Page 22 of Forbidden Deception

“Oh, you can just stop here.” I smile.

Rafael nods towards his driver, and he parks the car.

“Thank you, Mr Gustav. I don’t know how I would have made it home today. My umbrella broke the other day, and I haven’t had a chance to replace it yet.”

Rafael is looking around the neighbourhood, so I take this time to get out.

It’s still pouring rain.

“Thank you again!” I wave at Rafael and quickly run to the entrance of the building and breeze through the lobby doors, then take a left into the mailroom. The window at the top of the room gives me a good view of the front of the road, so I bend low and peek from the bottom of the window.

The Range Rover is still there.

What is he waiting for?

I’m already in the building, aren’t I?

Eventually, his car leaves.

“Ms Venezia?” Leo calls from the lobby.

I rise and rush to him. I have never been this happy to see someone.

“Leo, how did you get here so quickly? You are my saviour.” I wrap him in a tight hug.

He awkwardly pats me on the back. “You’re welcome. It’s my job, miss.”

I let him go and point a finger. “Don’t call me miss outside. Don’t blow our cover.”

“Very well. Should we go?”

I nod and head out towards the car, staying carefully beneath the umbrella Leo holds over my head.

“I can’t wait to get out of these clothes. I am so done with the day.”

Once home, I do a quick check in with the staff when I notice a small envelope waiting for me on the dinner table.

Placing my spoon down next to my plate, I open it.

I scan the words, and my stomach lurches.

Dear Venezia,

I hope this letter finds you. Using a phone, as you know, could leave a trace.

We have some unfinished business together, don’t you think?

I need some help and you leaving abruptly four years ago didn’t make it any better.

You will know where to find me soon.

Your best friend,

Medora.

8

The past has a weird way of catching up to me. Especially when I have moved on with my life, built new relationships, found myself again after travelling a dark path. And when it will show up, it wrecks everything I have built.

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