Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Once again, the other side of the bed dawned empty. The images from last night flooded my mind, causing my day to start off dreary early on.

I forced my body up and headed to the bathroom for my morning routine. Brushing my teeth, I looked in the mirror, noticing that with every passing day, my gaze lost what little remained of its spark.

Alessandro, who had always despised betrayal after witnessing his mother suffer so much because of his father, now acted just like him, proving that blood truly influences character.

I finished getting ready and went down to have breakfast. Margarida always prepared a lovely spread, filled with options and set with two place settings whenever Alessandro was not traveling, like now.

I stared at Alessandro's empty place, knowing he would not come down to have breakfast.

— Is Mr. Moratti coming down soon? I'll bring the warm milk.

I looked at her and shook my head, about to speak when the sound of a car parking caught our attention. Margarida looked at me with confusion, and I forced a smile.

Soon, understanding washed over her face.

— You can bring the milk. — I said, and she nodded in acknowledgment before heading out.

I heard the door open and shut, his footsteps crossing the living room before heading upstairs. Margarida returned with the milk, and I felt her pitying glance toward me, but I ignored it and served myself.

Just as I was finishing, Alessandro walked in, already showered. Today, being Saturday, I had only woken up early because I couldn't sleep properly, just like the night before.

He settled in and began serving himself. The silence that used to feel comfortable was now awkward and unsettling.

Feeling my appetite vanish, I left the rest of my breakfast on the table and stood up, drawing his attention.

— Aren't you going to finish? — He asked with surprise, knowing I hated leaving food on my plate.

— I lost my appetite. — I answered with a strained smile, leaving the dining room.

I walked over to the patio and settled on the sofa, once again haunted by the images of Chiara kissing Alessandro in the parking garage.

I shut my eyes tightly, trying to push the images away, but they remained painfully vivid, disturbing my peace.

My phone buzzed with a message from Catherine, saying Pedro had traveled to London, followed by a photo of him with another woman. There wasn't anything explicit, but their closeness looked very intimate.

Larissa: What an asshole. I hope he comes to his senses and realizes that what he is doing isn't right. And for that very reason, you are leaving that club tonight with at least one person kissed! It’s a promise.

I sent the text wearing a smile, seeing she was typing.

Catherine: I don't know if I'm ready. I think it’s going to be too awkward. Can we just focus on having fun?

Larissa: I won't force you into anything, and of course we'll have fun. But if anyone catches your eye, let me know and I'll gladly play third wheel ;)

Catherine sent back a laughing text, and I ended up getting distracted chatting with her.

A while later, I decided to go up to the bedroom to look for my charger when I froze outside, hearing Alessandro's voice.

— Chiara, you know you don't need to ask me... if I gave you the card, it's because I wanted to... fine, I'll pick you up at nine... see you later.

The familiar heartache returned, and I rushed away from there, practically running.

Suddenly, this massive house felt suffocatingly small. My mind demanded distance from Alessandro, knowing his closeness would only break my heart further.

I grabbed my car keys, about to leave, when I heard Margarida call out.

— Will ma'am be coming back for lunch?

I checked my watch, seeing it was still 8:40. — I'll text you around ten, okay? Margarida nodded, and I walked out of the house. I didn't know where to go, but it had to be far from Alessandro. I ended up at a bar downtown, walked in, ordered a cocktail, and took a seat at the counter.

I wasn't used to drinking much, but right now, I needed to unwind. By the time I finished my drink, I felt calmer and decided to take a stroll.

— Lari?

A familiar voice called out, making my heart race inside my chest.

Slowly, I turned around toward the voice, finding Guilherme, my ex, standing in front of me with a wide, gorgeous smile. Involuntarily, I took in his appearance, seeing how much he had changed—for the better, of course.

I had dated Guilherme as a teenager, before meeting Luciano.

— Guilherme? — I asked to be sure, making him laugh even more.

— Yes, it’s been a while, hasn't it?

I nodded, watching him look me up and down as well. Only then did I realize I was wearing denim shorts and a simple black t-shirt. Along with my flip-flops.

— Are you back in town? — I asked, trying to divert his attention.

— For about two weeks now. My mother fell ill, so I decided to stay close by.

— I see…

— And you, how have things been? Did you get married?

His last question sent butterflies fluttering inside my stomach. I hesitated for a couple of seconds before shaking my head.

— I haven't found a man who loved me enough to marry me yet. — My smile felt terribly strained, and I knew he noticed.

When the two of us broke up, I was only 16 and he was 18. We ended things because Guilherme was accepted into an overseas university and left to study abroad.

— Well, who knows, maybe you'll find him soon? — He still had the most charming dimpled smile I had ever seen.

— Yeah, who knows… — I said, a bit lost in his smile. I blinked, trying to regain my composure.

— Larissa? — My entire body froze when Alessandro's voice cut through the air behind me.

Guilherme looked up, watching cautiously. I turned around, seeing Alessandro glaring at Guilherme.

— Mr. Moratti, what are you doing here? — My eyes were wide with shock.

Alessandro looked back at me, an eyebrow arched. He shifted his gaze toward Guilherme one last time before locking eyes with mine.

— I called you, expecting to discuss the new project. — He said in that harsh tone that made the hairs on my arms stand on end.

— I'm sorry, I left my phone charging at home.

— Let's go, we need to handle this matter now.

He turned his back, expecting me to follow along. I turned back to Guilherme with an apologetic smile.

— I'm sorry, but I really have to go. Will I see you around?

— Of course. Can you give me your number? My mother is always asking about you.

— Larissa? — Alessandro called out, completely out of patience.

— Are you on social media? — I asked, and he nodded. — I'll text you through there, see you soon.

I said that right before hurrying to Alessandro's car, which was parked nearby.

The moment I buckled my seatbelt, he took off at an alarming speed, making me clutch the seat's padding. I stared at him, terrified.

— Slow down, please. — But he acted like he couldn't hear me. — Alessandro, you're scaring me, please slow down.

— Who was that guy? — He demanded, fury dripping from every single word.

— He's… — I stopped talking, letting out a frightened whimper as he swerved between cars, nearly clipping a motorcycle. — He's an old acquaintance… Drive slower, for God's sake.

— An old acquaintance? What the hell does that mean?

He pressed the gas pedal harder as he took another route leading to the highway. With an open road ahead, Alessandro pushed his sports car to its absolute limit.

Tears streamed down my cheeks, overcome by the sheer terror that he might cause a horrific crash.

— It means nothing, pull this car over, Alessandro! — I screamed, entirely desperate.