Chapter 1: Opening Image
The sun peeked over the horizon, painting the Milan skyline with hues of pink and orange, as Daniela hurried down the cobblestone streets. The morning air was crisp, carrying with it the scent of freshly baked bread and the faint hum of the city waking up. Her bag was slung over her shoulder, filled with her textbooks from the day before, and her hair was pulled back into a neat ponytail, a few loose strands framing her face. Her mind was already racing with the thought of the long day ahead—classes, studying, and then her evening shift.
But she couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement as she approached the grand iron gates of Villa Alessandra. The house was a sight to behold, even from the outside, with its towering columns and immaculate gardens. Daniela pulled out her phone to dial the code for the gate, her fingers dancing over the screen.
"Buongiorno, Signorina," the intercom crackled to life, the voice belonging to Signor Roberto, the butler who had been with Dott.ssa Alexandra for as long as Daniela could remember. "Daniela, è lei?"
"Sì, Signor Roberto.
È Daniela," she replied, her voice warm and cheerful. The gates began to creak open, revealing the long, winding driveway that led up to the mansion.
Daniela stepped inside, her footsteps echoing on the marble floor of the grand entrance hall. The house was eerily quiet, unlike the usual bustle she was used to. She hung her jacket on the coat rack, placing her bag beneath it, and began her morning routine.
The first stop was always the kitchen, where she would make herself a quick espresso before starting her chores.
The scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as she pressed the button on the state-of-the-art machine. She leaned against the counter, taking a sip, and smiling at the familiar taste.
"Buongiorno, Signorina Daniela," came a voice from behind her. She turned to see Signor Roberto, his tall, lanky frame filling the doorway. He was dressed impeccably in his usual black and white uniform, his hair slicked back with gel.
"Buongiorno, Signor Roberto," she replied with a smile. "Where is everyone this morning?"
Signor Roberto shrugged, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"La Dott.ssa is still upstairs, I believe. And the bambini are at school, of course. It's rather quiet today, yes?"
Daniela nodded, taking another sip of her coffee. "It does seem so. I'll head up and see if Dott.ssa Alexandra needs anything before I start on the chores."
She left the kitchen, her footsteps echoing through the grand hallway. The house was filled with an almost palpable silence, broken only by the distant ticking of a grandfather clock in the living room. She climbed the grand staircase, her hand running along the polished wood banister.