Chapter 40: A New Life

Chapter 40

Her chest tightened, her heart sank at the very thought of it. Worst of all, she couldn’t even refuse. She hated to say it, but she’d rather go there with Domenico than Leone at this point—she didn’t want to be anywhere near him.

She had a million things to say, and the word “No” constantly resounded in her head, waiting for her to voice it out, but she held it back in.

The Don kept staring at her, waiting for a response, but was it needed, when there was only one thing she could say?

“Yes, Don,” was all Anna could muster, and she quickly excused herself from there, not wanting to be anywhere near Leone. She couldn’t even ask how long she would be staying. All she felt was this ache in her chest that prevented her from saying anything more or staying here any longer.

…………

When she got to her room, she was a bit shocked to find Chiara packing her things in a suitcase.

Wasn’t it just minutes ago that the Don broke the news to her, and suddenly her things were getting packed up?

“Did the butler ask you to do this?” Anna asked, and she nodded, her brows knotted. Of course, she didn’t have a say concerning anything that happened here—she didn’t have a choice.

Since she got here, she hadn’t been asked anything. All they did was tell her, and she was expected to follow whatever they said, just like how her life had been in the Lorenzo empire.

This was how things had always been for her. She had never had to make her own decisions, her own choices. All her life, she had been controlled. Anna clenched her fists.

Maybe this was what she needed. This trip might be an opportunity for her to escape—escape from all of this. Not just running to Rocco, but taking out time for herself, to figure things out, to know what she truly wanted.

Once Chiara left, Anna made sure to pack her jewelry in the suitcase too. If only she could find someone to sell it to, money wouldn’t be a problem for her. She could relocate to another country like Switzerland—a place where no one knew her, somewhere nobody could find her.

That night, she slept, knowing fully well that it was her last day in the four walls of this room. She would be free—very soon.

Morning came too fast, and Chiara had personally brought her breakfast to her room without her asking. She was very grateful for that because the last thing she wanted was to share breakfast with the Don and his son, Leone.

She stared at the girl, who appeared younger than her by a good two to three years. Anna was 20 herself, so she deduced Chiara ought to be 17 or 18. She didn’t bother to ask, as it would be nose-picking on her personal life.

Chiara had been really good to her, and she would definitely miss her—if only things didn’t have to be the way they were.

When she left here, there was a huge possibility that her sister would be sent here to take her place. Not that she was intentionally being wicked, but she would very much love that to be the case—for them to see how it feels, for them to experience the hell that they had pushed her into. They would carry the load, the burden, and know how quick it is to completely crush someone.

When she was done getting ready, Chiara helped her carry her luggage, and they went outside the mansion to see the sleek black car already parked, waiting for them.

Her things were placed in the back of the car, and Anna got in to see Leone seated already, nonchalantly operating his phone.

Anna never bothered to spare him a word, and then the drive began. In no time, they got to an airport.

Anna felt this nostalgia. It was the same place her father’s guards had left her alone. She had felt so scared and lonely—no one cared how she felt, and she had realized it the hard way.

They were led by the manager working in the airport to an open space where a plane with “Vicenzo” boldly written on it sat waiting for them.

Anna’s eyes flew wide, not expecting this sort of luxury. The bodyguards who escorted them carried their things inside the plane, and after they were all settled in, the plane took off.

She had intentionally sat extremely far away from him, and from the looks of things, he didn’t even mind—good.

Anna stared out the window, gazing at the bright, sunny sky. The whole place was chic, luxurious—it was a private airplane, after all. Heaven knew how long this flight would take. She couldn’t wait. She was too anxious to.

Hours ran by, and Anna eventually got bored. Before she knew it, she fell asleep.

Leone raised his head from the files he had been reading to directly stare at her. Her head now leaned on the headrest as she slept, not caring how vulnerable she looked in this state.

His lips were pressed into a thin, firm line. He knew she had been avoiding him, and he had let her do so—for now, at least.

Anna’s eyes suddenly fluttered open in time to see the plane slowly landing. The sky had an orange hue, with the sun almost out of sight.

The plane landed, and Anna got up from her seat. Once the guards had carried all their things outside, Anna quickly headed out of the plane—just so she could avoid being in there with just him.

On her way out, she slipped and nearly fell on the stairs—if Leone’s strong hands hadn’t held her in time. “Careful, Peach.”

Anna stared at him, softly gulping down before freeing herself from his hold.

She took another step down the stairs before turning back to stare at him, her eyes hardened, her hands clenched. “It’s Anna.”