Chapter 8

She nodded already closing her eyes and I got up. I went to my old room and grabbed a change of clothes that I always left here and at my grandmother's house. I took a shower and when I came back to my mother's room, she was already sleeping.

I touched her forehead, still feeling a slightly high fever. I went back to my room and worked through the night, still remembering Larissa's interaction with Rafael.

It was no surprise to me that he was interested in her, that I knew from the moment he laid his eyes on her, when she started at the company.

I didn't care that the two of them dated, but that had to be after our divorce. I promised my mother that I would never cheat on a partner and I always keep my promises.

The next day, I got up early and after making sure my mother was better, I went home. Larissa was already having breakfast, so I hurried so I could talk to her about yesterday. Even though I didn't owe her explanations.

But I felt her a bit different and before the mood could improve to start the subject, she got up and left. It didn't take long for her to leave the house.

Sighing, I decided to work a bit but when it hit 10am, I went after her. I knew the places she frequented and the second one I looked, I found her. She was standing, in front of the bar she always went to, talking to a guy.

I didn't like the interaction between the two of them and even after I approached, he still had the nerve to ask for her number and worse yet, she confirmed she would give it later.

My anger rose to the extreme, knowing she could cheat on me with these men blinded me. Of course not out of jealousy, I didn't love her, but because I hated betrayal.

Larissa knew she only had three months until we separated, why didn't she wait? Did she want revenge for yesterday?

I knew I was driving dangerously, but I wanted to reach her. Until at one point she said that what she had with her friend, was the same as what I had with Chiara. That could never be true.

What I had with Chiara was real, strong enough that one waited for the other for 9 years and more, if it were necessary.

Larissa doesn't know what real love is, all she needs and likes is money and the comfort she's living in. Her father's company is only standing today because of me. I didn't want to have accepted this marriage, but I thought I wouldn't find Chiara again and my father was very sick… An impulse decision that I regret to this day.

I watched her disappear through the rearview mirror as I went back to the city. The sun was scorching, but who knows a good walk won't make her feel ashamed and realize she should never even think about cheating on me.

But upon arriving at the entrance of the city, I stopped the car. What if someone kidnapped her? As much as I didn't love her, Larissa was still my responsibility and if my grandparents find out I left her alone on the highway, they'll kill me.

But she must have already learned that you can't play with me. I turned the car back on to go back, but my phone rang with Chiara's mother's number.

— Alessandro? — Her voice seemed scared.

— Yes?

— Come to the hospital now. Chiara had an accident, she needs you. — The woman's voice was tearful, making my heart miss beats in my chest.

— Send me the location, I'm on my way. — I said hurriedly, ready to leave, but I looked at the rearview mirror and a discomfort squeezed my chest.

I ignored the feeling, let Larissa take care of herself. I headed toward the center of the city, where the hospital was. As soon as I arrived, I found Helen, Chiara's mother, sitting in one of the armchairs in the reception.

Upon spotting me, she wiped her tears and came toward me.

— What happened?

—She was trying to grab something on top of the wardrobe and fell on her arm. They took her to the surgery room.

After almost an hour, the doctor came to let us know she had broken her arm but everything went fine. We were cleared to see her in the room and upon arriving, Chiara was sleeping peacefully because of the sedation.

—My daughter is so stubborn. I always told her to be careful.

— She's always been like that.

I looked at the clock, seeing that at this hour, Larissa should still be on the highway.

—Can you stay here with her? — Helen asked and I turned my attention back to her.

—Why don't you stay?

— It's just that I have a test right now. When I leave there, I'll come here. I just don't want her to get scared when she wakes up and sees she's alone.

I looked back at Chiara and nodded. Helen thanked me before leaving and I approached, sitting in the armchair that was in the room, watching the woman I always loved.

I know it's impossible for a person to be the same as nine years ago, but changing so drastically like this scares me a bit. Chiara changed somehow, but I know I can bring the old Chiara back.

The hours passed and Chiara woke up. As she had said, Helen returned after her appointment and I left, promising Chiara that I would come back later.

I tried to call Larissa, to find out if she had come back, but then I remembered that she told that man she had forgotten her phone at home. I went straight home, thinking about waiting for her there, but the hours passed and Larissa didn't show up.

The worry really started to arise. Did something happen to her? She had a purse, probably with money. Getting to the entrance of the city, she would have access to a taxi or bus. Why hadn't she shown up yet?

— Are you going to have dinner? Can I set the table? — Margarida asked, appearing in the room.

— Yes, you can, did Larissa give any news?

— No sir. Her phone rang several times during the day.

— Where is it?