Page 19 of Until It Ends

"Everything is fine. Thank you," I reply, my voice betraying the faint trace of sadness that lingers within me.

I'm aware that Polo is here, somewhere in this vast mansion, but no one has uttered a word to me since yesterday. It feels as if a secret meeting is taking place, discussions held behind closed doors about my future, my fate. And especially about Dante. I know they plan to retaliate, but I know Dante can hold his own.

I can't bear the isolation any longer. I rise from the table after only a few bites, my footsteps light as I make my way through the opulent corridors. I follow an instinctual pull, guided by the clatter and hustle that resonates from the kitchen. The aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering sauces fills the air, a comforting embrace that contrasts with the emptiness I feel within.

I blend seamlessly into the background, a mere observer of the chatter and laughter that goes on behind closed doors when Polo isn't bearing down on his staff.

My eyes lock onto a cell phone sitting forgotten on the table. I clench my jaw, heart racing as I weigh the consequences of picking up that instrument and doing what I know I must. Taking a deep breath, I reach out my trembling hand and brush my fingers against the cold plastic surface.

Swiftly and silently, I swipe the phone from its resting place. Clutching it tightly in my hand, I retreat to the sanctuary of my room. Alone, with only my thoughts to keep me company, I stare at the phone, its screen illuminating the dimly lit space. Should I do this? Will it bring me closer to Dante or only further complicate our already tangled lives?

Minutes turn into what feels like an eternity as I weigh the risks and rewards. The image of Dante's face lingers in my mind, his voice echoing in my ears, and I find solace in the memories of our love. With a surge of determination, I dial his number, my heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation.

As the phone rings on the other end, a myriad of emotions floods my senses. What if he doesn't answer? What if he does and then I discover our connection has been severed forever? But then, a familiar voice fills the air, and a rush of relief washes over me. "Who is this?"

My voice gets caught in my throat and I only hear breathing on the other line, and something that sounds like a continuous cascade of water. Maybe he's in the shower.

"I repeat...who is this and how did you get this number?"

I press my fingers to my lips wondering if I should hang up. I only wanted to hear his voice after all.

"I'm hanging up."

"No."

Seventeen

Valeria

"Valeria," he says, his voice tinged with surprise and longing. "Is that you?"

"It's me, Dante," I whisper, my voice trembling with a mixture of joy and uncertainty.

A shadow of doubt lingers in the depths of my mind. What will be the consequences of this call? What dangers and truth will it unveil?

"Valeria, are you in trouble?"

"No. But I...I had to call you. I couldn't bear the silence, the uncertainty."

"I've missed you, but you broke my heart when you didn't come with me."

I sit on the edge of the bed, clutching the phone tightly in my trembling hands as Dante's words hang heavy in the air. His voice is filled with a mix of anger, confusion, and hurt. I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself before I respond, my mind racing to find the right words to explain my actions.

"Dante, I... I couldn't go with you," I finally manage to say, my voice quivering with a mix of regret and resignation. "Bad things started happening the moment we came together."

"Is that all that happened, Valeria? Bad things?"

I sigh. "No, but..."

There's a moment of silence on the other end, and I can sense his frustration seeping through the line. "But what?" His voice is filled with a raw intensity that sends shivers down my spine.

I close my eyes, the weight of my decision pressing upon me. I didn't want Dante to die because of me. Polo had been adamant about killing Dante if I ever went back to him.

"I'm sure they've told you lies about the ownership of a very specific business endeavor," Dante presumes, his tone laced with bitterness.

I take a moment to gather my thoughts. He's talking about the trading business, the one that is supposedly mine by birthright. I hesitate, grappling with the weight of his words. How do I explain that I'm still piecing together the puzzle, that I'm torn between loyalty and the desire to reclaim my future?

But before I can form a response, Dante's voice cuts through the silence, filled with determination and possession. "I want you back, Valeria. I want everything. I want it all, and I'll stop at nothing to get it and keep it."

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