Chapter 68
Tessy’s POV
The day before my departure marked an emotional farewell, and I wanted to make it unforgettable for Dad. After a little thought, I suggested we play tennis together. His face lit up with sheer joy, a rarity nowadays.
“Tennis, sweetheart? You know I’m always up for a match!” he exclaimed, a smile spreading across his face.
We headed to the nearby court, the sound of our laughter echoing against the backdrop of a perfect day. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden glow over everything, illuminating our shared moments. As we volleyed the ball back and forth, I couldn’t help but notice the sparkle in his eyes, a testament to the bond we shared. Each rally was a dance of joy, interspersed with playful jibes and nostalgic stories from his own youth. I savored every moment-knowing that soon, I would be thousands of miles away.
After our match, we sank onto the benches, our cheeks flushed and breaths mingling with the sweet scent of freshly cut grass. With cold glasses of lemonade in hand, we celebrated our mini-victory.
“I love you, Dad,” I said, pulling him in for a tight embrace, feeling the warmth of his presence.
“Love you too, kiddo. Just promise me you’ll be safe, okay?” he replied, his voice filled with the kind of affection that made my heart ache.
I pulled away, watching him, fully aware of the twinge of guilt nagging at me. I wished I could share my real plans with him, but for reasons I couldn’t articulate, I chose silence.
The next morning, the air was thick with anticipation as I crept out of the house, careful not to wake anyone. The familiar walls of my childhood felt heavier as I passed them, knowing I would miss every inch of home. My suitcase was packed meticulously, each item a small token of my life back home, and my passport sat ready, a symbol of my leap into the unknown.
As I stepped outside, a deep breath filled my lungs, a mix of excitement, nervousness, and unwavering determination coursing through me. The streets were quiet, the world in still slumber while I called a taxi, shaking slightly as my heart raced in time with my thoughts.
When the plane took off, I leaned against the window, watching New York diminish into a blur of cityscape, my thoughts racing with dreams and fears alike.
The hours on the flight slipped by, marked only by the hum of the engines and the faint chatter surrounding me. Soon, we were landing at Florence Airport, the excitement bubbling within me. I gathered my luggage and stepped outside, instantly enveloped in a warm embrace of Italian sunlight.
A pre-arranged car service awaited me, and the driver’s welcoming smile made me feel as if I had truly arrived. “Benvenuta, signorina. Welcome to Italy,” he greeted, his warm tone putting me at ease.
The scenic drive through Tuscany was nothing short of magical. Rolling hills, verdant vineyards, and majestic cypress trees whizzed past the windows like a moving painting. Each passing landscape made my heart swell with hope and anticipation as we approached Villa Alberto, where my journey was set to unfold.
Finally, we arrived at my charming bed and breakfast, Casa Bella Vita. The owner, Signora Rosa, enveloped me in a genuine warmth that felt like a hug from an old friend. “Benvenuta, Tessy! Your room is ready,” she said, her smile brightening my day.
As I stepped into my cozy room, I was greeted by the rustic charm that Italy promised. The room was adorned with terracotta tiles and wooden beams, and my window opened up to a breathtaking view of the rolling green hills stretching endlessly. Every inch of the place whispered comfort.
I took a moment to collect myself, deeply inhaling the sweet scent of adventure that filled the air. I’d made it to Italy, and everything felt like it was falling into place.
But in the back of my mind, one question loomed: how would I find Anthony?
After freshening up, I slipped into comfortable clothes, feeling an electric charge of readiness coursing through me. The sun-soaked Tuscan landscape beckoned, and I could hardly contain my excitement. What would Anthony say when he saw me? Would he be surprised? Or maybe even happy?
With a mix of trepidation and thrill, I grabbed my bag and stepped out into the sun, ready to face whatever awaited me. The air was infused with the intoxicating aroma of blooming flowers and fresh earth, propelling me forward along the winding road toward the grand villa.
As I approached Villa Alberto, the picturesque beauty took my breath away, but my exhilaration quickly turned to fear. A sudden swarm of bodyguards emerged, their faces fierce and guns drawn, surrounding me like predatory wolves blocking their prey.
“Alt! Chi sei?” one guard growled, his eyes cold and filled with suspicion. Panic surged within me.
“I’m here to see Anthony,” I stammered, my confidence shaken to its core.
Their menacing expressions only deepened, and one of them spat, “Spy! Devi essere eliminata!” [“You must be eliminated!”]
My heart raced with terror. “What do you mean? I’m not a spy, I’m telling the truth!” I pleaded, my voice trembling as I looked for any shred of understanding. I know a little about the Italian language but I am horrible at speaking.
A guard stepped forward, his hand connecting sharply with my cheek, a stinging slap that reverberated through my body. “Non mentire!” [“Don’t lie!”] he shouted, his fury palpable.
I stumbled back, eyes wide with horror and pain. “How dare you!” I shouted, outrage mingling with fear, but deep down, I felt small and powerless.
“Silenzio!” [“Silence!”] the same guard barked, closing in on me as if I were prey.
A chill coursed down my spine. What had I gotten myself into? Who was this Anthony to warrant such brutality?
Suddenly, a booming voice echoed through the chaos. “Lasciatela!” [“Leave her!”]
The guards parted, and my heart leaped when Anthony emerged, tall, imposing, and emanating a commanding presence. Our eyes locked, flooding me with questions. Would he rescue me or seal my fate?
His piercing gaze held mine, filled with a storm of emotions just beneath his composed surface.
“Tessy,” he said, his deep voice washing over me, sending shivers up my spine. “What brings you here?”
My heart hammered in my chest. Should I divulge my true intentions?
Anthony’s eyes narrowed as if searching my soul. “Say something.”
I swallowed hard, weighing my options with every beat of my racing heart.
“I came to see you,” I said at last, my voice barely above a whisper.
His expression remained inscrutable, the air thick with tension.
“Why?” he pressed, his tone challenging.
Taking a deep breath, I tried to speak again”The truth is I miss you,”
Anthony’s gaze intensified, his jaw clenched tightly. “I told you we were done, and you still took the risk to come see me? Do you have a death wish, Tessy?”
In that moment, I had never seen him look so cold and distant. Doubt crept into my mind, and I wondered, had I truly been having an affair with the devil?
TBC..