Chapter 21

Georgina lay naked on the bed panting like she had just had just been on a marathon.

As she lay, lost in her thoughts, she could hear the subtle snores of Marcelo, indicating that he was already fast asleep. Carefully, she rose from the bed, making sure not to disturb him. She retrieved a robe from her cupboard and draped it around her shoulders, her eyes never leaving Marcelo's sleeping form. It was essential that he remained undisturbed and unaware of her actions.

With slow, deliberate movements, Georgina approached the door, her feet bare against the cool floor. She opened it gently and then inserted a lipstick between the door and the frame to prevent it from closing completely. The faint light in the room allowed her to navigate without difficulty as she proceeded down the hallway, her steps silent.

Reaching the flower vase, Georgina extended her hand and carefully felt around its bottom. Her fingers brushed against the familiar shape of a key bunch, and with a mixture of relief