I went out of the library and found my way back to the kitchen to prepare fast lunch so Ivano could already eat. Just like this morning, he was watching me while I worked around but I let him and even enjoyed his attention on me. I thought I’d rather feel awkward and embarrassed while he watched me than feel the pain of him turning his eyes away to welcome his death.
My shoulders stiffened. My dream was so vivid and felt so real. It’s like actually looking at Ivano’s loving gaze as he pleasured me while we made love. I felt like I was Katherine. I could practically feel the pain from having fast, forceful sex with Ivano. The pleasurable caresses. The scorching kisses we shared. It was all so beautiful.
But I dreaded what happened next. It all happened so fast. Well, what did I expect from a dream? It always had a fast pace. But I just didn’t like how the story turned out. It was so excruciating to stare at Ivano’s cold eyes with obvious pain and misery at the decision I made.
Well, with Katherine’s decision, I mean. I couldn’t help but shudder at the reminder of it. I reached for my chest as if still remembering how painful the stab of the sword was.
I shrieked when Ivano suddenly appeared in front of me, jerking my hand from my chest. “What did you dream about?”
“W-what? I… Uh…” I stammered at the terse tone he used and the menacing glare he cast on me.
“I’m sorry.” Ino suddenly mellowed down at the sight of my terror but he didn’t loosen his hold around my wrist. “I thought you’re in pain. I heard you made a distress sound. I…” His eyes slid down my mouth and lingered there before he swallowed and looked up to my eyes again. “I’m worried. Are you sure you’re alright?”
“I’m fine,” I answered frantically to pacify his obvious worry.
I was suddenly reminded of the Ivano in my dreams. He’d do everything for Katherine’s happiness. Even welcomed death just to be with her. But I’m no Katherine. I could never have Ivano’s eyes cast a loving gaze to me. And even if I could, I’d be selfish with my decision.
I might run away with him just to be with him even how short it would be. But that wouldn’t happen. One, because it’s the twenty-first century. Two, I’m here to babysit, what the hell. Three, the man was probably married to someone else. Jesus! Wake up, dimwit!
“Show me your smile, Stella.”
“Huh?” I gasped and my eyes went wide as I stared up to Ino.
“You promised to visit me in my room. So why didn’t you? I was waiting.”
He touched my lips with his thumb and I was reminded how utterly close Ino was standing in front of me. A fraction of move and we’d be kissing. I swallowed and tried to pull away but Ino suddenly jerked me back and his mouth slammed into me. I moaned.
“Stella? Stella!”
I jumped back and opened my eyes. Ivano was frowning down at me and certainly not kissing me. I stepped back and brushed a hand down my hair. What’s happening to me? I turned around to plate what I made for lunch and placed it down the table. I took the apron over my head and folded it before placing it back to the counter.
“I’m sorry. I’m not feeling good. May I be excused?”
“You have to eat, Stella. Maybe that’s just hunger. You don’t look fine.”
“I’m not hungry. I just need rest.”
I didn’t wait for Ivano’s response and dashed out of the kitchen and went upstairs into my room. I paced the large space while my hands kept running down my hair and brushing my lips. Did I just really imagine it? I’m so damn lost here. I felt like I’m trapped. Suffocated. I couldn’t pinpoint which was real or dream anymore.
I turned towards the tinted windows. I wanted to get out there. To feel the sun on my face and the wind blowing my hair. I went out of my room again and almost flew down the spiraling staircase to reach the door of the living room. But when I twisted the knob, it didn’t budge. I couldn’t open it. I pulled and pulled in frantic desperation as I felt myself panicking. He’d locked me in here. He didn’t want me to leave. Why?
“Stella.”
I turned around to see Ino standing in the middle of the living room, a pained expression marring his face. His eyes traveled into my hands that were tightly squeezing the doorknob and forcefully trying to open it.
“I want to go out.”
“You’re leaving?” He slowly asked and a flash of anger came across his eyes, so fast that it was gone in a second.
“No. I just want to take some air. I’m feeling rather stifled.”
“You can’t.” Ino simply said and my eyes widened in apprehension. “It’s how this house was built. Once someone comes in, no one gets out of it.”
“What?” I suddenly wrapped my arms around myself at the dreadful cold that had nothing to do with the cool spacious room. “That’s ridiculous! Let me out of here!” I stepped back when Ino came near me. “No! Don’t touch me!”
I stepped to the side to escape his reach and ran away from him. Ivano called out my name but I didn’t stop. I ran as if in fear though I didn’t know what I’m afraid of. I just wanted to make my escape. Away from him. Something’s not right. I needed to call Nicky. She’d take me out of here.
With my hasty steps, however, my foot slipped off of the rung. I screamed when I went tumbling down the long spiraling staircase. I hit my head when I finally reached the ground floor and then it’s all darkness.
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