THE BLIND BILLIONAIRRE

LILANI WAKES UP

Lisa's POV

It's been three days since the operation. Everything has been going well with Lilani. The biopsy came back negative to what I'm thankful for. The guy responsible for the attack has received a life sentence after more women came forward.

Sophia told Gabriele that they are expecting, Gabriele was over the moon when he heard the news and now Sophia's not allowed to do anything. They are leaving one of these days, then it's just me, Alessandro, and his grandparents. He has been distant lately and ruder towards me.

I can't wait to go to the hospital, I got up early to shower and dress. As I walk down I notice Alessandro standing at the bottom of the stairs. I can't help but admire my handsome husband, even in a black shirt and blue jeans he looks hot. I have never seen him in something other than his suites. When I reach the bottom I greet Alessandro. “I'm going with you to see your sister” Alessandro simply says. I take him by the arm and lead him to the waiting car. “I know you're a busy man, you don't always have to go with me,” I say after a while.

“I know, but I can stand some time off to accompany you to your sister, I know today is the day they will wake her up,” Alessandro says. I decide to keep quiet because I know there's no point in arguing with this man. Once we reach the hospital I lead Alessandro to my sister's room. When we went inside Dr. Dorigo was already there. “Good morning Mr. and Mrs. Mancini, you are just in time, we are about to wake the little one. You can wait outside or if you prefer to stay here it's up to you”. The Doctor says kindly. “We will stay”, comes the answer from Alessandro. I keep quiet and watch the doctor go to work. After the doctor is finished he turns around and says, “It will take up to twelve hours, depending on the patient to fully wake up, So far everything seems normal. We will call you as soon as your sister is fully awake”,

“Thank you, Doctor, I would appreciate it”, I happily say. The doctor writes something down then greets the two of us and leaves. “I can't wait to hear her talk again, I miss her so much thank you, Alessandro, without you and your grandparents my sister wouldn't be alive”, I tell him grateful that they gave Lilani a chance. “You don't have to thank me, Lisa, it was all my grandma's doing.” Comes Alessandro's answer. I say nothing and softly stroke my sister's hand. “Hi Lilly, by this time tomorrow you will be awake again, I can't believe you are going to be alright, it still feels like a dream. I will see you as soon as you're awake. Remember I love you”, I softly say. After I kiss her Alessandro and I leave the hospital. In the car, I hear Alessandro say, “ We are going to the store to buy things for your sister's room and clothes for when she comes home.”

I look up at him, “Thank you”, was all I could say at that moment. We spent the next four hours shopping for Lilani. It was a struggle at first because Alessandro can't see, and I have to describe everything, I must admit he has good taste even though he is blind. Once we arrive home Alessandro asks Antonio to take everything to the room where Lilani will sleep. He then excuses himself and went to his office. I decide to cook a traditional South-African dinner. With that thought, I went to the kitchen to inform the chef.

I decided to cook “Vetkoek” and mince and for dessert a malva pudding.

Alessandro was quiet during dinner. Sophia and I talked about her pregnancy and later Gabriele joins in. “This was very delicious Lisa, you are a great cook”, Gabriele compliments. “Thank you”, I reply. I got up to take the dishes and say, “ I made some dessert I will bring it now.” I went to the kitchen and sit the dishes in the sink then I start serving the dessert and take it to the table. Everyone enjoys the dessert as they make sounds every time they take a bite. “Wow, that was delicious, what do you call the dinner we had, Lisa?” Grandma asks. “O, it's called “vetkoek” and mince”, I tell her. “That reminds me of our traditional bread “Gnocco fritto”, Gabriele says after finishing his desert. Alessandro asks, “Can I please have some more?” I quickly went to get him a second serving. When I place it in front of him, “I have to admit this is the best dessert I had in ages, thank you, Lisa”. Alessandro says. We all talked for a while. After dinner Antonio escorted Alessandro to his room while I went and do the dishes, “Lisa honey, you know you don't have to do the dishes every time.” Grandma says as she came to stand next to me. “It's alright grandma, I like doing the dishes.” I smile at her. “Alright, my dear. Here let me help you.” The two of us quickly clean the kitchen. “Thank you, grandma, I'm going to take a shower and get ready for bed,” I tell grandma. “Okay my dear, I think I'm going to call it a night as well,” Grandma says and we both leave the kitchen. I feel my body relax as the water hits my body. I think of Alessandro's weird behavior, one minute he is friendly than the next like a ticking time bomb. I wish this was a normal marriage, where he would hold my hand and tell me how much he loves me, where he would take me out for dinner, or order pizza, and we lay in each other's arms, but sadly it's not. He will never love me, he only loves one woman. I must stop hoping for something more and concentrate on Lilani. After the shower, I put on a short and a t-shirt. I then decide to watch a movie as it is still early. Just as I'm about to decide what to watch there's a knock on my door, with a soft come in Antonio opens the door. “ Mrs. Mancini, the hospital called, your sister is awake, Mr. Mancini says you must get ready. I will wait at the car”. Antonio tells me. “Thank you, Antonio I will quickly change”. I happily say. After Antonio left I quickly change, I put on my skinny jeans and a check shirt with my blue sandals and quickly went down to the car, once inside I was shocked to see Alessandro there. “You didn't think I was going to send you alone did you”? He suddenly asks with amusement. I'm certain this man is bipolar. “How did you know I was shocked”? I asked surprised. “I don't usually go with you, and the fact that I went to my room after dinner you surely thought I was asleep”, Alessandro simply answer. “ Yes, um thank you”, I reply.

At the hospital, we quickly went to my sister's room. When we went in I saw her lying awake and taking Alessandro with me to the bed. “ Hi Lil, how are you feeling?” I immediately want to know. A soft, weak chuckle escape from Lilani as she says, “I am feeling great Lis, I missed you”. Then she looks at Alessandro and talks again, “Hi, Ali thank you for saving my life”.

“It's a pleasure Principessa, I am glad that you are doing better”, Alessandro simply reply. “What is a princi... whatever you just called me?”

“It means princess, little one” Alessandro chuckles. “ Your room is almost ready by the time you come home everything will be in place”, I tell my sister. We talk for a while then say goodbye to Lilani telling her we will check in with her tomorrow. Lilani nods then close her eyes again. I take Alessandro's hand and the two of us walk out of the room. “Thank you for coming with me. I appreciate it”. I say to him. Alessandro just squeeze my hand softly. The drive home is quiet and when we stop at the mansion I offer to take Alessandro to his room. Alessandro nods and I help him inside walking up the stairs. Once we reach his room I place a kiss on his cheek, “Good night”. Alessandro gives me a small smile, “Good night, Lisa.” Then he went inside his room. I decide to go to my room and hopefully fall asleep.

The next five days were really busy, we finished Lilani's bedroom and put her clothes in her wardrobe. Today Lilani comes home. I can't wait to get my sister to the hospital. Alessandro was here the whole time making sure everyone followed his demands. After breakfast, the two of us set out to get Lilani. We make our way to her room and walk-in. Lilani was already sitting up straight waiting for them. We greet each other and I help Lilani get dressed. As soon as we are finished the Dr came in. “Good morning Mr. and Mrs.. Mancini, I see my patient are ready to leave”, He said smiling. “ Yes, I am a ready doctor”, Lilani replied with a huge smile on her face. “ Just sign the discharge forms, here's the schedule for her treatment, and her next appointment with me. Remember not to wash her hair like usual, take baby shampoo and be gentle, here are the list of the dos and don't's. You take care now little one and behave”, The doctor tells us. We thank the doctor and leave the room with Lilani in a wheelchair. Once everything was settled at the hospital they walk to the waiting car. Alessandro helps Lilani into the car then asks Piero to take the wheelchair. Lilani lay with her head on my lap and immediately falls asleep. As we get closer I wake Lilani. “We are almost there, Lil.” Linani wakes up rubbing her eyes and sits up and looks around. Lilani's eyes get huge when we ride through the gates. “Wow, this is a palace Lisa, O, look at the fountain and flowers. There must be live fairies here”. Lilani says with administration. Piero opens the door for us and Alessandro gets out first followed by Lilani and me. I take both of them by the hand and walk to the house.

Inside Sophia, Gabriele, grandma, and grandpa are already waiting for Lilani. I sent them a text to let them know we are already here. When Lilani notices everyone in the living room she immediately hides behind her me. ” Lilani, I would like to introduce you to my sister-in-law Sophia and brother-in-law Gabriele as well as grandma and grandpa.” I say as I bent down

to Lilani. Lilani takes a peek at the people then came out from behind me. “ Your name sounds like princes Sophia I always watch, hey “tannie” (auntie), hey uncle”, Lilani greets them. Alessandro introduce Lilani to everyone, “Let's get you to bed. We can celebrate your homecoming after you have rest”. Lilani slowly nods and takes my hand. Gabriele went to Alessandro's side and help him and then everyone follows Lilani and me to her room, Lilani's room is big, it's painted pink with princesses on the wall, she has a double house bunk bed that looks like a real dollhouse with pink and purple duvet covers, her very own mirror and a study table. She even has her flat-screen TV, a big chest with lots of toys, and a huge wardrobe with clothes. Lilani turns around walks to Alessandro and hugs him around his legs, “Thank you, Ali this is the prettiest room I ever had, are you sure your not n prince?” Lilani says with excitement. Alessandro laughs and says. “It's a pleasure, I am glad you like it, and no I am not a prince, little one”. While we are busy in Lilani's room, Antonio came and informs us that the nurse has arrived. Alessandro ask Sophia to keep an eye on Lilani then he and I went to the nurse.

I take Alessandro to his seat and stand next to him. Alessandro starts to talk in a cold, hard tone, “ You are here to take care of my little sister, she is five years old and just had brain surgery. Here is the list of do's and don't's. I expect you to follow every instruction on that paper. On the days when she has chemo, her sister will take her, I do not tolerate people who show up late for work, you are going to live in seeing that you need to take care of Lilani, so there will be no excuses. Is there anything you like to ask?”

“No, Mr. Mancini, you and your sister don't have to worry, I will take good care of your sibling”. The nurse says smiling sweetly at Alessandro. “Lisa is not my sister she is my wife” Alessandro sets her straight with a deep frown. “You will listen to Mrs. Mancini, you will report to her, now that this is settled, you know we are the Mancini's, please tell us your name?”

“Yes, Mr. Mancini, I understand. My name is Viola Lastra” The nurse says sounding shocked that he's married.

After this Alessandro dismisses us. I walk with Viola to her room where the staff stays. “Dinner is served at 19:00 hours, please let the chef know when you're not going to have dinner with us. I will introduce my sister to you after she wakes up.” I inform her. With that, I went to my room.