Episode 10

CHAPTER 9

By Isabella.

In the afternoon, we left for Chicago. After thanking Valentino for protecting me last night, we didn't exchange any further words. He was in his own world, and frankly, I was too embarrassed to look him in the eyes. Throughout the airline journey, Valentino fell into a nap. His fear of flying was incredibly intense.

I too tried to close my eyes, and as soon as I did, memories came flooding back to me.

"“It had been roughly a month since I started seeing Ezekiel. Everything was going wonderfully. I enjoyed spending time with him, and each day I fell more in love..."

"One afternoon, I was in the park watching people when I saw a large motorcycle pull up across the way. A young man in black jeans, white sneakers, and a Juventus soccer shirt got off. I couldn't see his face because of the helmet, but I knew it was my guy. I knew him well enough to be certain. Besides, I knew of his love for that soccer team."

"He carefully approached and kissed my lips."

"“Sole mio,” he said."

"“What’s that? It’s new,” I said."

"“It’s Italian,” he exclaimed.-“You are my little sun. Because you light up each of my days since you’ve been with me,” he said.”"

Valentino pulled me from my thoughts to let me know we'd arrived. In Chicago, it was raining torrentially. My body began to shake involuntarily. I hate rainy days. They make me nervous, anxious. They frighten me.

As we got off the plane, a chauffeur was waiting for us. He handled our luggage and we left the airport. I was still nervous. I started to breathe with difficulty, feeling panic. The day was too reminiscent of the night of the tragedy.

“Are you alright?” asked Valentino.

“Yes. It’s just the rain. It makes me nervous,” I exclaimed.

“You don’t have to worry. You’re staying at the house today. I can’t let you leave in this weather. It’s too dangerous, and my house is closer.”

“I can’t accept that,” I exclaimed.

“I’m sorry. It’s not up for discussion.”

I nodded, resigned. We arrived at Valentino’s place, where the Marshalls were expecting us. They were very happy to see me arrive with their son and insisted just like him that I stay. I texted my friend group to let them know I'd be staying there until the weather improved. Clearly, I didn't intend to stay long. I wasn’t feeling well and thought I might collapse at any moment.

In the meantime, at Valentino's house, we had trivial chats over coffee and a slice of cake. Valentino had to attend a last-minute meeting. He said he should go alone. That he didn't need me, that I would have the rest of the day off. When the rain stopped, I wanted to go back to my apartment. And although his parents insisted I stay, I wanted to go back. I excused myself, telling them I had plans with my friends. The trip had been tough and it was one of those days when I needed to be alone with my thoughts.

On my way home, I called Nick, my psychologist. I needed his help before I collapsed again. I tried several times, but I couldn't get through; the storm had affected the phone signals. Meanwhile, I couldn't control my tears; I was having another breakdown.

Upon reaching my apartment, I left my bags in my room and headed for a long shower. Sadness was flooding in again. I can't erase his memory from my mind.

"“Are you sure about this, sole mio?” asked Ezekiel while he kissed my neck."

"Of course, I am. I want everything with you,” I exclaimed."

"Ezekiel traced a path of small kisses across my skin as he prepared to enter me. We had been kissing and caressing for a while. Finally, he entered gently. It was my first time and he did his best not to hurt me. It was difficult for him to get in, I knew it was painful for him too."

"“You're very tight. I'll go slow, okay? It will hurt at first.”"

"I nodded as he penetrated deeper. When he got in, he started to move faster. It felt good. Very good. I clutched his back and wrapped my legs around his waist as we kissed and amplified our lovemaking. I never thought I'd feel this way."

"Afterward, Ezekiel looked into my eyes and said,"

"“I love you, sole mio.”"

I couldn't stand it. I sat on the bed and opened the drawer of my nightstand searching for the pill bottle. I took some pills with water and then another handful... I wanted to be with him... I wanted to see him again. Even if this was the only way.

"**************"

By Valentino.

After dropping Liz off at home, I headed to the meeting with Francisco. I was anxious to learn what was going on. I approached the reception desk to inquire about him to the secretary.

“Good afternoon. I'm looking for Francisco. Please tell him Valentino Marshall is here.”

“Yes, Mr. Marshall. Please follow me, Mr. Guevara is expecting you,” she replied flirtatiously.

She watched me with a seductive gaze. Typical. I detest women who seem desperate to catch a man's attention. The woman left her desk, swaying her hips. I sighed and shook my head. As I entered Francisco's office, he was already waiting with the news.

“How are you, Francisco? I came as soon as the plane landed.”

“Valentino. Good you’re here. I have news. Please, give us a moment,” he directed the secretary to leave us alone.

“Tell me, Francisco. What do you know?”

“I have enough evidence to believe that what happened to your brother was intentional. But we need to dig deeper. After our discussion in your office a few days ago about your brother’s inheritable assets, I couldn’t stop thinking and investigating. I realized there were many things that didn’t fit the accident theory, so I believe it was deliberate. Who would have a motive to kill your brother?”

“I don’t know, Francisco. I mean, there was a third party involved, clearly the crash was caused by someone, but maybe it was just a drunk teenager who fled because he was scared... I don’t know... It’s hard to tell. On the other hand, my father has many enemies. He’s a powerful man and Ezekiel would be his heir, maybe... it’s related. But, I don’t think the enmity goes beyond business. It seems far-fetched.”

“We can’t rule anything out. If you have another idea, please let me know. I... I’ll talk to Dante to initiate a more thorough investigation.”

“About the girl who was with him on the day of the accident, do we know anything? Maybe she can provide some information.”

“You might want to sit down for this...”

“What are you getting at?”

“When I saw her that time in your office, I knew immediately.”

“Who? Fran, I don’t follow.”

“Isabella Moretti.”

“My assistant? What about her?”

“She was your brother’s girlfriend.”

I started laughing. I wasn't sure if it was because of Francisco's absurd statement, the anxiety, or the nerves. Where did he get such information? Isabella Moretti, Ezekiel's girlfriend... Impossible... At that moment, my head began to spin. It all made sense; her dead boyfriend is my brother. I stood up hastily and started pacing the room under my friend's watchful eye. But then... does she know? Does she know he's my brother? And if so, what is she looking for, what does she want from us? These questions overwhelmed me.

“You’re crazy, Francisco,” I said. There must be a mistake.

“I'm not lying, Valentino. Here are the photos I obtained.”

Looking at those photos, I felt my composure falter. I wasn't angry, at least not with her. But I started to understand a few things. Her nightmares, the pills. She, just like me, was suffering. And she had been suffering for nearly three years, probably alone because I didn’t know she existed. Then I thought of my parents. Do they know the truth? My god, it’s too much to process.

I tried to call Matias, but he didn’t answer. I left Francisco’s office like a soul fleeing hell. I called my parents, and they confirmed she had left the mansion about an hour ago. I rushed to her apartment. I need to talk to her. I need an explanation. Why did she come into my life? Why? What the hell does all of this mean?

I banged on the door several times, but there was no response. I called her cell phone, but she didn’t pick up. Adrenaline took over, and with no response from Isabella, I kicked her door open. I felt foolish for entering that way, but I had a bad feeling. I began calling her name loudly as I searched her apartment, but there was no answer. When I entered her bedroom, I found her unconscious with a spilled pill bottle around her.

“No, no. Issi, what have you done?”

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