Upstairs

Chapter 29 I

Bruno’s POV

I woke up today with an unusual excitement inside me.

It felt strange… unfamiliar.

For years, waking up had always felt heavy, like something was missing. But today was different. I felt light, almost at peace. I couldn’t remember the last time I had slept so well.

Then I realized why.

Martina.

Even in my dreams, I saw her face. The way she looked last night, her soft breathing, the peaceful expression on her face while she slept—it all stayed with me.

I let out a quiet breath and stared at the ceiling.

I can’t believe I’ve missed her this much.

The memories of our college days suddenly came rushing back. Those were the best times of my life. Back then, everything felt simple. Being with her felt natural, like I didn’t have to try so hard to be happy.

And for the past five years… those memories were all I had left.

I lived with them.

Held on to them.

Even when I tried to move on, I couldn’t.

Seeing her again, being close to her last night after all these years… it felt like something inside me finally settled.

Like I found something I had lost for too long.

But I know I shouldn’t think like that.

I closed my eyes briefly and sighed.

I just hope she doesn’t remember that I took her home last night when she wakes up.

It’s better that way.

If she remembers, things might get complicated. And the last thing I want is to make her uncomfortable… or worse, push her further away.

I got out of bed and headed straight to the bathroom.

The cold water helped clear my head a little, but it didn’t take Martina out of my thoughts. Nothing seemed to.

After my bath, I walked back into the room and went to my wardrobe. I picked out a simple shirt and a pair of sweatpants and put them on.

It was Saturday, and I didn’t plan on going anywhere today.

At least… that was the plan.

Once I was dressed, I left my room and went downstairs for breakfast.

“Good morning, sir,” my maid greeted with a slight bow.

I nodded with a small smile. “Good morning.”

“Your breakfast is served, sir.”

“Thank you.”

I sat down at the dining table and looked at the food in front of me. Toasted bread, eggs, and a cup of coffee. Simple, just how I liked it.

I picked up a slice of bread and was about to take a bite when the main door opened.

I didn’t need to look twice to know who it was.

Jeffery.

“Hey, Bruno,” he said casually as he walked in and took a seat opposite me. He turned to the maid. “Food, please.”

“Right away, sir,” she replied before walking off.

I shook my head slightly. “At this point, I think you should just start living here.”

“Oh really?” he said, pretending to stand up. “Let me go pack my bags then.”

“You’re not serious,” I replied, and we both laughed.

“Get yourself a girlfriend, man,” I added. “I already set up another blind date for you. And you must go this time.”

“Oh please,” he groaned. “Enough with these blind dates.”

The maid returned with his food and placed it in front of him. Without wasting any time, Jeffery started eating.

For a few minutes, we both focused on our food in silence.

Then suddenly, Jeffery stopped and looked at me with a frown.

I raised an eyebrow. “What’s with that face?”

“Why are you doing this to yourself, Bruno?” he asked.

I paused slightly. “I don’t understand what you mean.”

“You know exactly what I’m talking about,” he said. “Martina.”

I didn’t respond immediately.

“Why did you tell the caregiver not to let her know you were there?” he continued. “And you even bought her mother’s medication?”

I let out a small breath and leaned back slightly.

“I knew you’d bring this up,” I said with a faint smile. “You were too quiet about it last night.”

“This isn’t funny,” he said seriously. “You were staring at her the entire drive. I saw it. The way you looked at her… it’s obvious you still love her.”

His words hit harder than I expected.

But I kept my expression calm.

“I know,” I said quietly. “I know I still care about her.”

“Then why are you acting like this?” he asked. “Why hide everything?”

I looked down at my plate for a moment before speaking.

“Because I can’t be selfish,” I replied. “Things are different now. I already hurt her once. I can’t do that again.”

“But you’re hurting yourself instead,” he said.

I gave a small, dry smile. “I can handle that.”

He shook his head. “At least let her know you paid for her mother’s treatment.”

“No,” I said immediately. “I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“Because I know Martina,” I replied. “If she finds out, she’ll insist on paying everything back. And that will just make things more complicated.”

Jeffery stared at me for a few seconds, then sighed.

“You really know her that well, huh?”

“I do,” I said softly.

He didn’t say anything after that and went back to eating.

I watched him for a moment, then shook my head slightly.

He worries too much.

My phone suddenly rang on the table, breaking the silence.

I picked it up and saw the caller ID.

Mother.

My expression tightened slightly as I swiped to answer.

“Hello.”

“Come over to the house,” her voice came immediately. “Your father and I have something to discuss with you.”

I closed my eyes briefly.

Of course.

There’s always something.

“Okay,” I replied after a short pause.

“Make sure you’re here on time, Bruno,” she added firmly.

“I heard you, Mom. I’ll be there.”

The call ended.

I dropped the phone back on the table and exhaled slowly.

“Your mom?” Jeffery asked.

“Obviously,” I replied.

He smirked. “Good luck.”

I gave him a look. “Aren’t you coming with me?”

“Nope,” he said, standing up. “I actually have somewhere to be.”

I narrowed my eyes slightly. “Since when?”

He shrugged. “Since now. Remember that blind date you set up for me? I’ve decided to go.”

I laughed lightly. “I didn’t think you’d actually agree.”

“Well, miracles happen,” he said with a grin.

“Whatever,” I replied. “I’ll go alone.”

“That’s better,” he said, already heading upstairs.

I watched him go.

He even has a room in my house.

Shaking my head, I stood up from the table.

The peaceful morning I had earlier was already fading.

Seeing Martina last night… it gave me something I didn’t realize I needed.

But now—

Reality is back.

I turned and started walking upstairs.

If my parents called me over like this, then it’s definitely not going to be a simple conversation.

And somehow…

I have a feeling this day is about to get a lot more complicated.