Chapter 134 Finding Food in the Trash Can
Fiorello's lips curled into a warm smile as he gently reassured her, "In the future, should you find yourself faced with such predicaments, don't hesitate to reach out to me. Don't bear it alone. We are a family, after all, and it's a shared responsibility.""But I fear I might be a burden to you," Maggie confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.As their conversation unfolded, Maggie's mind drifted back to the matter of their home. "I didn't have the opportunity to ask you last night," she began, her curiosity piqued, "how were you able to afford this house?"The house was valued at over two million dollars, a sum that would take Fiorello decades to amass given his current salary.Fiorello, taking her hand in his, guided her towards the dining room. "This is the inheritance my parents left me," he explained, "It was specifically set aside for when I decided to marry. The house is a symbol of our shared security."Yet, Fiorello still found himself unable to share the whole truth. The mere mention of the house had already stirred up a tempest within Maggie, and he knew some truths were best revealed gradually.A lavish breakfast awaited them at the table. Maggie, her stomach growling in anticipation, continued her line of questioning between mouthfuls. "So, we purchase the house after marriage, but if I refuse to sign, can you still secure the property rights?""I have some influence in that area, it won't be a problem," Fiorello assured her nonchalantly, "You are the lady of this house, you needn't worry.""Did Dulcinea say something to you? Why this sudden transparency?" Maggie probed, her eyes narrowing slightly.Fiorello simply smiled and replied, "The property management company called me."Indeed, it was the call from the property management company that made Fiorello realize he could no longer keep the house matter a secret from Maggie. He decided it was time to be honest."But if you put my name on the deed," Maggie questioned, "aren't you afraid that if we separate in the future, I might claim half the property?"Fiorello shrugged off her concerns with a smile, "If it comes to that, it would be my failing. If I can't keep you by my side, it's only fair that you get the house."Maggie's lips curled into a smile at his words, "Your honesty today is refreshing. But you were cautious of me at first, weren't you?"Otherwise, he wouldn't have kept it from her.
Fiorello nodded in agreement, "To be precise, I was observing you. Maggie, I believe anyone would do the same. But it doesn't change the fact that I fell in love with you. I prefer the love that blossoms over time, after understanding each other, and committing to spend the rest of our lives together."Maggie's heart seemed to skip a beat. It was the first time he had declared his love for her so explicitly.His words were undeniable.And she found herself drawn to his honesty.Their hasty marriage was already a gamble, and only by taking the time to truly understand each other could they mitigate the risks.Marriage, after all, was not to be taken lightly.
Maggie sipped her soup in silence, the matter of the house settling in the air between them, unspoken yet understood. The house itself was nothing more than a shell, a structure of brick and mortar. It was the intertwining of hearts within its walls that transformed it into a home, infusing it with a warmth that was uniquely their own.Once breakfast was finished, the day's obligations beckoned. Maggie had work to attend to, and Fiorello offered to drive her. As they strolled past Eleanor's door, a question formed in Maggie's mind. "Where has Aunt Eleanor been lately? Her absence has been noticeable these past few days," she queried.Fiorello shrugged nonchalantly, "I believe she's been traveling. I haven't been keeping a close eye on her whereabouts."Maggie nodded, then remembered something else. "Oh, and what about your cousin who helped us out last time? If he's available, we should extend an invitation for a meal," she suggested.Fiorello responded, "He's likely tied up with his own affairs. There's no rush; we'll have ample opportunities in the future." He conveniently left out the fact that his cousin, Holden, was currently under his employ, dispatched to oversee projects in the Southwest region."Alright then," Maggie conceded, not pressing the matter further.They descended into the underground parking lot, where Fiorello slid behind the wheel and navigated the car towards Maggie's workplace. As they exited the neighborhood, a trash bin caught Maggie's eye, or rather, the thin, familiar figure crouched beside it. "Fiorello, stop for a moment," she called out urgently.Fiorello hit the brakes, looking at her in surprise. "What's wrong?"Maggie stepped out of the car, her gaze fixed on Adalia, who was squatting next to the trash bin. "Adalia, what are you doing here?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.In front of Adalia lay a piece of bread, unopened and discarded. Adalia's eyes were locked onto it, a clear hunger in her gaze, yet she hesitated to reach for it. Maggie's heart ached at the sight, the stark reality of Adalia's situation hitting her hard. 'In this day and age, no child should have to scavenge from trash bins,' she thought sadly.Adalia looked up, her face smeared with dirt, and met Maggie's gaze. Swallowing hard, she whispered, "I'm so hungry."
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