Chapter 4

Zara’s POV

The sharp sound of my phone cut through my sleep, I jerked awake, and sat upright.

Headache hit me instantly, very sharp like something had split my skull open from the inside. I groan and press two fingers at each side of my head, squeezing my eyes shut as the room spin slightly as if that would stop the headache.

God.

My phone kept ringing, I fumbled for it, squinting at the screen through half-open eyes.

Mum.

I sighed and swiped to answer, clearing my voice to sound awake. “Hi, mom.” I greeted.

“Zara!” Her voice came through bright and cheerful, far too energetic for the state I was in. “Did I wake you up?”

“No, I was up already.” I lied.

“How are you settling in? Italy treating you well?” She laughed softly.

“Yeah. It’s… nice. I’m settling in just fine.” I said, leaning my back against the headboard, rubbing my temples.

“That’s lovely to hear, darling.” I can hear the relief in her voice. “And Matteo? Is he treating you well?” She asked casually.

My stomach tightened just a little.

“Not yet. He’s out for business just before I came in and he’ll be gone for a few more days.”

“Oh,” Mum hummed, sounding a bit disappointed. “Well, you’ll meet soon enough.”

We talked a little longer, with her continuously reminding me to eat well, rest and try not to think too much of my ex-boyfriend.

My boyfriend had broken up with me a week ago, and my mom has been really concerned seeing me that broken. She suggested I transfer school to be able to heal completely, and that turned out to be a good.

She made me promise her to live well, which I did.

When the call ended, I let my arm drop beside me and stared ahead blankly.

I noticed my curtains were drawn open, letting sunlight pour in through the window, flooding the room in a soft golden glow. I squinting a bit, the glow was a bit harsh for my eyes.

I made to drop my phone back on the nightstand, that when I noticed the two tiny pills…. Painkillers and a glass of water on the nightstand.

I almost cried in relief, I needed these so badly. My head feels like there are twelve drummers, drumming inside my head.

I grabbed the pills, swallowed them with the water, then sat there quietly, letting my body settle. The pounding in my head dulled just a little.

After a few minutes, I dragged myself into the bathroom, brushed my teeth, afterwards splashed water on my face. I look like someone who hadn’t slept peacefully, that wasn’t far from the truth anyway.

Hunger finally set in, and I made my way downstairs.

By the time I got close to the kitchen, the smell of something buttery spread all over. Rosa was already seated at the dining table, a mug in her hand. She seemed relaxed and glowing like she hadn’t spent half the night dancing.

“Oh, you are up.” She spoke cheerfully the second she saw me.

“Barely.” I muttered, pulling out a chair.

“Victor.” Rosa signaled to the chef.

Victor drop another mug in front of me, I stared at it strangely.

“Have some anguva tea,” she said, “it helps with headaches.”

“You’re a lifesaver.” I wrapped my fingers around the mug, letting the warmth sink into my palms.

“I know,” she smiled.

I took a sip, I didn’t even had time to I took a sip, I didn’t even had time to savour the tea yet, Rosa fake clearing of throat made me brought my gaze back to her.

She was giving me an expectant look, which I returned with a confused one. She sighed dramatically rolling her eyes, as if I should have gotten the memo.

“So…” Rosa dragged taking a sip of her tea, then tilted her head at me.

“So?” I repeated still confused.

“Don’t play dumb with me, last night.” She smirked at me, wiggling her eyebrows at me.

“Don’t we have to start this early.” I groaned softly, the thought of how he treated me like a slut left a bitter taste in my mouth.

“Yes,” she said immediately. “We absolutely do.”

“There’s not much to tell.” I took another sip, buying time.

“Zara, you disappeared for over an hour in a mask club. There’s always much to tell.” She laughed.

“Thanks.” I muttered as the chef dropped my breakfast in front of me. He nodded, did the same for Rosa, before leaving the kitchen.

“Start from the beginning,” she demanded. “How did it happen.”

I hesitated, then sighed.

“I don’t even know his name,” I said.

“Excuse me?” She almost choked on her tea.

“I don’t know his name.” I repeated.

Her expression shifted from surprise mixed with intrigue.

“Wow. Okayyy. That’s bold.” She wiggled her brows suggestively.

“Don’t encourage me.”

“Oh, I absolutely will,” she laughed, already leaning forward, seemingly more interested.

“He thought I was someone else.”

“Of course he did. And you didn’t correct him?”

“I did, everything just spiraled.” I said. “He was intense.” I admitted.

“That’s the point of the club.” She laughed.

I shook my head. “No. I mean… intense.”

She studied my face for a moment. “Did he scare you?” Her voice softened.

“No. Not like that.” I hesitated.

“He rocked your world then.” She grinned.

“Rosa!” I screamed, my cheeks turning red in embarrassment.

“Okay, okay.” She burst out laughing, lifting her hands in fake surrender.

“He’s the kind of man who looks like he owns whatever room he’s in.” The aura around him is so dark but attracting.

“Those are dangerous.” Rosa smiled knowingly.

“I know.” I reply quietly. “But then he crossed a line.” I swallowed.

“How?” Her smile faded.

“He offered me money, like I was some hooks.” I said bitterly. “Like I meant nothing.”

“Hell no, he didn’t.” She hissed pissed.

I shrugged, pretending it didn’t hurt me as much as it did.

“I left, I made sure he knew I wasn’t that kind of girl.” I smirked, satisfied that I did that. “I took his close and left it in a dumpster.”

“That’s my girl.” We did an high five clap.

“…. Rosa, the hell you’re still doing here?” A calm, deep and familiar voice spoke from the kitchen door. The sound of the voice startled me, spilling the tea on my hand.

I hissed in annoyance.

I glared at the intruder but immediately I did, my soul left my body.

It was a man and is he….?