Chapter Ten

Today is a special day. It is Maria's birthday. She is now in her seventeenth year, and she is excited. Emerenziano and his sons came to celebrate with the women. All eight of them are sitting around the large birchwood table in glee.

Maria's scarred face is adorned with gleam and happiness. Her face is holding an immeasurable amount of happiness. Mariaisabella has never seen her little rose so happy in her life. Maria excitedly cut the caked bread and shares it with everyone.

They all eat in satisfaction and talk amongst one another.

It has been only five weeks since Mariaisabella and her daughters came to live in her late aunt's home. And they do not regret a thing.

The only person who really misses the old life is Mariaisabelle. But to be fair, she only misses the convenience of the staff.

After they all finish eating, it is time for Maria to open her gifts. There are three gifts. One from Mariaisabella, another from Emeren, and the final one from Emerenziano. All seven of them surround the young girl as excitement flows through her.

"Please, take my gift first," Emerenziano insists. He hands a huge wooden box to the girl. She opens the big box and marvels at the contents inside. There are gorgeous jewelry, a colorful gown, and bottles of perfume.

"Oh Emerenziano, you didn't have to give me so much! Thank you," Maria says with appreciation on her face. The father leans down and they hug. In the corner of Mariaisbella's eye, she sees Emeren looks down at his small thin gift and hides it behind himself. Next is Mariaisabella.

She, along with Mary, spent a long time asking the woodsman for this particular gift. Mary places the wooden case on Maria's lap. When Maria opens her gift, tears of joy start streaming down her face.

Her gift is a beautifully carved violin and a matching bow. The violin is made of ebony wood. Each peg was specifically crated to near perfection with the carving of roses, birds, and thorny vines. The bow was black, as well as its strings.

Maria is very talented. She is a prodigy with the violin. However, she, unfortunately, left her own in the castle. Mariaisabella knows that the young girl misses the instrument severely. But this is the next best thing.

"Mother, this is wonderful," She picks up the violin like a child and starts playing. A bold, beautiful, and blooming melody surrounds the home, and everyone listens as she finishes her tune. They all clap, making Maria blushes while placing the instrument back into its case.

The last person to give Maria's gift is Emeren. However, he is refusing to give his gift to the girl. The pressure of everyone looking at him makes him abruptly walk out of the home. Maria places her gifts aside and follows behind the man. Mariaisabella, to try and ease the tension, tells them that she'll go after the two.

Mariaisabella goes around the back of the home and notices the pair at a distance. She is about to yell out, but then the mother notices Emeren reluctantly giving her his gift. She unravels the gift and looks up.

Maria then kisses Emeren on the cheek. The young girl walks back to the house while the boy is holding his cheek in shock. Mariaisabella is sure to enter the house without being noticed. She reassures everyone that Maria and Emeren will come back inside. And true to her word, Maria returns with Emeren behind.

She lifts the gift in the air with adoration.

"This is the best gift in the world. I will make sure to keep it forever and ever," Maria expresses with a smile that was somehow bigger than the last. The gift in question is a detailed charcoal sketch of Maria on old paper. The portrait is of Maria smiling with her eyes closed. She is drawn in a way that her scars are replaced with growing roses.

There's a beauty to the art. It is a fine gift indeed. Mariaisabella is only confused as to why he thought his gift wasn't good. It is nice to know that Emeren is a fantastic artist. The details of Maria, from her hair to her eyes, are immaculate.

Only true professionals can draw as well.

"Now that the gift-giving is over, let us eat!" Mariaisabelle enthuses. She rushes into the kitchen and brings out some snacks for everyone.

She excitedly places it on the eating table. The fair lady watches in gratification when everyone eats the delicious food. Over the weeks, her skills in cooking have improved. But Emerenziano still remains unimpressed.

After a good day of celebrating, all four men decide to stay for the night.

Mariaisabella stands next to Emerenziano as they prepare the meal for everyone. They are making a simple meal of vegetable broth. Dinner commences, and the loud sounds bounce around. Cheers and hoots come from everyone as they enjoy themselves.

Underneath the table, Emerenzian lays a soft hand onto Mariaisabella's knee. She inwardly smiles and continues to talk across the table. If her late parents saw her, they would be rolling in their graves.

The manners and etiquette they taught her are not used, and it is loud. However, Mariaisabella is actually happy. Being surrounded by her loved ones on a special day means so much to the older woman.

This is her imperfectly perfect family.