Next Day
The sun was already filtering through the drawn curtains, flooding the room with a soft, golden light. Yet inside, everything remained silent. Lying in the middle of the crumpled sheets, Chloé was still fast asleep. Her hair scattered across the pillow, her lips slightly parted, she looked like a princess exhausted after the storm.
Standing near the bed, Lorenzo stared at her, his arms crossed, his gaze dark yet tender. He hadn't slept a wink all night. Too many thoughts, too much fear of losing her. He watched her breathe as if every breath belonged to him, unable to look away. But suddenly, the bedroom door creaked softly. The sound shattered the silence. Lorenzo turned around, his eyebrows furrowed, ready to explode. His eyes met Carlos's, who was holding a breakfast tray.
**Carlos** *(surprised)*
_ What the hell are you doing here? Didn't you go home yesterday or what?
**Lorenzo** *(deep, cold voice)*
_ And you, by what right do you enter Chloé's room without knocking? Didn't you understand yesterday when I told you to stay away from her?
His eyes darkened immediately. You could feel jealousy burning through his veins. His fists clenched, his jaw tightened, ready to snap. Carlos, however, remained unfazed, a faint smirk on the corner of his lips. He walked into the room as if nothing were wrong, calmly set the tray down on the sofa, then turned to face Lorenzo.
**Carlos** *(in an imposing tone)*
_ If you've got problems with your girl, you settle them outside. But here, you're in my house. So get lost before I...
He didn't have time to finish his sentence. In a flash, Lorenzo lunged at him. His hands slammed brutally around Carlos's neck, pinning him against the wall. The dull thud made the room shake.
**Lorenzo** *(eyes red with rage)*
_ I see right through you, you hypocrite. You think I don't know you like my girl?! I swear to you, if I catch you hanging around her again, you won't even have time to understand what's happening to you. This is the last time I'm warning you. Next time, I'll destroy you.
**Carlos** *(choking, furious)*
_ Let... go... damn it... let me go!
Lorenzo finally released him with a rough shove. Carlos collapsed slightly, coughing loudly, gasping for breath. At that exact moment, a slight movement on the bed caught Lorenzo's attention.
Chloé had just woken up. Still half-lost in a haze, she blinked, confused, her hair a messy tangle. Her tired eyes fell on the two guys in front of her—one standing with a dark glare, the other bent double, wheezing.
**Chloé** *(feebly, her voice sleepy)*
_ What is going on here?
Lorenzo turned around immediately. Hearing her voice, all his anger evaporated as if it had never existed. He quickly approached the bed and sat down beside her, trying to reassure her with his eyes, even though he was still agitated inside.
**Lorenzo** *(in a soft but nervous voice)*
_ Nothing's going on, sweetheart... it's nothing, go back to sleep.
Carlos, still flushed with anger, slowly straightened up. He shot a murderous look at Lorenzo before turning to Chloé.
**Carlos** *(bitter, his tone sharp)*
_ What's going on is that your man is a psycho, Chloé. Frankly, I don't know what you see in him.
Without waiting for an answer, he left the room, slamming the door behind him.
A heavy silence fell over the bedroom once more. Chloé, now wide awake, leaned back against the pillows. Her gaze met Lorenzo's—cold and questioning.
**Chloé** *(calm but furious)*
_ What did you do to Carlos, Lorenzo?
Lorenzo, trying his best to contain the anger burning in his gut, slowly stood up from the edge of the bed. His jaw clenched, his gaze darkened, but his voice remained strangely calm.
**Chloé** *(insisting)*
_ Answer me, Lorenzo. Why did Carlos react like that?
**Lorenzo** *(calm but grave)*
_ What is going on between you and that guy?
Chloé immediately furrowed her brows, completely caught off guard by the question. Her eyes widened for a split second before a smirk of anger hardened her face.
**Chloé** *(surprised)*
_ What kind of question is that? What are you implying?
**Lorenzo** *(calmly, but coldly)*
_ Nothing at all. I'm not accusing you of anything, Chloé, but I don't like the way that guy looks at you, or the way he takes an interest in you. Besides, it's decided: we are leaving this house right now. We're going home.
**Chloé** *(firmly, her tone sharp)*
_ You don't give me orders, Lorenzo. Whether I leave or stay here is for me to decide. So stop dictating what I should do, you get it?
Lorenzo stared at her for a long moment, clenching his teeth, trying to calm down. Despite his anger, something in Chloé's eyes disarmed him. Her eyes, even when furious, still shone with that same love that drove him crazy.
**Lorenzo** *(inner voice)*
_ I'll let you speak to me in that tone as long as you keep looking at me with those eyes. Those eyes that shine with love, even when you're angry.
**Chloé** *(coldly)*
_ Now, get out of my room.
**Lorenzo** *(calm but firm)*
_ I told you we're going home, Chloé. Stop being stubborn and go get ready. I'll...
**Chloé** *(suddenly screaming)*
_ GET OUT OF HERE, GET LOSS!
**Lorenzo** *(surprised, eyes wide)*
_ Why are you screaming? I just wanted to...
He didn't have time to finish his sentence. Chloé grabbed a pillow and threw it at him, then a second one, tears starting to well up in her eyes.
**Chloé** *(crying, her voice broken)*
_ Get out of my room before I lose it! Come on, get out!
**Lorenzo** *(dumbfounded, raising his hands)*
_ Okay, okay, fine, calm down... I'm leaving. But I'm warning you, I'll be waiting outside. If you don't come down, I'm coming back up to get you myself.
**Chloé** *(screaming, shaking)*
_ Out! Get out of here, you bastard!
Lorenzo stood frozen for a second, his heart heavy, before turning on his heel. He left the room without another word, slamming the door behind him. On the other side, Chloé burst into sobs, her trembling hands tightly clutching her pillow.
**Chloé** *(whispering between tears)*
_ I just want to cry my eyes out... Dad, I miss you so much...
She curled up on the bed, burying her face in the sheets. Her tears flowed without her really understanding why: sadness, anger, exhaustion... maybe a little bit of everything.
Downstairs in the living room, Carlos was sitting on the sofa, his gaze blank, his features tense. When he heard Lorenzo's heavy footsteps coming down the stairs, he looked up. Lorenzo walked right past him without a word, without even a glance, violently threw open the front door, and stormed out, slamming it shut with rage.
**Carlos** *(low voice, through his teeth)*
_ Who does that guy think he is?
His fingers trembled slightly. He grabbed his phone, pulled it out of his pocket, and quickly dialed a number. A few seconds later, a male voice answered.
**Voice**
_ Did you get the girl?
**Carlos** *(grave voice)*
_ Not yet. And I think it's going to be more complicated than expected.
**Voice**
_ What are you talking about? You know we don't have much time left.
**Carlos** *(calmly)*
_ I know, but it's not my fault. She's not as naive as I thought. And the worst part is her husband. The guy is on edge and he has no intention of letting her out of his sight. If they make up, it's over, I won't be able to do anything.
**Voice** *(annoyed)*
_ What?! With that guy around, it's dead. I'm going to have to talk to the boss lady. We need to act fast.
**Carlos** *(curious)*
_ And what does "act fast" mean?
**Voice** *(coldly)*
_ Don't ask questions. Just do what you're being paid for. Get close to her, by any means necessary.
**Carlos** *(irritated)*
_ But she's on the defensive! She barely notices me, she won't even let me touch her and...
**Voice** *(contemptuous)*
_ You're truly useless, Carlos.
**Carlos** *(furious)*
_ You...
*Beep... beep... beep.*
The call had been cut off. Carlos remained motionless for a moment, his jaw clenched, before violently throwing the phone to the floor. The impact made the coffee table shake.
At that moment, Valentina appeared in the living room, still dressed in her nightgown, her hair disheveled. She walked forward yawning, then sat down nonchalantly on the sofa opposite him.
**Valentina** *(yawning)*
_ Morning... what's wrong with you? Why the zombie face?
**Carlos** *(with a dark look, in a curious tone)*
_ Tell me instead... what exactly do you know about that guy? The one who claims to be Chloé's husband.
**Valentina** *(sighing)*
_ Well, he *is* her husband, actually. I don't know why Chloé made you believe she was single, but she lied to you, sweetie. She's been married to Lorenzo for five months already.
**Carlos** *(calmly, holding back his anger)*
_ Then why is she living here at your place instead of being with him?
**Valentina** *(shrugging)*
_ Apparently, they're fighting. Chloé won't tell me why, and frankly, I don't feel like snooping. It's their business, not mine.
**Carlos** *(grave voice, eyes narrowing)*
_ And if Chloé doesn't love him anymore... then why does he come here playing the tough guy?
**Valentina** *(calmly, a small smile on her lips)*
_ Who told you she doesn't love her husband? Seriously, Carlos, I advise you to stay far away from this mess. And above all, wrap up your little heart before it gets attached to Chloé, because believe me, she is crazy about her bad boy. Plus, you're not even her type, I know her tastes by heart.
Carlos stared at her, his eyes bloodshot, his jaw tight.
**Carlos** *(through clenched teeth)*
_ Are you insulting me?
**Valentina** *(mocking, shrugging)*
_ No, sorry, but it's the truth. Someone had to tell you. Anyway, I want us to go out tonight, I spotted a new nightclub, and I want us to go with...
She didn't have time to finish her sentence. Her gaze suddenly landed on Chloé, who was slowly walking down the stairs.
She was wearing a big beige sweater and slightly oversized boyfriend jeans. Her loose hair fell in a mess over her shoulders. Exhaustion was written all over her face, but there was also a certain determination in her eyes.
**Valentina** *(smiling)*
_ Hey sweetie! I was just talking about the plan for tonight. Come over, I want us to go to a club, just to clear your head...
**Chloé** *(calmly, without hesitation)*
_ Val... I'm going back with Lorenzo.
Valentina's eyes widened, her mouth agape.
**Valentina** *(surprised)*
_ What?! Are you serious right now?
Carlos, who until then had remained silent, abruptly stood up from the sofa, his brows furrowed, his look dark.
**Carlos** *(grave voice, full of contempt)*
_ What do you mean you want to go back with that guy? Can't you see he's completely psycho?
**Chloé** *(surprised, her tone sharp)*
_ What are you talking about, Carlos? And what's with you sticking your nose into things that are none of your business?
A heavy silence immediately fell over the living room. The atmosphere turned ice-cold. Carlos, realizing he had just crossed the line, forced a clumsy smile to hide his embarrassment.
Valentina rolled her eyes and sighed, annoyed.
**Valentina** *(tired)*
_ My dear cousin, can you leave us alone for a moment, please?
Carlos didn't answer. He simply nodded, his jaw tight, then left the room, slowly heading upstairs.
As soon as he was gone, Valentina stood up, gently approached Chloé, and placed her hands on her shoulders.
**Valentina** *(worried, soft)*
_ I'm not going to ask you for explanations, but just promise me one thing: take care of yourself. You don't look well, sweetie. You're so pale. I don't know what's going on between you and Lorenzo, but I hope you guys can find some common ground. If you ever need anything at all, just call me, okay? I'll always be here for you.
**Chloé** *(weak smile, her voice trembling)*
_ I know, Val. Thanks for letting me stay here... you really are the best friend in the world.
The two young women shared a tender embrace. A sincere hug, a bit long, a bit sad. Then they slowly pulled apart.
Chloé cast one last look around the house, then headed for the front door. Valentina watched her go, a slight pang in her heart, torn between the sadness of seeing her leave and the joy of knowing she was returning to the one she loves.
Outside, the fresh morning air brushed against Chloé's face. She took a deep breath, searching for a little courage. And there, right in front of her, she saw him.
Lorenzo was leaning against his car, arms crossed, his gaze fixed on the entrance. He was still wearing his tight black t-shirt and dark jeans, looking impassive, almost cold. But in his eyes, there was a glint she knew well—that of a man waiting, anxious but proud.
**Chloé** *(muttering to herself, half-amused)*
_ Is he crazy... how can he just stand there in the middle of the sun like it's nothing?
She managed a faint smile despite herself, then walked slowly toward him.
Lorenzo, seeing her approach, straightened up immediately and opened the passenger door without saying a word, as if he already knew she would come.
Chloé got inside without arguing. He gently closed the door behind her, walked around the car, took his place at the wheel, and drove off in silence.
The car slowly pulled out of the driveway, moving away from Valentina's estate. Neither of them spoke; the silence settled in, heavy yet strangely soothing.
Chloé, resting her head against the window, closed her eyes. The wind glided over her face, and despite the lingering tension, she felt a part of herself calm down.
But behind them, a few meters away, another car discreetly started its engine.
At the wheel, a man dressed entirely in black, his face hidden behind a mask, observed their vehicle with icy precision. On the passenger seat, a pistol equipped with a silencer lay ready for use.
**Man** *(grave, chilling voice)*
_ It's time we get rid of you, Lorenzo De Santis.
His tone was emotionless, cold as death.
Meanwhile, Lorenzo continued to drive calmly, his eyes fixed on the road, completely unaware that danger was lurking right behind him.
From time to time, he turned his head toward Chloé. Slouched in the passenger seat, she seemed to be sleeping peacefully.
And without even realizing it, he would occasionally crack a faint, discrete smile. As if, despite everything that was happening, the only thing that mattered anymore was that she was right there, by his side.
To be continued...