I could feel my face flushing. I'm not used to being the center of attention.

I'm not used

to being stared at fire so long. That's usually what happens to my sister. Shes the pretty one. The
painter told me he wants me to be the center of attention though.
I felt extremely out of place. My sister was so beautifully compared to me. I was
expecting to be sitting where she was. Instead, she was sitting beside me. Silently leaning on me
and posed for the painting.
I wasn't sure if she was bitter or not. I know she's used to attracting eyes, so for her to not
be the main sight must of bothered her too. Maybe after everything that's happened, she doesn't
want to be the main focus anymore and she was grateful for this opportunity.
As her older sister, I've done my best to care for her. I haven't been able to marry because
of it. However, my little sister is beautiful and were not poor. She'll find a husband easily. Then I
can properly care for the estate, since I'll never be able to marry.
I guess that was part of the reason we were doing the painting. I needed a way to generate
wealth while I figured out this whole business thing. What better way than to model for a
painting? Plus, it gave me an easy way to demonstrate desirability. That part was mostly for my
sister though.
The process seemed to last forever. In fact, my little sister fell asleep on my arm.
Should I wake her? I asked Mr. Bianchi.
Oh, no. It should be fine. I finished her face already. I can draw the rest the way she is.
Besides, itll be easier if shes asleep; shell be more still, he told me.
It was silent again for a little bit and I felt him staring at my face. I couldnt bare to look
him in the eye.

Why did you want me to be the center for this piece? Then I quickly added, I dont
mean to sound rude, its just not very common. People prefer Lucrezia's looks over mine.
Well, if you wish me to be honest, Ms. Maria, I find your eyes utterly intriguing. Ive
never seen eyes quite that shade of brown before, he explained calmly.
The silence took over. I could see a curiosity rising in his eyes, and he said Ms. Morretti
if I may ask, does it bother you that people prefer your sister?
I was taken aback, and he laughed at the apparent shock on my face. Well, if you wish
me to be honest, I think its a lot easier to be the less pretty one. It means I can control the estate
without fear of some man who never met my parents taking it over.
I see. he swirled some paint on his pallette. Why are you being models if you have an
entire estate to your name?
It was only recently inherited, I admitted, Im not entirely sure how the whole thing
works yet, but I still need to feed Lucrezia, so we need some side money for now.
Do you plan on marrying?
I was a little shocked by his bluntness. I dont think so. I asked the first thing that
popped into my head, are you married, Mr. Bianchi?
He sighed and mixed more paint, I was. My wife and son died in childbirth.
Do you think youll ever remarry?
No, I loved my wife. She would probably want to marry again, but it just wouldnt feel
right.
Im sorry I didnt mean it like that. Can you tell me more about your wife?
She had eyes like a green pond in July and hair dark like coal. Her skin was soft and she
had quite an olive complexion. She was odd to me, she loved the way the birds would wake her

in the morning. And when I first discovered my talent in painting, she was the only one who
supported me. My father and family cut me off entirely. But she, she told me that I could make
paintings more vivid than the eye could see. She and I used to sit and she would sew and sing
and I would paint the birds and the flowers. She died twenty years ago while giving birth to our
son, and he died too. I didnt really become famous for painting until after she died, and I like to
think shes in heaven with our son watching over me.
Did you ever paint her?
I did, but thats a story for a different day, my dear. He rose and stretched. Your
painting is finished and it should be sold by the end of the month. Ill pay you half now and half
after its sold, is that a deal?
I woke my little sister as he talked and nodded to him in agreement. When I stood up, he
handed me a little coin pouch. My sister and both thanked him for his time and generosity and
we left.
When we were out of the studio, I asked my sister how was your little nap, Lucrezia?
She rolled her eyes at me, it was just fine, thank you, she responded.
I laughed at her. Its not polite to roll your eyes little girl. Now how about we go buy
some flour and eggs and Ill make you pane carasau with some fettine chicken?
Yes, please! Can I help with the pane, Maria?
***
Two weeks later, Mr. Bianchi arrived with another coin purse of money. We had barely
even used what he had given us before.
Thank you so much, I told him while we were standing in the foyer.
Ms. Maria, may we talk privately? He asked me.

Of course, I led him to the little library that was just down the hall. What's wrong Mr.
Bianchi?
Well, he began, I sold the piece to the Dontellos. They have a son-
And he wants to marry my sister? I finished his statement.
Yes. He does. The Dontello's are a very rich family. They own many businesses.
However, they only have one son, Antonio, he's a little older than you, but he thinks your sister is
beautiful and wishes to court her.
Can you tell me when the family plans on coming over to meet us?
In a week, Ms. Moretti.
That's manageable. After that we made small talk and the older man left shortly after.
Lucrezia! I called to through the house.
Yes, Maria? she responded.
Please come here!
She came down the stairs quickly thereafter. I sat her down on a couch in the foyer and
told her about the Dontellos.
I see. So when will I be marrying him? She asked me.
Well, that depends on how the courtship goes, I guess.
***
A week later we met the Dontellos. I made them a dinner of soups and salads, steaks, and then
tiramisu. Over dinner we all talked. They were a very kind family.
So, Maria, where are your parents? Mr. Dontello asked.
I cringed a little at the mention of them, they died about a month and a half ago. There was an
accident.

Oh, Im so sorry! You girls seem to be managing very well, though, Mrs. Dontello said.
Yes, Maria and I cook and clean for ourselves, Lucrezia added.
Thats very impressive, that you two can run their estate despite being young, commented
Mr. Dontello.
To be fair, Maria runs most of the estate business, she lets me worry about the house work.
Whats the estate buisness, Maria? Antonio asked me.
My father worked in the fashion and textile industries.
Oh, here in Milan thats to be expected. We also have a hand in the textile industries. Mr.
Bianchi told me. He added, if our families are to be as well acquainted as we hope them to be, it
would be convenient for us to work in the same industries. Dont you agree, Maria?
His statement seemed to have some meaning I wasnt quite catching onto, so I nodded, yes, I
suppose it would be rather convenient.
Oh, Demetrio, you could even help the girls with their business! Wouldnt that be
wonderful? Mrs. Dontello said to her husband.
I noticed out of the corner of my eye that Antonio and Lucrezia were giving each other
glances between bites of food. I smiled to myself at the thought of my sisters happiness. If this
is truly what she wanted, then I would let it happen.
***
After that dinner, Antonio and Lucrezia began to court frequently and with some help
from Mr. Bianchi, I had a grip on the estate and how to run the business and handle the money.
My sister and I began to live slightly more lavishly than we did before, but I still stayed
conservative with my money, just in case anything happened. It had taken about a year after my
parents deaths for things to finally turn around.

One day, Lucrezia came running through the door from her date with Antonio and said to
me, Maria! Weve been invited over to the Dontellos tonight for dinner! I think Toni will
propose tonight!
Oh, my. How exciting! I said to her trying to match her enthusiasm.
Im going to go put on my best dress. Ill see you in a few hours, Maria, and she
bounded up the stairs to get ready. She really did love Antonio and he treated her well. They
would have my blessing.
That evening, we set out to the Dontellos home. We had been here very few times
before, but those times were on the holidays.They had a large home and a few maids running
around. Today however, the Dontello household was filled with many of their family. They were
mingling and laughing. My sister and I found Mr. and Mrs. Dontello and their son quickly. As
soon as we arrived, the mood of the party had changed.
Lucrezia was standing next to Antonio when he silenced the room. He tapped on his glass
and said, everyone, please. I have an announcement to make. He then turned to my sister and
dropped to one knee. He held her hands in his and said, Lucrezia, my love, will you marry me?
She hopped up and down and nodded her head, yes, Antonio, yes! She was holding
back tears.
Mr. Dontello leaned over next to me to whisper, we can discuss the dowry and things
tomorrow, yes? Im assuming they have your blessing?
Of course, it is late. May Lucrezia stay here tonight? I dont think shell be able to
contain herself and sleep back at our villa, I whispered back.
Yes. We have plenty of spare rooms for her. You may stay here, if you wish, as well, he
told me.

No, thank you though. Ill be more comfortable at the villa.

Of course, Ms. Moretti.
After that, I got up to go recieve my sister and tell her she may spend the night.
Lucrezia! I said as she ran into my arms.
Oh, Maria did you see? I cant believe it! She said in my arms.
I lessened by grasp and she pulled away, how could I not see, my dear? I talked to Mr.
Dontello and he said you can spend the night.
Oh really? Thank you so much! and she hugged me again.
Of course, darling. Ill be back tomorrow morning to talk about the dowry with
Antonios parents.
Alright, Maria. Are you leaving now?
Yes, I think so.
We hugged and kissed one last time and I left the house. Back at the villa, I tried to think
of things to offer in the dowry. I fell asleep that night peacefully, things were finally working out
for my little family.
The next day, I went back to their home and they received me warmly. I sat with my
sister and her now fiance with his parents.
So, lets get to business, Ms. Moretti. We are both wealthy families and I think the best
option is that you give Antonio the estate business, for the dowry, Mr. Dontello said to me.
Excuse me? I responded, is there anything else we could work out?
Well, you have no land to offer, so unless you can find a rather expensive heirloom, I
think not, he said very pointedly.
Lucrezia tugged at my sleeve, please, Maria? For me? She whispered.

I need time to think about it. I would love to receive all of you for dinner tonight with
my decision. If thats alright with you, I looked at Mr. Dontello.
Of course.
With that, I left again. I didnt think they would ask for the estate. They knew I couldnt
give them the villa, I lived there. What could I do?
That afternoon, Antonio and Lucrezia arrived early. Lucrezia wished to nap before the
dinner tonight, being around so many people was tiring her. Antonio and I sat in the library and
talked.
Maria, you can trust me with the business. I only mean the best. Well still help you live and
such, he told me.
Its not that, Antonio, I began.
Then what is it? He cut me off.
I just cant give you the business, I said shaking my head.
I want to marry your sister, Maria. I love her, youll have to give us something.
It wont be the business, I told him firmly.
Then it will be your life.
He lunged at me and plunged a needle into my arm. As the world around me faded, I
realized that the Dontellos only ever wanted the business, this marriage was never about love. I
felt sorry for my sister, and the fact that I had let her down. Even worse, she would never know.
She would be stuck with this man forever, and I could no longer protect her.