As Marco felt that things were finally heading in the right direction, he made his way to the cemetery needing to speak with someone and share what was happening to him. Thus, he bid farewell to the detective and drove off in his car, his security detail trailing at a distance as they usually did, maintaining a discreet presence.
Upon arrival, he visited Alexander's grave and solemnly vowed over it that his death would not go unavenged.
He then proceeded to his father's resting place and kneeling before the headstone, he uttered, "It's been a long time, hasn't it? I know, I've been ungrateful. I regret not coming here more often, but I needed to talk. Alexander was always the one I could turn to; he was a true friend, but he’s directly involved and, had things been reversed, I’m sure I'd be in his place now, don't you think? I can't seem to find the words to describe what's happening with his daughter. She unsettles me; her mere presence sends me back to my awkward teen years, something that never even happened with Monique, my high school sweetheart whom I thought was my everything. When I uncovered her betrayal, I wasn't as affected as when she chose to end my future as a father, denying me a family. And now there's this girl, turning my world upside down."
"I know this isn't right; she's my best friend's daughter, hence I've considered leaving all my affairs in Marcelo's hands. Though I haven't spoken to him yet, I believe some space between us might cool these thoughts, allowing me to focus on bringing to justice the person who destroyed my friend. Once I gather the information I've requested, I'll be off."
While Marco grappled with a decision about his life's direction, back at Alexa's place, the guests had long since departed, leaving only the two young women and Luke, who seemed glued to Alexa's side.
Noticing Luke's persistence, Hannah chose to leave, and when Alexa and Luke were alone, she fixed him with a look of irritation, stating, "This is called 'harassment,' you know," emphasizing the word sharply.
He gestured to himself, replying, "We're friends, as you once said. But I've liked you for a long time; just give me a chance and you'll see we're right for each other."
"Luke, I've made it clear numerous times — I feel nothing for you."
"Oh, I'm positive about that. Not for me at least. But what about that older man?"
"Don't be foolish; he's not old. And if you must know, yes, I love him. I’ve always loved him, and that’ll never change, regardless of his feelings toward me."
Mariana stood behind the door, agape, stunned to hear her little one talk so candidly of love, yet more surprised that she referred to an 'older man.' She mused, "Who on earth has Alexa fallen for? I need to talk to her as soon as possible."
Alexa caught a glimpse of a shadow near the kitchen door and said, "Thank you for coming. You can leave now; I'm quite tired."
Luke sullenly agreed to depart, not before telling her he wouldn't give up: "Sooner or later, you'll be mine." He then turned on his heel and left Alexa shaking her head in disbelief—when had she ever given him any indication she was interested? It was evident that, despite Luke being the most popular boy in the boarding school, he didn't stir a single feeling in her—her emotions and everything (all) revolved around Marco.
Mariana entered the room and saw her daughter's disconcerted expression, deciding to save the conversation for another time. She was curious, though, about the object of her affections.
"Who has my little one fallen for?" With that thought, she watched the young woman ascend the stairs toward her bedroom.
Alexa pulled out her mobile phone and browsed through news articles featuring Marco’s photos. She sighed, wondering why he had left without seeing her, and smiled, recalling their kisses. Zooming in on his image, she pressed her lips to the screen and whispered, "How I wish you loved me," not realizing that their path wouldn't be an easy one, entwined with more than love, encompassing their families and hidden enemies as well...
The following day Marco sat in his office, having arrived earlier than anyone else at his company. Curious Marcelo entered, keen to learn why Marco had left so abruptly the previous day, feigning a meeting and abandoning him when he was his assistant.
Raising his eyebrows, Marco announced he would travel for a month, leaving Marcelo in charge of the business. Marcelo was unsure whether to take this jokingly or seriously since Marco had never left his enterprise before. He cautiously inquired.
"Marco, for that long?"
"Yes, I need to finalize some deals elsewhere. I’m not disclosing my location to avoid surprises, but in case of an emergency, you can reach me on my personal cell."
"Alright," Marcelo replied after a moment before adding, “It’s just that I wasn’t aware of any meeting yesterday, even as your assistant. But I hope it was fruitful. There's a detective outside looking for you now.”
"Send him in immediately. Soon as I'm done with him, I'll be off abroad, so the enterprise is yours to manage from today."
Marcelo was curious but chose not to pry further, well aware that once Marco set his mind on something, no one could sway him.
When the detective entered, he handed over a folder full of findings, saying, “It seems the young man was unaware of his father’s doings during the Ferreti incident, living with his mother after she gained custody, seldom seeing his father. However, there's more. Alexa Ferreti happened to study at the same boarding school as he did, by fate or some other force, but he seems fixated on her - obsessed even - as he's persistently pursued her, though by the accounts of youth in their circle, she's never reciprocated, even experiencing an issue once."
"What issue?"
Noticing Marco's irate expression, the detective wished he had kept quiet, yet he had already spilled the beans and had to continue.
"Well, at a year-end party he had too much to drink and entered her dorm, fortunately, she was in the library, having skipped the revelry, but it's said that in his drunken state he confused a girl who shared a room with Alexa for her and forced intimacy upon her while calling out Alexa's name. The other girl reported the incident to the headmaster, and when the administration became aware, they immediately contacted both parties' parents, keeping the ordeal hushed as Simond's paid a significant sum to the family to keep it under wraps. They removed the girl from the school and arranged for her scholarship elsewhere. Seemly, not even Alexa is aware of this, as it all happened behind closed doors."
"How did you come by this information?"
"Let's say the assistant headmaster is an acquaintance of mine who owed me a favor and spilled every detail without omission."
Marco cursed under his breath, "So he inherits the villainy of that scoundrel Simonds."
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