- I am divorced - she answered.

- And there is no other man in your life? You don't have a partner, but who will come with you to France?

- Listen, I really don't know...

- Namely, if that's the case... - he interrupted her - ... then I can't see any reason not to spend the summer in Sicily with my daughter. You mentioned you want to visit Italy, and Sicily is the most beautiful. I admit that I am subjective because Sicily is my homeland.

His expression changed slightly. He didn't really smile, but the hint of a smile in his eyes distracted Debby from the unpleasant thoughts. This man is not made of ice.

- You are Sicilian?

- With heart and soul.

Debby felt the emotions in his voice for the first time since he walked into her office. He seemed proud of his homeland and his origins.

- I live in a castle my ancestors built in the thirteenth century. Of course, it has been renovated, is comfortable, and is modernly equipped. I'm being nice to you. We have a pool, and we are not far from the beach.

Debby shook her head.

- Mr. Benedetti, I believe your castle is beautiful, but I did not agree to go to Sicily. First of all, I do not speak Italian, and I cannot teach Emma her mother tongue...

- For several reasons, I decided that it was best for Emma to learn English - he cut her off. - My wife was English by father, and I want Emma to learn her mother's language. And Dixon Baker believes he will now that he can hear thanks to the implants; it's easy to learn Italian.

- It is possible because I know children with implants who grew up in a bilingual environment. But I think it should first focus on Emma learning at least one language. Dixon explained that language learning is slow even though your daughter can hear now. She will need a lot of support and patience from family members...

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

- She has mastered sign language, Dixon told me. Dixon told me that you would, too. Francesco leaned forward, fixing Debby with his gaze. - He praised your abilities, but the most important thing is who you are and how you are said. You are very dedicated to such children.

- My sister had inflammation of the cerebral cortex as a child; she almost completely lost her hearing, Debby explained. - When I found out how much Clarice suffered because of her deafness, I realized what I wanted to work: to help such children live better.

Francesco heard the emotion in Debby's voice and knew it was softened, so he decided to take advantage of that moment. He pulled out a photo of his daughter from his pocket.

- Emma is timid and lonely because she is insecure among people with children. I hope she will be happier and gain confidence when he learns to speak. I'm sure you could help her, Debby.

Oh God! She shivered when he said her name. His dark eyes hypnotized her, and the words touched her. She was looking thoughtfully at the photo of a beautiful girl with wild, dark curls. When she looked more closely, she noticed a pain in Emma's eyes, and her heart sank.

Francesco was overseeing her constantly, and it surprised him that she aroused his interest. No one. For a long time, the woman was not interested. The delicate scent of her perfume, a sensual mixture of jasmine and rose, awakened his senses. His gaze rested on the freckles on her cheeks. He tried to refocus on why he was there and came to her. His daughter needs a speech therapist, and Miss Johnson has the best qualifications. And it doesn't matter that it is very attractive. He hadn't dealt with women in a long time. He was lonely in childhood and learned to control his feelings, and he even distanced himself from women when he was involved in a traffic accident four years ago.

- All I ask is that you come with me to my house here, in London, and to meet Emma - he said. - We will continue to see.

- Mr. Benedetti...

- It is best that we leave immediately - he stood up. - Can you hold off responsibilities for tomorrow?

This man is obviously used to getting whatever he wants, but she must admit that she admires his tenacity. He fought for his own daughter with all her might.

- I think I can - she blushed. - But I already packed, and I will travel to France on Friday, so I don't see the point in examining your daughter since I'm definitely not going to treat her.

Their eyes met, and Debby shuddered.

- Listen - he said - I am speaking on behalf of my daughter because Emma can not express his thoughts, hopes, and fears in words. And I believe that you know what that means.

He played on her sympathy... and it worked. She raised her hands as a sign of surrender.

I'm going with you, but I'm warning you, Mr. Benedetti, that I won't go to Sicily with you!