CHAPTER 18.
By Isabella.
After Martina left the room, silence prevailed. Valentino went to the wardrobe to dress and then, taking his bags, told me to gather my things. Valentino was not willing to spend another minute in that house. Not while they were there.
We returned to Chicago before noon.
Upon arriving at the mansion, we were alone. Valentino's parents were not there, as they hadn't returned from their trip yet.
"I want you to rest now. Tonight, I'm going to a nightclub. I was wondering if you want to join me."
"I don't know. Maybe I'll think about it."
"It would make me happy if you decide to come." He said, giving me a smile.
Without saying more, he entered his room, and I went to mine. I thought about his proposition and quickly fell asleep.
When I woke up, the clock marked 8:00 p.m.
"Damn. I've slept all day."
I got out of bed, took a shower, and got dressed. I was determined to tell Valentino that I would accompany him tonight. When I went downstairs, I found him coming up the stairs.
"Hey. You're awake." He greeted.
"I've slept all day. I guess these past few days have been exhausting."
"You can say that again." He paused briefly, as if considering what to say next. "Hey, Issi, I don't want to insist but…"
"Yes, I'll go with you." I replied.
A smile flashed across his face. After that, he accompanied me to the kitchen for dinner. Everything was very pleasant, full of laughter and conversation.
"Great. I'll get ready then. Can you let me know when you're ready? I wouldn't want to interrupt you." He exclaimed.
"Sure. I'll let you know." I replied.
After leaving my dish to wash, I went up to my room to get ready. I began checking my closet, unsure what to wear. Eventually, I settled on a short golden dress and black high heels. I left my hair loose and applied makeup lightly.
I felt good after a long time. I no longer felt bad about dressing up or putting on makeup. Little by little, I was beginning to take control of my life again.
Once I was satisfied with my look, I went to look for Valentino. I knocked on the door of his room, and he came out immediately. He wore a black shirt with white detailing, black jeans, and white sneakers. He also sported a white leather belt and a delicious woody perfume that wafted from afar.
"You look... gorgeous." He said.
"You look handsome too." I blushed.
Valentino offered his arm and I took it, laughing. We headed to the garage and he opened the door of his car for me to get in. Then he sat in the driver's seat and drove off to the club.
When we arrived at "Chevere," the music was loud. It seemed the night was in full swing. When we entered, I felt many eyes on me. Valentino gently pulled my hand, guiding me to a sofa beside the dance floor.
"What would you like to drink?" he asked.
"I'll have whatever you're having." I replied.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, of course." I said.
"Alright... Then... Two dry whiskies," he ordered with a challenging smile. I returned the smile. Did he think I wouldn't dare?
We began to talk about the club atmosphere when the waiter brought our order. I picked up my glass and boldly downed the drink in one gulp.
"Wow. I thought you wouldn't handle a drink." He said.
"I used to drink this kind of beverage with Eze."
Valentino smiled and his eyes lit up. He was glad when I remembered his brother.
"Want to dance?" he asked.
"You dance?" I replied.
"There's a lot you don't know about me." He exclaimed, winking.
I followed him to the dance floor, and we started moving to the rhythm of the music. We laughed a lot. It had been so long since I had such fun.
Suddenly, Felipe and Matias appeared on the dance floor, waving. Matias came over and gave me a strong hug. Felipe, whom I hadn't gotten to know outside of work, introduced himself with a kind smile, which I returned.
We danced for a while on the floor, laughing, when Julia and Mariana also showed up. My friends hugged me tightly. Mariana greeted everyone there, while Julia did the same but ignored Matias.
"It's been days since I've seen you, Issi," Mariana said.
"I know, my friend. I've been busy with my recovery. We also took a short trip to the ranch in California," I replied. "I'll return to work on Monday."
"I can't understand how you keep in touch with that family after everything they put you through." Julia said, seemingly upset.
"They haven't done anything. They've helped me a lot and Valentino has been a great support during this time. I've been getting better and for the first time in years, I feel good."
"I'm so glad to hear that, my friend. I was really worried about your health," Mariana said.
Julia didn't say another word, but she looked annoyed. I don't know why she harbors hatred for the Marshalls; but after all, she knew who they were and kept it a secret.
"Don't worry about me, Julia. When I start feeling uncomfortable, I promise to leave as soon as possible," I exclaimed.
However, my friend didn't respond. I think she even ignored what I said. Mariana gave me a look that let me know not to mind her. I was glad that at least one of my friends supported me.
Valentino approached me, smiling.
"How are you feeling?" he asked. "I'm sorry my friends came, I didn't know."
"Oh, no. It's not an issue. On the contrary, I'm very glad they're here."
Valentino smiled affectionately, and we continued to dance for a little longer. I noticed Mariana was attracted to Felipe and decided to give her a literal push. I "accidentally" bumped into my friend, causing her to stumble and fall into Felipe's arms. He started laughing, guessing my intentions, and clearly didn't waste the opportunity.
He helped my friend to her feet and then placed a soft kiss on her lips. Mariana and Felipe had liked each other for a while, but both were too shy to take the next step, so I thought a little nudge would be good for them; and I wasn't wrong.
"You're quite clever," Matias said, laughing.
"I think they look very nice together, and I want them to enjoy their love," I responded.
"You have no idea how much I wish to see you one day, hand in hand with a man who loves you as intensely as he did. That’s what he would want. I'm sure."
"Every time I'm near a man who isn't him, I feel like I'm betraying him, and it makes me feel like the worst person in the world," I replied.
"Ezequiel would be happy to see the love of his life smiling the way she did when she was with him. And you know what? I've seen that smile recently."
"I don't know what you're talking about," I responded.
"You'll find out soon enough," he replied, laughing.
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