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"He firmly believes that she appeared to him in some kind of daydream."
"But everybody has those. He could have just made it up himself."
"That's just it. In all those years, he never managed to do just that. He had the memories, but it was never possible for him to lose himself in daydreams."
I snorted. I didn't believe in phenomena like this – however, it was interesting how his subconscious worked against his consciousness and wanted to assure him that it was okay to start a new phase of his life.
"I never cared about getting close to him. I wanted to see him not scowling quite so much. To help him be a little happier. But not to become a replacement for his dead wife."
"He's not looking for that either, don't worry."
"I don't think he's looking for anything."
"I do. He just won't admit it."
I raised an eyebrow and looked questioningly at Fiero.
He laughed. Amused. "It's absolutely true. He didn't have to marry you. I'm sure there could have been another solution if he'd thought about it. But I think it was the only way for him to leave his hermit existence behind. It was easy. He could put forward other reasons. He could continue to pretend it was terrible. Quite possibly, it wasn't his intention to do anything with you. But that's exactly what he did. And now Vincenzo is too much of a coward to go through with it properly." Shocked, Fiero looked at me. "Just don't tell him I said that."
"Why? Would he ripping your head off?"
"Worse," he replied with a laugh but didn't elaborate.
That was not even necessary because, he had already given me enough to think about.
The trip did not take us to Naples as usual but to Miseno, a town at the end of the Phlegraean Peninsula right on the Gulf of Naples. We passed by a lake. But even more impressive was the sea, visible from every road. The rocky landscape was the perfect place for the modern villa that blended into the stones not a hundred yards from the sea surrounded by hills and crater lakes.
Numerous cars were parked in front of the enormous garages, including my father's.
Fiero parked his car a little apart so he could drive off anytime without any problems.
He pointed in the direction of the villa, which was impressively illuminated from various sides, making a particularly luxurious impression in the gathering twilight.
"Welcome to Villa de Archard. Not quite as impressive as what Emilio has to offer, but clearly better than what Vincenzo calls home. You shouldn't let him know that by the way."
Grinning, Fiero got out, came around the car, and then held out his hand to help me get out. I was glad that I could cling to this clutch but quite positively surprised when Fiero hooked my arm through his and led me to the staircase.
"We repurposed the patio for the party. My sisters weren't quite so thrilled about their nightly movie marathon falling through, but I guess a load of candy will appease them."
"You have sisters?"
"Just sisters, yes. All younger and all terribly annoying."
"Are they not attending the party?"
"I hope not. The oldest is fourteen. I wasn't going to fish her out of the fruit punch. Whereas, wait. Actually, that's not quite true. The oldest of my sisters is already of age but has decided to study abroad, leaving me alone with the tormentors, fourteen and younger."
"And your parents?"
"Are busy with their business. There is a nanny, but I gave her the day off. Her interest in Natale is starting to take over."
Interesting. So quickly, I was in the middle of the action – although I had not even entered the party, and Fiero had spilled much gossip.
"I'm excited to see how the evening will go."
"Me too, believe me," I muttered.
* * *
