Book 1: Chapter 80

"Yes, it was," Lombardi replied. "Your mother looked forward to the marriage more than I did back then, she wanted the marriage to work, it took me a while to begin to see her differently but when I finally did. I wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with her."

Gabriella was shocked to hear this new piece of information, she always imagined that her parents had gotten married of their own accord but it seemed their world saw contract and arranged marriage as the norms.

"How was... Em.. mother like?" Gabriella asked. 

"Ah your mum," Lombardi sighed like he was lost in thoughts. "She was beautiful, the most beautiful woman I have ever met, "Inside and out," he added, his voice filled with nostalgia. "She had a heart of gold, always putting others before herself. And her smile, oh her smile could light up a room. I was a lucky man to have her by my side." 

Gabriella's eyes welled up with tears, she wished she could have known her mothe