Episode 5

After leaving the hospital, a feeling of discomfort and unease washed over me. I still hadn't gotten used to the idea of going to Dante's house, much less the proposal he had made. He had been kind, but his kindness seemed laden with intentions and agreements I didn't yet fully understand. However, it was the only opportunity I had to start a new life, even if it was with someone so distant from me.

The car glided through the city as I watched the bustling streets outside. Life continued at its hurried pace, but for me, everything seemed slowed down, as if the world were apart from me. Dante was beside me, silent, his posture impassive, his gaze fixed on the horizon. I could feel the tension in the air, as if something important were about to happen, but no one was willing to talk about it.

We arrived at an imposing building of concrete and glass, reflecting the city lights. The underground garage was a labyrinth of luxury cars, with a scent of newness and cleanliness. The driver, a serious and discreet-looking man, parked the car in a well-lit spot. He quickly got out of the car to open the door for me. Dante helped me out, his hand firm and protective on my waist, while assuring me to take it easy. The doctors had been clear: I needed to be careful with my postpartum recovery, especially since I had given birth prematurely.

“Are you all right?” Dante asked, his tone of concern catching me by surprise. He didn't seem the type to worry about anything beyond his own affairs, but at that moment, he was attentive to my every move.

“Yes, I'm fine. Just a little tired,” I replied, forcing a smile to try to ease the tension in the atmosphere.

The building's elevator was a spectacle in itself, made of glass and polished steel, with panels that changed color depending on the ambient light. Dante guided me inside, and he keyed in the code with precision, as if it were a mechanical movement, something he had done countless times. The elevator door closed smoothly, and the upward motion made me a little dizzy. I had never been in such a luxurious and imposing place. The city below seemed small and distant, as if we were floating on top of the world.

When the elevator finally stopped, the door opened, revealing a spacious hall, lit by gleaming chandeliers. The ambiance was modern yet welcoming, with minimalist designer furniture and details that exuded sophistication. The contrast between simplicity and opulence was striking, and everything seemed to be there to impress, but without appearing excessive. Dante led me to a door that opened into an enormous space, where a large living room stretched out before me, with glass walls offering a breathtaking view of the city.

“Welcome to my home.” Dante's voice cut through the silence, and I didn't know whether I should feel comfortable or out of place. It was the first time I had set foot in a place like that, and the sheer size of the house only made my insecurity grow.

In the living room, two women were waiting, and as soon as they saw me, both stood up quickly. The first, a tall, thin woman with fair skin and platinum blonde hair, wore an immaculate housekeeper's uniform. Her eyes were piercing, but she smiled with polite cordiality. The other woman, shorter and with short brown hair, wore a white coat and had a firm, professional demeanor. I could feel her attentive gaze, but her smile wasn't as warm as the housekeeper's.

“Aurora, these are Marta and Clara,” Dante introduced me with a softness rare in his voice. “Marta is my housekeeper, and Clara is the nurse who will take care of you while you recover from childbirth.”

I smiled shyly, still dazed by the amount of new information. Both women greeted me politely, but Marta's gaze was as if she were analyzing every detail of me, as if wanting to fit me into some kind of category or role in the house.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Valmort,” Marta said with a formal smile that didn't inspire much confidence in me. The way she called me "Mrs." made me feel as if I were part of something I didn't completely understand.

“The pleasure is mine,” I replied with a tense smile, not knowing what else to say.

Clara, on the other hand, seemed more relaxed and human. She approached me with a gentle smile and assessed me with a kinder gaze.

“You must be tired, aren't you? I can prepare a relaxing bath for you and help you get settled,” she suggested in a calm tone, as if she were used to handling situations like this.

“Yes, please. That would be wonderful,” I thanked her, relieved to know that someone cared about my physical and emotional well-being at that moment.

Dante observed the interaction but said nothing. He was quiet, and the only thing I could hear from him was a faint sigh, as if he were pondering something.

“I’ll leave you in good hands,” he said, before turning to Marta. “If you need anything, let me know.”

Marta nodded in understanding, and Dante left the room, disappearing down the silent hallway. I didn't know what he was thinking or doing, but at that moment, all I wanted was some peace.