THE BLIND BILLIONAIRRE

MAKING A DESICION

Lisa's POV

I wondered what it could be. Maria mentioned something about hiring and then firing nurses. I just hope they know I'm not qualified to be a nurse. I'm lost in my thoughts that I forgot everything around me.

As I step into the main entrance of the hospital, I realized how lost I was in my thoughts.

I looked at my watch and discovered that there is still time for me to visit Lilani.

A nurse greets me, “Buongiorno (Good Morning), Signorina,” I just nod, wave, and go to my sister.

I entered the room and feel happy at the sight in front of me.

I walked closer to Lilani, “I'm so glad to see you're awake.” I said and kissed her on the head.

A faint smile appeared on Lilani's lips.

She hugs me and replied, “There was a doctor here with me. He said they need to heal my brain, but I told him I don't want to be here. I want to be with you. “

“I know Lily, I also want you to be with me, but first we have to get you better so that you don't get headaches anymore,” I said.

“Promise me that as soon as I'm stronger, that I can leave with you,” Lilani asked me.

“I promise, as soon as you are better you can come home with me, I will buy you a big ice cream. How does that sound?”

Lilani pretended to think for a while then smiled, “Yippee, I will do everything the doctor orders me to do, but I want a pink ice cream with lots and lots of sprinkles,” Lilani said.

“So let's get you healthy again. I miss your chatter and bossiness".

I sat down on the chair and told Lilani about me meeting two sweet old people.

“When I leave the ward, I'm going to contact grandpa to let him know.”

I noticed Lilani closing her eyes. She must be in a lot of pain. Just then a nurse enters the room and gives Lilani an injection that helped her fall asleep.

I stand up, kiss my sister on the head, then leave the hospital.

Masons POV

“Dov'è quel Mio nipote?” (Where is that grandson of mine?) My wife asked as soon as we enter his home.

“Nel suo studio la signora Mancini.” (In his office, Mrs. Mancini.) The old housekeeper replied.

Maria takes my hand and drags me with her to Alessandro.

“A chi importa....” (Who dares....) I heard his voice but stopped when he heard, “Non darmi quel tono giovanotto”! (Don't give me that tone, young man) Maria said to him in a stern voice.

“Sono venuto qui per parlarti, non graffiarlo, per farti fare quello che sto per dire”. (I came here to talk to you, no scratch that makes you do what I'm about to say.)

Alessandro nods his head and his bodyguard, Antonio, leaves.

“Cosa posso fare per te nonna”? (What can I do for your grandma?) He asks her, afraid. Oh boy, I would be afraid as well.

“Sono qui per dirtelo, ti stai per sposare.” (I'm here to tell you, you are getting married.) Maria said shocking both me and my grandson.

“Nonna ti ho detto che non mi sposo. Tutte le donne sono cercatrici d'oro” (Grandma, I told you I'm not getting married. All women are gold diggers.) Alessandro told Maria with an irritated voice.

“Non mi interessa cosa pensi ora stai zitto e ascoltami” (I don't care what you think now shut up and listen to me). She continued.

“Ho incontrato una ragazza la cui sorellina è nei guai. Li aiuterò in cambio del vostro matrimonio” (I have met a young girl whose little sister is in trouble. I'm going to help them in exchange for you two to get married.) Maria said she surprise me each day.

I didn't see this one coming.

“Perché non possiamo semplicemente aiutarli senza il matrimonio” (Why can't we just help them without marriage?) Alessandro asked Maria.

“I would also love to know that.” I thought.

“Perché in questo modo possiamo proteggerti da come li chiami cercatori d'oro. Redigeremo un contratto in cui si afferma che dopo due anni puoi divorziare” (Because, that way we can protect you from as you call them gold diggers. We will draw a contract stating that after two years you can divorce, ).

Alessandro puts his head in his hand and after a while he said. “Com'è lei” (What does she look like?)

“È piccola, almeno 5,6 se posso indovinare, magra con lunghi capelli castano scuro, ricci e color cioccolato quasi fondente, e ha gli occhi verde smeraldo.” (She's small, at least 5.6 if I can guess, slim with brown long hair, curly and almost a dark chocolate color, and she's got emerald green eyes.) Maria described the young lady closing her eyes as if she's recalling her image.

“Beh, ammetto che non suona male, ma come posso sposare qualcuno che non ho mai incontrato prima” (Well, I admit she doesn't sound bad but how can I marry someone I have never met before?) Alessandro asked.

“Facile, vieni con noi più tardi e discuteremo di tutto con Lisa” (Easy come with us later, and we will discuss everything with Lisa.) Maria said with a grin.

“Bene, fammi sapere a che ora e sarò lì per incontrare questa donna meravigliosa che vuoi che sposi.” (Fine, let me know what time and I will be there to meet this wonderful woman you want me to marry.) Alessandro finally agreed.

“Bravo ragazzo, so di aver preso la decisione giusta, sai che non puoi mai dire di no alla tua vecchia nonna”. (Good boy, I know I made the right decision you know you can never say no to your old grandma.) Maria laughs.

“Ci vediamo dopo nonna.” (See you later grandma.) Alessandro dismissed us.

“Andiamo da Leonardo e digli di prepararci un contratto” (Let's go to Leonardo and tell him to get a contract ready for us.) Maria said once we are out of the office.

“Sei una donna furba, te ne rendi conto?” (You are one sly woman you realize that?) I asked shaking my head.

“Qualcuno deve iniziare a interferire con quel nostro ostinato nipote. Altrimenti non vivrò mai abbastanza per vederlo sposato” (Someone must start to interfere with that stubborn grandchild of ours. Otherwise, I will never live to see him married.).

We walked over to Leonardo and Maria starts discussing the contract.

“Non preoccuparti nonna, avrò finito per l'ora di pranzo”. (Don't worry grandma, I will be finished by lunchtime) Leonardo told her.

“Grazie figliolo”. (Thank you son) and with that Maria stands up and leaves.

After lunch, Maria calls Alessandro. “Di 'a Piero di preparare la macchina”. (Tell Piero to get the car ready.) I asked Antonio.

Lisa's POV

I was getting ready to visit my sister when there's a knock on the door. I open the door and am very surprised to see the Mancini's here.

Mason greeted me first. “Hello, my dear. We came to discuss something with you.” I noticed a very gorgeous man standing next to Maria and realize it must be the grandson.

“Welcome, please come inside.” I invited them.

I stare at the handsome guy in front of me. He is the most attractive man I have ever seen. Tall, tanned, and black hair. I can't see the color of his eyes because of the dark glasses he's wearing.

“Can I get you anything to drink?” I offered.

“O, that's alright, my dear. We showed up to introduce you to our grandson.” Maria said deciding the offer.

“Alessandro, this young lady here is Lisa Saunders, and Lisa, this is my grandson, Alessandro Mancini.” Mason introduced us.

“Pleased to meet you, Mr. Mancini.” I acknowledge the introduction. He just nodded.

Rude man! I thought.

I looked at Maria, “We are here to discuss the proposal with you.” I frowned then asked, “Well, please tell me what this proposition of yours is?”

“Dear, after we talked in the park this morning, I thought about your problem and came up with a solution that would benefit both you and my grandson. I'm willing to pay the costs of your sister's surgery and also take care of her for the rest of her life if you marry Alessandro and stand by him. “

I stare at the old woman in shock I can't believe what I'm hearing, then I heard, “I get that there is no love between the two of you and that you do not know each other. I suppose it won't matter because you will have plenty of time to do that. Think about this, then I will send Antonio tonight to pick you up at the hospital after visiting hour so that you can come and see me. I just hope you realize your sister's life depends on this operation.” Maria continued.

I must be pale by now. I can only look at the people in front of me.

“Don't tell me your decision now, please consider,” Maria said after a while.

I nodded, then stand up with them. “I wish I will meet you tonight, my dear,” Maria adds as she hugs me.

I guess I just lost my voice. “I will.” It was all I could answer.

The Mancini's left and leaves me alone in my hotel room. “Are they CRAZY? Do they assume I'm out of my f*****g MIND?” I screamed upset ...

But no one can hear me. I needed to consider this offer. Lilani's life depends on my decision. I don't see myself marrying someone just for money.

Yes, he's f*****g hot, but he seemed far too rude for my liking. I always hoped to marry a man who loves and treats me with respect, the love my parents had for twenty-seven years. Dammit! Maybe I must ask Lilani how she will feel about living here.

I got ready to visit Lilani. I choose skinny denim, a black off-the-shoulder blouse, and Adidas sneakers. I let my hair fall so that it rolls off my shoulders and choose to just put on mascara and lip gloss. After this, I glance at myself in the mirror and leave.

Lilani is lying with her eyes closed, and I noticed she has pain again when I appeared in the room. It breaks my heart to Lilani suffer like this.

I don't care if I give my happiness or freedom up, but I'm doing this for her. I placed a kiss on Lilani's head, and she opens her eyes. “I can see you're in pain."

“Don't worry one of these days you will be alright. I found someone willing to help you.” Lilani looked at me, confused.

“How would you like to settle here in this beautiful country forever, Lilani?” I asked carefully.

“As long as I'm with you, I don't care where we live, Lisa,” Comes Lilani's reply.

“There's one more thing, I have to marry to save you.”

“Does that mean that they are going to take you away from me, Lisa?” She asked in a shaky voice.

“Oh, no Lily, you will stay with me and him, and you get to go to school here,” I reassured her.

“Alright,” Lilani said with a small smile.

She begged me to tell her more about the friendly people and what I have been up to when I can't be with her. I informed her about everything I have done in Rome, about Alessandro and his grandparents.

I looked at her and noticed that she is sleeping. I kiss her on the head and then leave the room. When I walked out, doctor Rossi appeared in the doorway.

He greeted me and said, “Do you have a minute, Signorina. I would like to discuss your sister's condition with you.” I nodded and show him to continue.

“Have you already decided when the operation can be performed, Signorina Saunders?” Dr. Rossi asked me. “We can no longer keep her alive without it.”

“I hope I will be able to give you a final answer tonight, Doctor,” I promise.

“I will see you tonight then.” The doctor said and leave.

I chose to walk to the hotel to clear my head. Once I reached the hotel I decided to go to my room and get some information about the Mancini's.

Opening the browser, I search Mancini and soon there are pictures of them.

“Alessandro Mason Mancini, Italy's most handsome bachelor. It's claimed that the heartbreaker was left a few days before he was about to get married to the famous Bianca Lombardi. Mancini was in an accident that left him blind and that Bianca couldn't deal with the news and broke the engagement. How and where the accident happened, we don't know? Rumors have it that Mancini is associated with the mafia. After his fiancé left him, he became even more ruthless and arrogant. A source close to the family says that he doesn't allow anyone to visit him.”

I read further and find out that he has a younger brother who's wed to Sophia and his grandparents.

His parents died in a plane crash when he was in his last year in college. I decided to lay down for a bit before I have to go to the Mancini's.

There's a knock on the door, and I quickly get up. Opening the door, I saw Mr. Mancini's bodyguard standing in front of it.

“I'm not ready yet. What should I wear?” I asked.

“The Mancini's are very focused on etiquette, Signorina. I would advise you to dress formally in the evening. I will wait for you at the entrance.”

“I will get dressed as soon as possible, Mr.?” I glance at the middle-aged man.

“Bianchi” I smiled, “Mr. Bianchi,” I told him.

I choose a simple black evening gown, gold-colored high heel sandals, and earrings that go with it. I take my perfume and put some on then do light makeup. I pick up a scarf and set it around my shoulders, looking at myself in the mirror.

I locked the door and went to a waiting Antonio.

“I'm nervous as hell. Dammit, do I look alright?” Just as I was about to answer myself, Mr. Bianchi notice me immediately when I stepped towards him. He walked towards me, makes an elegant bow, and accompanied me to the black Mercedes-Benz EQ standing in front of the hotel.

Mr. Mancini's chauffeur is waiting at the car and opens the door for me. Mr. Bianchi climbs next to the driver, then we drive towards the Mancini's residence on Via Appia Antica.

For the first time since I thought about Maria's proposal, I feel nervous. Will I fit in with them? I'm just an ordinary girl. What if I embarrass them? I was still wondering about this when we turned into a large gate with a long driveway and stop in front of a three-story mansion.

Mr. Bianchi gets out of the car and opens the door for me. After this, he accompanies me to a private lounge, where only special guests are allowed and where the Mancini's is already waiting for my arrival.

I'm tense that I don't even notice the beautiful furniture and interior. I was just about to request Mr. Bianchi to take me back to the hotel when he paused in front of a closed door and knocks.

At Mr. Mancini's invitation, Mr. Bianchi pushed it open and leads me inside. I enter, then inhale and stop.

This morning it occurred to me that Alessandro is a very handsome man, but there where he stands in front of the small dining table, dressed in a dark suit, he looked attractive.

Alessandro says something in Italian to Mr. Bianchi, and then he leaves the room. “Good evening, my dear. Please come and stand here with us.” Mrs. Mancini invites me.

I walked over to the old lady and greet her friendly. “Can I get you some wine?” Mr. Mancini asks me.

“Yes, thank you.” I smiled at him.

“Sit down, dinner will be served any minute now.”

I take a seat opposite Alessandro and become nervous. After some time, servants arrived with the supper.

“How rich are these people?” I thought after the helpers gave us our meal.

Dinner went by when I hear Mrs. Mancini say, “Maria, the food was delicious. Will you please take the dishes, then let us be?” She asked one of the servants.

“Well, Miss Saunders. I hope you came with good news?” Mrs. Mancini asked after everyone else disappears.

“I decided, yes. I need to give the doctors an answer tonight.” I respond.

I notice Alessandro tensed up after those words escaped my mouth.

“I... I... Yes, I accept your proposal.” I finally said.

“Wonderful, I will do the arrangements for the wedding.” Mrs. Mancini said with a smile.

“I'll have Professor Dorigo picked up by plane in the morning.” Mr. Mancini tells me.

“Alessandro, after tomorrow you will be married, my dear child.” Mrs. Mancini says to Alessandro, holding his hand.

“Lisa, dear, you will serve as his eyes, his protector. You don't have to worry about taking care of him with a shower or dressing. He only got one man he trusts in that department, and that's his trusted bodyguard, Antonio.” Mrs. Mancini assured me.

“Alessandro will see that Lisa and her sister are well taken care of.” She continued talking.

“Piero, my driver will take you to a famous fashion house tomorrow morning that you can go buy your wedding gown. I will phone the fashion company and inform them because your wedding dress should be the best. You must also give me the size of your finger. I must make certain that the family ring fits you“. I heard Alessandro talk for the first time.

I get my promise ring from my finger and say, “I hope you don't have a big wedding in mind because I cannot speak a word Italian and I feel that such a thing would be inappropriate while my sister is in this condition, I'm not certain, so just have my promise ring.” I informed him.

Alessandro holds his hand out to me, and I placed the ring on it. He feels it between his fingers, tries to stick it to his finger, but it did not even go as far as the first lit.

“You have thin fingers, Lisa,” I heard him say in surprise.

“Grandpa said your head reaches my shoulders. Anyway, don't worry about the marriage. We are getting married here in the garden of my mansion, and the only guests will be members of my family who live close enough, to be on time for the wedding. After our marriage, I will arrange for someone to give you private lessons in Italian.” Alessandro said.

I felt relieved. I thought there's going to be a big wedding. I watch and see Maria smile at me and Alessandro's interaction.

“Lisa dear, I forgot to give the contract to you,” Maria said and passed me the contract.

I take the contract and glance through it before asking, “Will the wedding be in the morning or the afternoon?” I asked as I glanced at Alessandro curiously. His kindness doesn't go unnoticed, but he doesn't fool me at all.

That hard-line around his mouth shows clearly that he is the kind of man who will keep his wife under his thumb, lay down the laws, and talk only once. Fortunately, their marriage will only be in the name, until he decides otherwise — of course, a divorce.

“The wedding will take place tomorrow evening, and Piero will get you to the fashion house in the morning,” Maria said.

I nod and requested a pen after signing and handing over the contract to Maria, she suggested we end the “partnership,” with a glass of champagne.

After the second one, I announced that it's time for me to leave if I still want to visit my sister.

“Alright, dear. I will see you tomorrow. I'm coming with you to pick a gown.” Maria happily announced to me.

“Antonio, ask Piero to take, Miss Saunders to the hospital.”

I hear Alessandro say.

“Thank you, Mr. Mancini, but I can hail a taxi.” I declined politely.

“Please call me Alessandro, after all, we will be husband and wife from tomorrow night. And as for the taxi, Piero can drop you at the hospital.” Alessandro explained.

“Alright then thank you.” I smiled and turned to follow Antonio after greeting the two old people.

I walk into Lilani's room, only to find her sleeping.

“Hey, Lily. I'm sorry I wasn't here early. I got some news to tell you, but I will do that tomorrow when I visit you. Love you.” I said sadly, then kissed her and head back to the hotel.

Piero and Maria stopped in front of the hotel just after breakfast.

“Lisa, my dear, you look gorgeous.” Maria greeted me.

I glanced down at my simple trouser suit and gold-colored sandals. “Thank you, Mrs. Mancini.” I smiled.

“Nonsense, call me grandma please.” She smiles at me warmly.

To my surprise, I heard that not only are they to be providing me with a wedding dress, but clothes for the summer and that everything has to be delivered to Alessandro's house this afternoon. I have never in my life owned such expensive and so many dresses for one season. Three hours later and we are done.

I asked grandma if Piero can drop me off at the hospital.

“I will be ready by saying one then Piero can pick me up by the hotel?” I asked grandma.

“Of course, dear. I will wait for you.” Grandma replied.

Fortunately, Lilani is still awake when I made my appearance, and she's happy to see me.

“I was wondering if you forgot about me,” she greeted me.

I kissed her on her head and apologized. “I'm sorry I'm late. I went to look at a wedding gown.”

“Are you going to marry my prince now, Lisa?”

I just smile at my sister. “Yes, I accepted the proposal Lilani, he's getting another doctor to help with your surgery. We are getting married this evening at his mansion in the garden. He sent his driver to take me to the fashion house to look at my wedding dress and also clothes for the rest of the summer. I think the bill is going to cost Alessandro a fortune.”

I told her about everything that happened in the morning.

”So that must be the strange uncle who was here this morning, “Lilani tells me.

”He said he wants me to take some tests tomorrow. I don't know what test I should do because I can't read Lisa”. Lilani said confused.

I burst out laughing at her and then explain what the doctor meant, ” I will be happy once the surgery is behind us, and you are healthy again”, I said smiling.

”Neither can I, then I can go to school again and play with friends outside. Will uncle Ali also let me stay with him, Lisa?” Lilani asked sleepily.

“Of course Lil, you're going to live with Alessandro and me,” I reassured her.

Lilani closes her eyes, and after a while, she sleeps. I kissed her and went back to the hotel to pack.