All Chapters of Tangled by lies : Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

~21~CHIARA I cleared my throat. "Is this the part where you're going to take me to your secret restaurant just to brag about it?" I asked, walking side by side with him.He chuckled, his hands sinking deeper in his pockets. His usual posture, I noticed. "As lovely as that would've been, no. I don't own any restaurant in Varenna. But now that I think about it, it will be a good investment." He replied, taking a corner, and I followed.Thankfully, it wasn't a vacation period, or these beautiful and colorful streets would've been flocked with tourists, buzzing around. No offense, but I couldn't stand people going here and there like bees jumping from one flower to another. Or you could just say I hated people in general if you still couldn't tell yet.We climbed up a number of stone steps. The streets were busy with people's noises over lunch and their clicking glasses with wine. Some were even singing in the local language. Beautiful melodies that covered you like a warm blanket. Unli

~23~CHIARA “Are you kidding me?” He said, turning slightly to me, causing our cheeks to graze each other. I quickly faced forward, “Do I look like I’m the one laughing to you? And you said so yourself… I'm shameless.” His steps paused, “You need to walk, and I need to catch my breath. The shoe shop is just right over there.” He pointed. But it went in through one ear and out through the other.“You just want me to keep carrying you, right?” he nudged me. “I’m just tired of walking, okay? And you are the one who brought me here.” I finally said. “So it is my fault? How are you gonna pay me for this?” He asked. I knew he was going to hound me for this. “Take it as a charity. Do it for the love of God.” I said calmly. He threw his head back laughing and continued walking. While I bit my lower lip to stop myself from joining him. It was freaking natural and contagious.We stopped by the shop, and he bought me flip-flops. Of course, I complained about the damn choice but ended up wearin

~25~CHIARA Lake Como trip was fucked up, but not as fucked as it came to an end. I was returning home with a new victory to boast about. Relieved with a newfound friendship that we had formed between me and Carmelo. At least my time away from my gallery was worth it. The gates slid to the side, and the driver drove us in.CC: Promise me you won't drink alone. I'll be in Milan for a while, so just tell me.Me: PromiseNo way in hell had I thought I'd be chatting in leisure with the man either. But here I was, grinning like a fool as I exchanged texts with him. Turned out he could be tolerable. I slapped a hand on my face hard, shocking the driver who dared not ask a question.I couldn't get carried away by these stupid feelings that were built in one day. How could I forget that I was using him without remorse? I shoved the phone back in the bag and sat straight as the car pulled over at the entrance.The moment I stepped down, a guard and a maid came over. Without a word, the maid t

~27~ChiaraGunshots! Gunshots everywhere!I sat abruptly. My eyes opened wide as I took in my surroundings, groaning with my throbbing head. I was in an unrecognizable room. My breaths faltered and my heart was racing as footsteps approached what I’d collected in a short time… was a washroom.I heedlessly reached for the flower vase on the night stand and held it ready. The moment the person came out… I flung the vase. Just in time for him to move back an inch. The vase smashed against the wall instead and scattered down. Thunders roared outside and the rain poured harder.“Whoa! Sweetie, calm down.” Carmelo said, raising both of his hands up. My eyes narrowed at him, “Why the fuck am I here with you?” I asked, reaching for something else inside the nightstand. He eyed the gun in my hand before meeting up with my gaze. “Yeah, we don’t have to go down that road. Just listen to me first.” He said.I groaned, feeling a shooting pain that had me shut my eyes. I shook my head and aimed at

~29~Chiara20 years ago….I opened the door and sat in before strapping the seatbelt. “You did well.” Antonio said to me before pressing a button on his handphone. At least, I didn’t have to slit anybody’s throat today.I had just let out a breath of relief when suddenly a scary blowing sound came from behind us. I could feel the heat and the flames at the corners of my eyes as we all got shoved ahead at the impact.My eyes widened up and I quickly turned behind, only to find out it was the car I’d been to just a few seconds ago.It was lit with a raging fire while the four good uncles who gave me candy were screaming on top of their lungs. The fire was burning them alive. Until their voices died down.“Go! What are you waiting for?” Antonio barked at the driver. Tears left my eyes. My body trembled as I pressed the candy in my pocket, watching the fire I caused as our car raced away.****Back to the present…“Chiara! Chiara, wake up!” My body was shaking. “Shit! Chiara!” My eyes sh