An unbearable pain invaded Antonella’s head. Blood stained her forehead as Dominique pressed a napkin against the wound to stop the bleeding.
“We’re going to the hospital,” she said, holding Antonella’s arm, intending to take her for medical care, but Antonella was resolute.
“You’re asking to lose this job, Dominique,” she said, forcing her to stop and look into her eyes. “You need to focus on convincing your boss to drop this crazy idea of finding out where we live.”
Dominique rolled her eyes and felt she was about to lose her patience with Antonella’s stubbornness.
“Do you really think anyone can convince Benjamim of anything?” She let out a smile that left Antonella confused. “That man is authoritarian and gets whatever he wants. What I can do is go back to my old house and convince him that the two of us are livin
Benjamim thought that there was a fifty percent chance of him arguing with Antonella that day.He went back to the bedroom, with Fred heeling him. He showed agitation, as if he wanted to say something. After what Benjamim had done, standing up to the governor, anyone would want to ask him why he had been so bold.Benjamim went straight to bed, feeling weak, as if he could faint at any moment. He didn’t see when Antonella entered the room, furious and walking toward him, ready to demand an explanation.The fifty percent chance had ended right there.“Where is Dante?” Benjamim heard her voice, but he couldn’t look her in the eyes. “What did you say to him?”“You’re quite interested in the governor,” he said, suddenly leaving her in a bad mood. “I have no idea where he went.”“You should stop with these insinuations,” Antonella continued, gesturing. “And stop meddling in my life. Whether I’m seeing Dante or not, that’s my business.”Those words paralyzed him. He had intended to lie down
Benjamim rose slowly to avoid waking Adam, who seemed to be sleeping so peacefully that he felt bad about disturbing the boy. He should have been in his room, waiting for the doctor’s morning visit, but instead, he was there, ready to go after Antonella once again.He was still pondering where he should start looking for her when he encountered the doctor walking down the hallway.“What are you doing here, Benjamim?” the doctor asked, astonished. “You should be resting. You’ve just had a delicate surgery.”“I’m aware,” he said, as if dismissing the doctor’s words while continuing to search for Antonella with his eyes. “I needed to see Adam and know how he was.”“Now you’re the one who needs care,” the doctor said, approaching him. “Come, I’ll take you back to your room.”“I can manage on my own,” he said, staring at him seriously.The doctor nodded, seeming both impressed and reluctant to offer more help. He stepped back, not contesting, and simply watched Benjamim walk past him, head
Enrico checked his watch, realizing it was getting late. Aside from keeping Benjamim company and irritating him, though he claimed it didn’t, this wasn’t helping him worry less about Adam.Enrico knew he should remain calm and positive, but waiting for news was too much. The same went for Benjamim.He slowly got up when Enrico rushed to help him.“Take it easy,” Enrico said, noticing him getting restless. “Where do you want to go?”“To see Adam.” His voice was breathless. “I can’t stand waiting here for news any longer.”“Shall I remind you that you’ve just had surgery and are still under the effects of anesthesia?”“Don’t be such a grumpy old man, Enrico,” he said, clicking his tongue. “I know you want to go see him too. You’re just afraid of Antonella.”Enrico muttered to himself as he stepped away, irritated by Benjamim’s conclusion.“Stop talking nonsense.” His voice was like a rough and annoying tear. “I avoid fighting with her for Adam’s sake.”It was clear that everyone would u
The late afternoon sun sneaked through the cracks of the open windows, making way for the icy wind of the approaching night. The sky signaled that a storm was coming. Benjamim realized this as he turned his head to look outside. He couldn’t stand seeing Antonella beside the governor.“Are you okay?” Dante’s voice broke his reverie, and it was the last voice he wanted to hear.It took him a while to turn and look at him. It required a massive effort not to show how much the governor’s presence irritated him. He cleared his throat, thought about what to say, swallowed all the offensive words that came to his mind, and said:“Would you mind leaving me alone with the mother of my child?” Those words were deliberate and hit the mark. “I appreciate the illustrious visit of the governor, but I need to be alone with Antonella.”Benjamim watched Antonella lower her head, her face turning red. She was embarrassed, but she didn’t say anything, though she understood his intentions perfectly well.
The surgery had already been going on for about two hours, and Antonella couldn’t keep still for even a moment. She saw Carlota arrive rushing; her face pale as she sought news about Benjamim.But there was no news.She found herself surrounded by people her heart had once rejected. Enrico, sitting directly in front of her, had his eyes closed as if praying for a miracle. It was strange to see him like this, appearing as a loving man concerned about someone. She realized then that she had a distorted view of her father. She had always seen him as a grumpy old man who took out all his frustrations on her.Not only that, but she looked at Carlota, who was snapping her fingers nonstop. The very woman who had kicked her out of the company to see her as a threat was now giving her support. Yet, she still felt withdrawn and suspicious of them. Neither of the two seemed trustworthy.She looked at Carmella and Dominique, seated just ahead; they were the only ones who deserved consideration. T
“What do you think you’re doing?” Alessia was banging on the car window and desperately trying to open the door while the car was moving. “Do you want to be arrested again, accused of kidnapping?”“I’m just following Mr. Benjamim’s orders.” Fred looked at her through the rearview mirror, making no effort to hide his satisfaction at seeing her in such a situation.“What makes you think I’ll believe anything you say?”“Isn’t it obvious?” he asked before continuing. “I’m driving his car. When will you realize that Benjamim can’t stand you anymore?”Alessia shrugged. She concluded that he was only saying that to provoke her and hurt her as part of some wicked revenge plan. She refused to believe that Benjamim had anything to do with this situation.“Stop pretending you know me,” she shouted at him, but Fred remained unfazed. “You have no idea what I’m capable of.”A small laugh escaped his lips, showing his disdain for her words. It was clear how much Fred was enjoying himself. Yet, he ha