“Why are you wearing a maid’s outfit? I think Mom left just to dodge the question, so be sincere with me. You and Valentina do not get along, do you?”
Elisa smiled sadly and looked down.
“Yeah… we don’t.”
Elena stepped closer, voice gentle but concerned.
“Are they maltreating you?”
Elisa stayed quiet for a long moment, her fingers twisting together.
Suddenly a sharp voice echoed from down the hallway.
“Elisa! Elisa!!”
Valentina’s angry shout rang through the house.
“Come here, you stupid girl!”
Elisa jolted at the sound and turned toward the door.
“I have to go right now before she loses it.”
Lucia grabbed her arm gently, stopping her.
“Aren’t we all the same age? Where does she get off bossing you around like that?”
Elena nodded firmly.
“Let’s go together.”
Lucia agreed. The three of them walked side by side down the corridor until they reached Valentina’s room. Clothes were scattered all over the floor. Valentina stood in the middle of the mess, face red with rage.
The moment she saw Elisa, she lunged forward to grab her.
Lucia and Elena instinctively stepped in front, blocking her path.
Valentina stopped short, glaring at them.
“What the hell are you two doing?”
Elena spoke up calmly.
“Why did you call her?”
Valentina snatched a dress from the floor and threw it at their feet.
“She burnt my dinner dress!” she snapped.
Lucia bent down, picked up the dress, and examined it.
“It’s just a little burn,” she said. “Something that won’t even be noticed.”
Valentina tried to shove past them to grab Elisa again, but Lucia stepped forward and firmly pushed her back.
“I can tell you’ve been maltreating her,” Lucia said, voice steady and cold. “There’s no room to hide that. It’s funny how you didn’t even bother to pretend, knowing fully well we just arrived.”
Valentina’s eyes widened in fury.
“Who the f**k do you think you are?” she spat.
- Writer
