Chapter 7

— Tell me what the fuck that means, Larissa! — He yelled at me, his voice carrying a fury I had never witnessed before.

— The exact same thing you and Chiara have! Now stop this car! — I shouted in utter despair, the painful memories flashing across my mind.

A semi-truck appeared ahead in our line of sight, and Alessandro accelerated even faster. I closed my eyes in pure panic, terrified that I was going to lose my life right then and there.

Suddenly, the car slammed on the brakes, throwing my body forward with momentum as the seatbelt held me back against the seat. Just meters from the truck, Alessandro jerked the wheel onto the shoulder, letting the truck roar past us, rocking the car with its sheer draft.

My sobs choked me with pain as my heart pounded wildly inside my chest.

— Get out of the car. — He ordered, without looking in my direction.

I stared at him, completely stunned. We were in the middle of nowhere, miles outside the city. Was he really going to abandon me here?

— Are you deaf? I told you to get the fuck out of the car! — He shouted, terrifying me even more.

I released the seatbelt and opened the door, barely stepping out before he sped off at full throttle.

I watched him make a U-turn and race back toward the city. The grey blur of his sports car gradually disappeared from view.

I looked around, weeping uncontrollably. What was I going to do? How far was I from home? Hardly any cars drove down this road. And if someone did pass by, would they even have good intentions? I crossed my arms, hugging myself tight, and began walking while tears streamed down my face. A few cars passed, honking their horns and shouting crude,

disgusting remarks, and I tried to tune them out, but the dread of being abducted terrified me to the bone.

How could he leave me here all alone? He was the one who tracked me down, he was the one who betrayed me kissing Chiara. Why on earth did he treat me like this?

My legs ached, the top of my foot bruised and sore. I had been walking for four hours, and judging by a sign I had seen a moment ago, there were still five kilometers left before reaching the city.

I stopped under a tree seeking shade. The midday sun beat down mercilessly, and my thirst grew unbearable. I sighed, feeling the urge to break down in tears rise up once again.

— I never imagined he would do something like this to me. — I whispered quietly, wiping the sweat from my forehead.

Thankfully, the passing cars stopped coming, which at least eased my fear of getting snatched. After resting for a few minutes, I went back to trekking under the scorching sun.

Spotting the first houses brought a rush of relief. I walked for a few more minutes until I noticed a motorcycle taxi parked by a small plaza.

— Excuse me. — I called out.

— Yes, ma'am.

— Are you available for a ride?

— Yes, I am.

— Thank goodness, could you take me to… — I paused, not wanting to go home and run into Alessandro. Determined, I gave him the address of a hotel near our neighborhood, and the motorcycle taxi dropped me off there.

After checking in, I went upstairs, and the first thing I did was order room service and search for water in the minibar. I drank as much as I could and gave my body a moment to settle before heading into the shower. I slipped into the bathrobe and sent the clothes I was wearing to be laundered.

These services would cost me a bit, but that was fine; thank goodness I had brought my purse along.

When I came out of the shower, the food was already in the room, and I ate like I hadn't eaten in years. But the throbbing pain in my foot kept me from enjoying the meal as much as I wanted.

I sat on the bed, staring at the ugly blisters on my feet. My skin burned from the harsh sun.

I lay down on the mattress, turning over what Alessandro had done. At some point, shortly after he left me stranded there, I had even foolishly thought he would regret it and drive back to get me, but I couldn't have been more wrong.

 

(Alessandro)

—What's up, why the anger? — Chiara asked when I pushed her away, watching Larissa head toward her car.

—You know we can't be together like this until the divorce is finalized.

I heard the sound of the car being started and then passing by us, as she left the parking lot.

The image of her eyes came to my mind, the sadness they showed.

— I'm sorry, I… saw that we were alone and couldn't resist. It's been so long that I've wanted to have you, Alê.

— I know that, but we've already waited so long, what are three months?

Chiara lets a dramatic sigh escape her lips and nods confirming.

— I won't do it again until you allow it.

— Better that way. Come on, I'll drop you off at your house.

We got into my car and I dropped her off at home, I was leaving toward mine when a call from my mother made me stop.

— Hi, mom.

— Darling, can you come over to my house? I'm not feeling very well.

— I'm on my way.

I ended the call and went to my mother's house. Upon arriving there, the family doctor was just finishing examining her.

— Is she okay, Dr. Marco?

— Apparently it's an internal infection. Her fever is high, she took some medication now and will sleep. — He closed his bag. — Is there someone who can spend the night here with her?

— I looked at my mother, who had a tired look and nodded confirming. —

I'll stay.

— Alright, if the fever comes back, take her to the hospital so we can run some tests.

I walked him to the exit and went back to the room, sitting down next to my mother, who was already sleepy.

—Your little wife won't like you sleeping here. — She said with a slurred voice, but even almost unconscious, showing the anger she had for Larissa.

—Don't worry about her, mom. Try to sleep. I'm going to take a shower and come see you, okay?