Being fooled

Chapter five

The morning sun crept through the tall, sheer curtains of Lucia’s room, casting soft gold across the bedsheets. She blinked awake slowly, stretching her arms above her head. The events of the previous night, the mansion, the dinner, Lorenzo’s teasing lingered in her memory like a strange, vivid dream.

She sat up and noticed a neatly folded piece of paper on the bedside table. Curious, she reached for it.

Lucia,

I had to leave early for an urgent business trip. Out of the country. I’ll be back in a few days. In the meantime, make yourself comfortable. A doctor will come to check your ankle later. If you need anything, ask any of the staff.

– Lorenzo

Her lips tightened. “Out of the country already?” she muttered. The note didn’t feel cold, but it was distant. After the closeness they shared the night before, she’d expected… something else.

She got out of bed slowly, testing her foot. The sprain still throbbed faintly. She sighed and shuffled toward the large window, pulling it open slightly. The garden below was perfectly groomed, too perfect. Like everything in this mansion—beautiful, yes—but also intimidating.

Around noon, there was a knock at the door. A maid in a crisp gray uniform entered with a soft smile.

“Ma’am, Dr. Serena is here to check your ankle.”

Lucia gave a nod. “Alright. Send her in.”

Moments later, the doctor entered and Lucia wasn’t prepared for the woman who walked in.

Dr. Serena was stunning.

Lucia found herself drooling over her beauty

She had flawless mocha-toned skin, dark eyes framed with thick lashes, and a body sculpted like a fashion model—slim waist, wide hips, long legs. Her hair was pulled back in a sleek bun, and she wore a perfectly fitted designer coat over her medical scrubs, paired with heels that clicked sharply against the marble floor.

She didn’t smile. Instead, her eyes scanned Lucia in a way that was more judgmental than medical.

“So,” she said flatly, “you’re the new play thing.”

"Excuse you. What was that supposed to mean?" Lucia waved her ring.

“Right.” Serena pulled out a tablet, tapping something into it. “Sit down on the couch. Let’s look at your ankle.”

Lucia obeyed and watched silently as Serena knelt down and examined her foot. Her touch was rough, borderline careless, as she pressed against the sore area.

Lucia winced. “Ouch.”

“it's nothing too serious,” Serena replied coldly. “It’s not broken. Just sprained. I’ll give the staff a wrap and pain meds. You should be fine in a few days.”

Lucia looked at her closely. There was something beneath the surface of her words; ice, resentment.

“How long have you worked for Lorenzo?” she asked, trying to lighten the mood.

Serena didn’t look up. “Years. I’ve been his private physician. Among other things.”

Lucia raised an eyebrow. “Other things?”

Serena finally looked up, a smirk on her lips. “You know, you’re not his type.”

Lucia bites her lips.

“I’m just being honest. Lorenzo doesn’t usually go for wide-eyed, small-town girls. He likes bold. Sophisticated. Dangerous women. Women who know how to handle men like him.” Her gaze ran over Lucia again like she was dirt under a microscope. “Not charity cases.”

Lucia’s jaw tightened. “I didn’t ask for your opinion.”

“Oh, honey,” Serena said, standing up and folding her arms, “you’ll need it. Someone should prepare you for what’s coming.”

Lucia sat straighter. “And what’s coming?”

“Divorce,” Serena said bluntly. “Lorenzo never keeps a woman around too long. You’re just another flavor of the month.”

“You don’t know anything about me or this marriage.”

“Oh, but I do.” She leaned forward slightly. “He’s impulsive. He gets bored. One day it’s marriage, the next day it’s annulment. You think he loves you?” She laughed, cold and sharp. “Lorenzo doesn’t love. He plays. It’s what he does best.”

Lucia’s chest tightened, but she kept her face calm. “Sounds like you’re speaking from experience.”

Serena’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t flatter yourself. If I wanted Lorenzo, I could have had him a long time ago.”

“Then why didn’t you?”

A flicker of something crossed Serena’s face—hurt, regret, pride. She stepped back.

“Because I’m not stupid enough to fall for a man who doesn’t fall back. But you? You’re already halfway gone, aren’t you?”

Lucia didn’t reply.

Serena tossed her hair over her shoulder, scoffing. “Enjoy your little fairytale while it lasts. Just remember who warned you when it all comes crashing down.”

She picked up her bag and tablet, turned on her heel, and marched out the door without saying goodbye.

Lucia sat in silence.

Her ankle throbbed again, but this time it was drowned out by something deeper doubt.

Was Serena right? The dinner, the way he looked at her, the way her heart reacted when he smiled. And now, he was gone, and she was left here alone, in a mansion that felt colder than ever.

She stared out the window at the neatly trimmed garden.

Had she been foolish?