Entangled Strings Of Fate

Chapter 18: Precious Belonging

With a grin, Pietro responded, "It's Great that, you know what to do."

With that, he and Derek strode confidently toward the entrance, their footsteps echoing on the cobblestone path adorned with clusters of vibrant flowers.

As Samuele again cradled Claire into his arms, he let out a sigh, grumbling softly, "Yeah, go on," a hint of playful annoyance creeping into his tone. "I'll catch up with you both later for turning me into a porter." Adjusting Claire, he made his way to the grand entrance, as he moved in, he noticed a dull ache creeping into his arms. Still, he kept his mind on the task and moved towards the wooden main door.

Ascending the two small steps, the trio reached a grand doorway, where they were greeted by Mrs. Roseto, the ever-dutiful butler. Despite her age, her appearance didn't show her age at all; with striking amber eyes and brown hair elegantly swept into a low bun, she radiated poise and grace. She welcomed them inside with a warm demeanor.

Guiding them through the expansive living area just off the grand foyer, they entered a world of elegance. The room was adorned with two-story windows draped in sheer beige curtains, allowing soft light to filter through and casting gentle shadows over the sleek furnishings.

In the center of the room stood Ermanno Guerrini, a formidable figure with a commanding presence. At six feet one inch, his muscular build was evident beneath his tailored outfit. He stood gazing out at the horizon, absorbed in the view of evening, which appeared beautiful to him today.

There, moving ahead of others, Mrs. Roseto cleared her throat, hands elegantly folded before her, said, "Sir, they have arrived," her tone respectful.

Ermanno turned as he heard approaching footsteps, his piercing gaze sweeping over the scene like a calculating predator before finally settling on Claire. A sly smirk played on his lips, his eyes glinting with a mix of satisfaction and intrigue as he took her in.

Pietro announced, "Just as you ordered, we've brought her, boss," he drew closer to Ermanno, his stance tough but composed.

Following him, Samuele moved, but fatigue seeping into his muscles, compelled him to lay Claire onto the curvy light blue linen sofa that dominated the center of the room.

Ermanno then approached the sofa and, bending slightly, removed her tousled hair from her face before peeling the tape from Claire's mouth slowly. He got more intrigued by her familiar features then he already was.

An unexpected mix of warmth and cold flooded his chest as he absorbed her presence, an intoxicating blend that tightened around his heart. Each faint breath she took was delicate and mesmerizing, as if time itself had slowed to savor the moment. Those around them held their breath, observing the scene unfolding before their eyes.

Meanwhile, Lorena, a lively housekeeper in her twenties, had quietly stepped into the corner of the living room a few minutes earlier upon seeing Mrs. Roseto and others. However, her heartbeat quickened when she spotted Samuele. It had been two long months since he had last visited but seeing him holding a girl filled her with a tumult of curiosity and jealousy.

Feeling a pang of twist in her stomach, she peeked from the corner of the living area, unable to look away from Samuele. "Who is that girl he's carrying?" she pondered, her curiosity ignited as she watched intently.

After what felt like an eternity, Ermanno broke free from his reverie, straightened his posture, and turned toward Samuele. With a steady yet commanding tone, he instructed, "Take her upstairs."

In the next moment, he casually slipped his hands into the pockets of his black trousers and with a deliberate gaze directed at Mrs. Roseto, he added, "Show him the way to the room you have prepared for her."

As he cast a glance back at Derek, he continued, his voice firm yet steady, "And Derek, when you lay her down, make sure to remove all her ties. And Mrs. Roseto, you..." He paused, locking eyes with her, he continued, "You'll stay right there until I get there, alright?" His words hung in the air, leaving no disobedience.

"Alright," they both replied in unison, their voices tinged with affirmance. Samuele, holding Claire in his arms, began to trail behind Mrs. Roseto, carefully then before since he felt a gaze behind him, but as he moved, a sudden shift almost threw him off.

Just as that happened, a commanding, deep voice pierced the air, resonating with authority. "SAMUELE VAZQUEZ, YOU BETTER NOT LET HER FALL!"

Feeling a flutter of anxiety, Samuele replied earnestly, "I'll be careful, boss," his voice barely above a whisper as he swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the responsibility on his shoulder. Then getting a nod from Ermanno they exited.

Lorena there tried to seize the opportunity, stepping forward and attempting to greet Samuele with a soft, "Hello."

However, he barely acknowledged her, offering only a fleeting, disinterested glance before trailing after Mrs. Roseto, leaving Lorena standing by the stairs, disappointment washing over her like cold water.

Once inside the room, Samuele felt a weight lifted from his shoulders as he carefully laid Claire on the bed and adjusted her head over the pillow. He and Mrs. Roseto then silently began the task of untying Claire from the restraints that bound her.

In the living area, after a short conversation with Derek and Pietro, Ermanno said in a serious tone, settling his gaze at Pietro, "Pietro, gather everyone here."

On hearing that, Pietro strode purposefully out of the living area, acknowledging Ermanno with a slight nod. In contrast, Derek remained where he was, listening.

As Pietro approached the hallway and was about to change direction, when he noticed Lorena standing by the staircase. He walked over to her and said in a clipped tone, "Give me your walkie." Which she passed it to him, without any delay, seeing his serious expression.

He raised the device to his lips, clutching it tightly, and summoned everyone in the villa, except Mrs. Roseto, to the living area in an authoritative tone.

Within a few minutes everyone had gathered in the living area, and there Samuele also had descended the stairs after hearing the announcement, knowing that they were being assembled because of the girl.

In the living room, a heavy silence lingered, filling the space as if the walls were waiting for something to happen until Ermanno shattered the quiet, his eyes bright that drew everyone's focus, he started, his voice calm, "Everyone here has dedicated countless hours performing your duties for me, and I appreciate your efforts for that, but... From this moment on, your efforts will need to multiply, as A GIRL, named Claire will be staying here, and other than taking care of her, I expect each of you to keep your senses sharp. Especially for these coming days, since under no circumstances she's allowed to leave this premises. I want you all to report even the slightest whisper concerning her."

"And remember, maintain a stoic silence in front of her, acting as if you were mute — especially you, Lorena," he added, his eyes locking onto hers, leaving her to nod silently, her gaze cast down.

"I hope you all have understood everything, as I won't repeat. Now go back to your duties otherwise you know what the consequences are for idling here," Ermanno concluded briskly. At his words, Pietro and Samuele exchanged a glance.

Without delay, they all scattered back to their tasks, aware that his commands were not to be repeated.

His word's echoed in their minds, sparking a flurry of questioning looks among them, each silently asking, "Who's that girl? Why she'd be staying here?"

He then himself, ascended to the room where Claire lay, stepping inside with a sense of purpose.

"You can go out now," he said, his voice steady and calm. As Mrs. Roseto slipped through the door, her footsteps soft against the floor, he looked up at Claire, his wide, luminous eyes reflecting a mix of triumph and nostalgia. The moment felt significant, as he had finally triumphed in taking away their 'Precious Hidden Belonging'.

Amidst that, the thought of Willam's faded face tugged at Ermanno's heartstrings, softening the corners of his mouth into a gentle smile that reflected both joy and wistfulness.