CHARLOTTEThe following weeks were a whirlwind of activities, mainly focused on renovating the house and interviewing new staff. Initially, I had decided not to be involved in the selection process, but Maria insisted on consulting me about everything. So, this morning, we found ourselves sitting in the study with a group of applicants waiting in the hallway.Setting up seating arrangements for the fifteen candidates who had applied for the position was a challenge, but we managed to get it done. Amidst the chaos, the handymen Maria had hired to fix the wall called to reschedule, and she was visibly miffed about it."Think about it like this," I whispered as I rocked our chairs gently. "It would've been terrible to interview in such a noisy environment."“But still, we needed to get it done today.” Her face morphed into a frown. “I could find a different firm to handle it.”“Didn’t you say they were the best you knew?”“Yes, but I’m sure there are others equally capable,” she answere
CHARLOTTEThe morning I left Milan had been unusually cold, and the air smelled a little different. I asked Maria if she noticed it, but she answered by saying that she didn't feel anything unusual. I sneezed as we got into the car, and she suggested that we go back and reschedule if I wasn't feeling well."It's alright, Maria," I said with a thin smile.The drive to the airport was filled with conversations between her and the driver, Luigi. I could tell they had a rapport from prior conversations as they discussed a place I wasn't familiar with. I listened to their exchange, grateful for the distraction from the thought of leaving Maria all alone.I tried to dismiss her, but as I boarded the plane, I couldn't deny that I felt a little different. Maria had accompanied me to the airport, and the new driver had made a good impression by getting us there in record time. We had some time to talk while we waited, enjoying breakfast together in a restaurant. When it was time to board, we s
ROGERIOIt had been a few weeks since I had seen Charlotte. I wasn’t necessarily keeping count, but the conversation with Maria replayed in my mind occasionally. This morning, it was louder than ever, making me feel uneasy. Elena hadn’t mentioned anything about going to the estate. I couldn’t decide if it was because of the wedding preparations, but we have had conversations about a lot of things since she returned. She spent most of the time at her family’s estate and came over when she needed to.I had no problems with the arrangement; it meant I had my space to myself. I needed time alone these days; everything left me feeling irked or annoyed, like something was missing. I tried to shake off the feeling and considered the possibility of Maria lying, but shook my head slowly.“What would she stand to gain from that?” I muttered and stared at the clock on the wall. I had come to the office to complete some work for a potential investor, but they had rescheduled, thankfully. I was in
CharlotteI was in Newark, at least that’s what the brochure in my hands indicated. It felt great to be somewhere new. The uneasy feeling that enveloped me earlier in the day and throughout the ride had dissipated, and I felt a little more like myself again.I looked around the airport, watching as people rushed to their destinations. Others, not in a hurry, huddled in small groups, discussing in hushed tones, or passed the time reading a book or sipping coffee. In the corner, a child was throwing a tantrum, and I felt a twinge of sympathy for their visibly distressed parent.Only a little, because well, I don’t know much about parenting, but I’m sure having to deal with different emotions from your ward comes with the job description. I moved my gaze from the scene and scanned the room with my eyes.A few moments later, I found my target: an empty seat. After the uncomfortable flight I just had, I was in no mood to put myself in a position that required a conversation with another pe
CHARLOTTEI opened my eyes the next morning, a few minutes before the alarm went off and the memories of the previous night danced through my mind. I smiled wistfully, content with the decision I had made, but still feeling like I had lost something.I tried to shake it off and focus on the fact that I had given myself quite the experience. I turned off the alarm and got out of bed. I looked around the hotel room and realized that I had forgotten to check for cameras or get an extra lock for the door.“Need to make better decisions,” I muttered, eyeing the room’s disarray, a reflection of my current state of life.It wasn’t terrible, but I had a flair for the dramatic. Clothes were strewn about, my notepad upside down—it all amplified my self-criticism. I had to remind myself that this wasn’t Milan; littering didn’t mean I was stressing the person cleaning up after me. This time, I had to take care of my mess. It felt good and terrifying at the same time.I clicked my tongue against t
In the Halls of RemembranceCHARLOTTEThe scene shifted abruptly. One moment I was on a plane, anticipating my destination, and the next, I found myself standing in the old apartment I had lived in with my parents as a child. My mouth felt dry, and a metallic taste lingered on my tongue, preluding an overwhelming sense of dread.This was a different dream—a very unfamiliar one. I had been plagued with dreams about Rogerio and me a few weeks before our divorce and a few weeks after we had concluded the separation, so I knew this had nothing to do with him.I looked around for signs of any other person, but it was eerily silent. The walls were painted pale pink and adorned with a rainbow on one side. I searched my mind for hints regarding the direction of this entire experience, but for the first time in a very long time, my mind was silent. I was used to thoughts bouncing all over the place as I struggled to keep them in check, so I wasn’t sure how to respond to a quiet mind.The feeli
CHARLOTTE“I’m sorry, you were crying in your sleep,” he uttered as I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. “Are you alright?”My eyes darted to and fro as I tried to remember where I was. The sound of the plane’s engine hummed in the distance as I realized what had happened. While I was having what seemed to be one of the worst times of my life, he was watching it happen in real time. I looked around, wondering if anyone else was watching this, but thankfully, they were lost in their worlds.I turned my attention back to the man on his knees. “Please stand up,” I said, but he ignored me and watched me curiously.“Do I need to get the medic?” he asked.“Oh, no. I’m fine; I just need to catch a minute,” I replied, closing my eyes for a moment.“You’re sure?” he asked, and I opened them and turned to look at him. I nodded in response and wiped the tears off my face. I looked around for the tote bag I had carried with me and found it on the floor. Some of the contents had spilled out in fron
CHARLOTTE“Looks like nature delights in letting us cross paths,” a familiar voice said behind me. I turned around and locked gazes with Thiago.“That’s such a poetic way to say it,” I replied as a smile formed at the corners of my lips before turning away. I had just gotten off the plane and was trying to stop a taxi to take me to the hotel.“You think so?” he inquired as some men picked up his luggage and walked towards a black SUV. I resisted the urge to ask why he had people following him around and decided to focus on getting to a nice hotel room.The last thing I needed was a conversation I was trying to avoid, but I turned around and chuckled. “No. I think it’s corny.”He chuckled in response and stepped in front of me, hailing an oncoming taxi. “I would’ve offered you a ride, but I don’t think you’d like that.”“You’re right about that,” I wanted to say, but stopped myself before the thought formed words. “We might be going in different directions too,” I said instead.“I trie
CHARLOTTEThe party had gone according to plan; everyone had a great time, and I was delighted to have pulled it off despite my initial doubts. It felt like, for the first time in a long while, something had gone according to plan without any hitches, and I was delighted to be part of it.As people filed out of the establishment, I settled into my office chair, sipping wine straight from the bottle. It felt like a small reward for a job well done. However, by the time I reached my second bottle, I knew leaving the office without stumbling over objects, or even people, was becoming increasingly unlikely.I giggled at the thought of falling over things, but knew it would be a terrible sight for everyone involved to watch their new manager embarrass herself because she couldn’t hold her alcohol. That was why I had stuck to drinking only a few glasses while the party was in full swing. Now that I was certain everyone had enjoyed themselves, it was time for my little celebration.When I le
ROGERIOThe wind blew debris across the estate as I stepped out of the front door. I watched the gardener and another worker dash toward the trash bins, trying to gather the scattered pieces and secure them. Climbing into the car, I glanced back at the house one last time.Maria’s response lingered in my mind as the vehicle hummed to life. The driver guided us through the gates and into the bustling city center, a blur of movement and noise. My visit to Maria had been a dead end; she was hell-bent on keeping Charlotte’s whereabouts from me, and for good reason.I was certain Maria knew exactly where Charlotte was staying, but she’d made the same calculations I had. My confession hadn’t helped my case.I’d assumed that being honest with her would make her see reason, that she might even try to help me out of this impossible situation. But hope, as I’ve learned, is a fickle emotion— present one moment, gone the next. As soon as she started laughing, I knew I’d lost the fight completely.
ELENARogerio’s approach to planning the wedding had finally pushed me to the wall, so I decided to call his mother. My family had spent the last few weeks reminding me that I’d thrown away my chances with the Thuthai family the first time, and I had to ensure the wedding happened this time. They didn’t care if I had to grovel or beg to become the next Signora Thuthai; they simply wanted me to do whatever it took to get it done.I knew calling his mom was a power move. She wouldn’t entertain the flimsy excuses Rogerio had been giving me for not picking a date, and he’d be forced to do whatever she said. As I sat at my vanity table, doing my makeup for the dinner Rogerio and I were supposed to have tonight, I wondered if he’d detest me even more than he already did - or if he’d understand that I’d done what needed to be done.The door creaked open, and a head full of red hair peeked through. I blinked, confused. I’d been expecting my assistant and had already prepared a speech to addre
ROGERIO“Hello, Rogerio,” the voice rang through the speaker, and my eyes flew open as I recognized who the speaker was. My mother rarely called. She was prone to making unannounced visits; a call meant that she had grown weary of the situation but couldn’t be bothered enough to make a trip.If it was important enough for her to make a call, there were two things attached to it. One, it needed to be urgently resolved. Two, she wouldn’t want to have the conversation again. I sat up and glanced around the room.I had taken the day off to schedule a meeting with Thiago, but he rescheduled, and I went home. It was a strange decision, an impulsive one, but I did it. The alternative was to go back to the office, then prepare for dinner with Elena, but I chose peace and quiet.“Hello, Mother, how’re you doing?” I replied and closed my eyes as she cleared her throat.“Were you asleep?” she asked, and I arched an eyebrow.“Why? You sound surprised,” I answered, trying to steady my nerves. I co
CHARLOTTEWe spent the rest of the day shopping, and what I thought would be a tedious spree turned out to be unexpectedly delightful. It gave me a glimpse of Thiago in a completely different light. I’d seen him in many shades, commanding with his security personnel, thoughtful and kind, calm yet simmering with intensity. But this carefree, lighthearted side of him was new.He had Sonia and the other guards keep a respectful distance as we moved between stores, selecting outfits. Thiago would try on clothing, examine himself in the mirror, and eagerly ask for my feedback. I knew he valued honesty, so I gave it without hesitation.If something looked good, I told him; if it didn’t, I suggested a different color or style. He did the same when I modeled my picks, though it took me a little while to loosen up enough to show him.Each time I tried on a dress, skirt, or blouse, he offered playful yet sincere critiques that eased my nerves. By the end of the day, I was laughing at his exagge
CHARLOTTE“I can’t take the job,” I said as soon as I stepped into the office. Thiago raised his head to meet my gaze and broke into a grin.“I knew you’d come,” he replied, standing up. “Sit. How are you feeling?”“I’m exhausted, and it’s not the type that comes from physical exertion. I can’t explain it, but I’m genuinely tired of everything,” I answered, sitting down.He returned to his seat and watched my expression for a moment before speaking.“I can’t say I understand how you feel, but I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed by situations, especially those beyond our control. But I think you should take the job.”“Why? I don’t have any experience. I don’t know what it’s like to run a business, and I don’t have a degree that would give me the foundation to pull it off either. What’s the point?” I replied, throwing my hands up in frustration.When we left the apartment, Sonia had tried to convince me to take the job. I had been considering it during the ride here, but when I st
CHARLOTTEMy eyes flew open when I heard a knock on the door, and I realized that I had fallen asleep on the couch. The empty bottle of wine lay on the floor next to my feet, and my head throbbed as the events of the previous night flashed through my mind. “Come in,” I called out, and the door opened.Two guards stepped into the room, carrying a large frame covered with a white film. I immediately sat up as they looked around, trying to figure out where to place it. Sonia walked into the room and pointed to a corner; they made their way there and carefully placed the frame on the floor before leaving as quietly as they had come in.“Good morning, Signora,” Sonia muttered, her eyes glancing around the room and resting on the bottle. “You look pale,” she added, and I clicked my tongue against the roof of my mouth.“Hello, Sonia. You look like you’ve come to make my life a living hell,” I replied, and she laughed.“You only think that because you’ve been drinking again— a little too much
CHARLOTTEI walked towards the elevator with slow, steady steps. The evening had ended on a calm note, and I was happy to be alone with my thoughts. The last thing I needed was a conversation with Sonia, or anyone else in particular.I simply wanted to walk into the apartment, take off my dress, and get into bed. I pressed the button on the wall, and the elevator doors slid open. As I stepped inside, I heard someone call my name and turned around to see Thiago walking towards me.I resisted the urge to groan and held the doors until he reached where I stood. I was just celebrating not having to talk to anyone, only to have the one person I absolutely had to talk to walk up to me.“I thought you had left,” I said as he stepped into the elevator.“Yes, but we had to turn around. I left something important in one of the apartments, and…” He reached into his pocket. “I wanted to give you this,” he finished, handing me a small black box.“What is it?” I asked, staring at the box intently.
CHARLOTTE“You don’t have to go there, you know. I know a…” he started to say as I stared at the card in my hand. It was a black business card that had an address and Tiana’s name printed on the back.“Where is this?” I asked, studying the card curiously.“It’s Tiana’s favorite restaurant, one of her favorites to be fair,” he answered, and I smiled. “Don’t pay her any attention; she’s a nosy brat,” he said with feigned annoyance, and I chuckled because I could tell that, as much as he acted like he didn’t want her in his business, it wasn’t hard to see that he still adored her.“I want to go. I like your cousin,” I said, running my fingers across the edge of the card.“I was afraid you’d say that,” he replied and shook his head. “She’d be delighted to hear that. I have to warn you, though. When Tee sets her mind on something, she doesn’t stop till she’s achieved it.”I turned to him and arched an eyebrow. “What could she possibly have her mind set on by offering me a card to one of he