ARIA’s POV
Then, I saw a glimmer of light ahead, and then I saw it – a taxi, its headlights shining like a lifeline. I ran towards it, yanking open the door and jumping inside, my heart still racing with fear.
“Drive!” I shouted at the driver, my voice hoarse from screaming. “Get me out of here!” The driver’s eyes widened in surprise, but he didn’t hesitate, his face set in a determined expression. He put the car in gear, and we sped away, leaving Matteo his obsession and his darkness behind.
I collapsed back in my seat, gasping for air, my chest heaving with exhaustion and relief. I had escaped, but I knew it was only temporary, that Matteo would find me again, that his obsession would never let me go. But for now, I was safe, free, and alive. And that was all that mattered.
I sat in the taxi, my heart still racing like a wild animal, my breath coming in short gasps. I didn’t know where I was going, but I knew I had to put as much distance between myself and Matteo as possible. As the taxi navigated through the city streets, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of being watched, of being hunted.
I kept glancing over my shoulder, expecting to see Matteo’s car tailing us, but there was nothing. Just the usual city traffic and the steady hum of the taxi’s engine. I took a deep breath and tried to calm my racing thoughts, but my mind was a jumble of fears and anxiety.
I was safe for now, but I knew it was only temporary. Matteo would find me, and next time, escape might not be so easy. My hand trembled as I pulled out my phone and dialed a number, a number that I had memorized a long time ago
“Hello?” a voice answered, and I felt a surge of relief.
“Rosaline?” I whispered into the phone, my heart racing with fear.
“Aria! Oh my god, where are you? I’ve been trying to reach you for days,” Rosaline’s voice was laced with worry.
“I’m in a cab,” I replied, my eyes scanning the streets outside. “Matteo’s after me. He-he’s not what I thought he was.”
Rosaline’s tone turned stern, her voice a comforting anchor in the storm. “I knew it. I knew he was trouble. Where are you? I’ll come get you.” I gave her the location, my voice shaking with relief, and she promised to be there soon. I hung up the phone and sat back in my seat, trying to calm my racing thoughts, my mind still reeling from the escape. Rosaline was my only hope now, my lifeline.
I had to trust that she would come through for me, that she would save me from Matteo’s clutches. As I waited, I couldn’t help but think about how I had ended up in this situation, how I had been so blind, and so foolish to trust Matteo.
But Rosaline had always been there for me, always had my back, always believed in me. And now, she was my only chance at escape, my only chance at freedom. I saw a car pull up before me, and my heart skipped a beat. It was Rosaline’s car, and she was waving at me from the driver’s seat, a look of determination and concern etched on her face. I felt a surge of gratitude and relief, knowing that I was safe now, knowing that Rosaline had come to rescue me.
I breathed a sigh of relief as I jumped into Rosaline’s car, leaving Matteo’s twisted games behind.
“Thank you,” I whispered, tears welling up in my eyes. Rosaline placed a comforting hand on my arm.
“We’ll get through this together, Aria.” For the first time in hours, I felt a glimmer of hope.
Rosaline asked gently, “What happened, Aria? What did Matteo do?” I took a deep breath and began to explain, my voice trembling.
“He lied to me, manipulated me… made me think he changed, but he kept something big away from me”.
Rosaline’s expression turned angry. “I knew he couldn’t be trusted.” I cried. “He’s a monster,” Rosaline sighed. “I know. I didn’t want to hurt you, Aria. You were so happy… I didn’t want to ruin it for you. That was why I didn’t say anything, but I knew something was off about that man”.
I shook my head, feeling a mix of emotions. “It’s not your fault, Rosaline. I was blinded by my own feelings.” Rosaline’s kind eyes and gentle touch gave me the courage to continue. “He… he did things to me, Rosaline. ”
Rosaline’s face turned red with anger. “That monster. I’m so sorry, Aria. I should have said something sooner.” I smiled, feeling grateful for her support.
“Never mind that, Rosaline. But you’re here for me now, and that’s all that matters.”. She pulled me in for a hug and held me there till I cried to my heart content.
After spending the night at Rosaline’s house, my anxiety returned when she left for work the next morning. I felt trapped and alone, my mind racing with thoughts of Matteo. I couldn’t shake the feeling that he was watching me, waiting for his chance to strike.
Every few minutes, I peeked out the window, scanning the street for any sign of him. But there was never anything out of the ordinary… until I saw his black car driving down the street, slowing down as it passed Rosaline’s house. My heart skipped a beat, but the car drove away, leaving me breathless and relieved. It was just my paranoia playing tricks on me.
But the fear lingered, refusing to leave. I knew I couldn’t stay here alone and vulnerable. I needed to escape Matteo’s grasp once and for all. Just then, I heard a knock on the door, and I made sure to peep through the peephole before making any rash decisions. Charles and Gia appeared before me when I flung the door open, their faces filled with concern.
“Aria, we’re here for you. We want to help you get out of this situation.” I felt a lump form in my throat.
“I don’t know what to do.” I said, and Gia stepped forward, her eyes determined. “We’ll help you escape. We’ll figure out a way to keep you safe.” Charles nodded in agreement.
“We’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe, Aria.” I felt a surge of hope at their words. Maybe, just maybe, I could escape Matteo’s grasp after all.