Cassandra Reid

Some guests chatter around me, others eat or drink while children run around the garden... except Ella, the girl remains by my side contemplating the stage just like me.

"Are you comfortable, darling?", I inquire letting see a brotherly smile.

I am tense, nervous and I fear that at any moment the bubble will burst in my face. My parents smile along with my now husband's as if they were hosts of the party. It is impossible for me to see them here, satisfied, without recriminations towards me... Then I remember Adriano's words. He accomplished this. Also, Gibson and Juliette Reid find themselves in their natural habitat, surrounded by Italy's elite society.

I return my attention to the little girl, who nods in response, moving her little feet dangling from the chair.

'Why doesn't she hang out with the rest of the kids?'

"Don't you wanna play?", I ask again.

She turns her head to look at me with those pretty eyes alight with excitement. "Do I look for the Wii to show you?"