Just a nightmare

The people's chatters drummed in my head, desperately trying to destroy every left working neuron in my brain. I opened my eyes only to be blinded by the lights of the enormous chandelier above my head. I blinked, confusion evident on my face. What happened? Was this some hallucination due to the shock my body experienced? I heard before that oxygen deprivation could cause a person to become disoriented and confused, but I never knew that I would start to imagine things.

''Luo, darling, are you fine?'' Next second there was a hand on my shoulder. I looked unbelievingly at my mother, whose face was painted with worry. ''Why don't you answer me?''

''I suppose I am. '' I whispered back. '' I need some fresh air.'' The sound of my heels could be heard on the cold marble floor as I was trying to find a quiet place to put my thoughts in order. My mother asked me to wait, but I ignored her. My head was a mess. Everything looked so real. The noises, the scents, the view and the taste of champagne lingering in my mouth. As if the hell I went through was just a nightmare.

But it wasn't. I stopped in front of a window near the auction hall and looked at my hands. My fingers weren't broken like just a few moments ago, and my wrists' bones didn't pierce my white skin due to being twisted. My kneecaps were alright too. The physical pain was no longer here. But I felt it deep down inside me, stamped in my bones, brain and soul. I might look fine, but I still felt how my tormentor disfigured my body, making me scream until I lost my voice, how it hurt until I begged for my death, how my heart beat rapidly and how breathing was misery.

I started to lose my balance, so I put my palm on the window, shaking my head trying to get rid of these thoughts. The cool feeling helped me calm down a little. After I was sure that my mask of tranquillity, elegance and nobility was safely put, I decided to go back to the hall. As much as I wanted to be somewhere far away, I couldn't escape that evening.

Tonight my father was giving a banquet to celebrate his lucrative business deal with Leonardo D'Arcangelo. They agreed to collide their businesses for common benefits, such as Leonardo having his signature casinos in my father's hotels. My dad was delighted because D'Arcangelo casinos were top-rated and profitable across the globe. Thanks to this, it was a huge opportunity for him to expand his power in the hotel industry.

However, there was this additional charity auction hosted by Leonardo in my family's mansion in Edinburgh. Not only had he been a casino mogul, but he also had a hobby of collecting rare goods. If my memory didn't betray me, the moment I travelled back was just after the last item of D'Arcangelo's collection was auctioned off. I think it was the Roman Empire armour. When I entered the hall, no one noticed my arrival. Everyone attention was on the man on the podium. My eyes narrowed dangerously, unable to cover the hatred pouring from my heart.

''Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your attendance today. My friend Shane McCarner and I are very grateful that you decided to participate in this charity auction. The money raised today will help build orphanages across Scotland and Italy, especially the region of Naples, whose economic condition is not on par with the north part of the country. Thank you for being generous and caring, and enjoy the rest of my dear friend's banquet.''

There was loud applause from the crowd, dressed in expensive brands, clothes and jewels. I was just standing unmoving, looking at him mockingly. What philanthropy, what care for humanity's wellbeing. Leonardo was such a hypocrite. But I didn't know it back then. When this event occurred for the first time, I was like the other people here. I thought he was such a caring person. I thought he was genuinely good. Later, I found out he did all this charitable bull*hit to mask his real self and activities. He was part of the Italian mafia, using the casinos for money laundering. How broad his real business is was unknown to me. But he had far more power and connections in the underworld than legal ones.

I looked at my father sitting on the first table in front of the podium. Did he have any idea? I supposed no because my dad was a morally upright person. He would never do business with the mafia.

''Luo, are you feeling better now? You look pale.'' I smiled at my mother's caring expression and tried to pacify her.

''Don't worry. I was just a little bit dizzy. Everything is ok now.'' The look in her eyes was distrustful, but she stopped asking and let me be. After all, she was the hostess of the event and had to make sure that everything went smoothly. Moreover, I was old enough to assess my condition and decide if I needed to be excused and go to my room.

However, there was a reason I didn't want to. I saw Leonardo, but I didn't see that woman. She was here lurking among other socialites keeping an eye on him. Before the night ended, I wanted to see her hateful face once again. Part of me was curious whether I really was so stupid in the past not to notice anything suspicious about her. While looking for her, I entered a room near the hall, which was empty and quiet. After I noticed the couch, I felt drained and needed to sit for a second. Just as I relaxed my body on it, another person came in. My eyes shot open, and unhidden surprise formed on my face.

''I thought I would be alone here.'' His voice was mellow like old Scottish whiskey with a hint of chocolate. My arms formed fists. Why was this that he had spoken to me every time I felt like feathers are caressing my skin? That wasn't very pleasant. I hated it.

''The same goes for me. As you know, the principle is first come, first served, so now get out of here.'' His eyes widened from my surprisingly rude words, and for good five seconds, he was at a loss. After that, his lips curled into a smile.

''Interesting. Until a few days ago, you were following me everywhere like a loyal puppy but now? You bark as I stepped on your tail.'' He didn't take me seriously, judging by his joking tone. Anger boiled inside my chest. I wanted to scream and curse him to go to hell and never come back. I wanted to slap his damn beautiful face. And maybe to gouge his blue eyes from their orbit. I took a deep breath. I did none of it. I just closed my eyes and totally ignored him. He didn't deserve my attention.

''Don't bother me.'' That was the last I told him. His brow was sarcastically raised, but I didn't want this conversation to continue. I was gathering strength for his lover not long after I heard her disgusting voice.

''Leo, darling, what are you doing here with her?'' I gripped the handle of the couch, mentally preparing to see the person who ordered my murder. Hmm, how should I repay this evilness?