THE ALGORITHM OF THE FORBIDDEN HEART

Chapitre 13

Donatella POV

Warning : mention of sexual assault with details

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I entered the classroom for my afternoon lecture, my concentration already fragile because of the note Carla had left that morning. I needed to see her, if only to confirm she was here and alive.

Throughout the two-hour class, Carla's seat remained empty.

I couldn't think straight. Concepts of ethics and logic slipped past me. My mind was elsewhere. My gaze constantly returned to the empty chair, physical proof that my attempt at anchoring had failed. I had respected her need for distance, and now she was gone.

Towards the end of the class, I spotted Anja, Carla's friend. I knew from my observations that the two girls were close.

At the end of the class, as the other students were leaving, I called out to Anja, my voice grave, my tone leaving no room for discussion.

"Ms. Anja, wait."

Anja froze. I walked towards her, my entire body exuding a glacial authority.

"I know you are Carla's friend. You are not going anywhere. I demand that you wait for me."

I made her sit at a table, standing facing her. The air in the room grew heavy.

"Where is Carla?" I demanded, without preamble, my voice lowered to a dangerous level.

Anja: (She trembles, her hands clenched on her bag) I... I don't know, Professor Vianelli. She missed class.

Donatella: (Frowning) Don't play this game with me, Ms. Anja. I received the note from the secretariat regarding her two-day absence. A "medical emergency." But you, you are her friend. You went to her place yesterday. I absolutely must know where Carla is. Is she at home? Is she in danger?

Anja: She's fine! She... she just needed rest, Professor. I can't say anything.

Donatella: (I lean in, my face closer to hers, my intense gaze never leaving her) Your loyalty is admirable, Ms. Anja. But your silence is dangerous. I am no longer asking. I am giving you an order. Where is she?

Anja: (Her voice is a whisper) I assure you I can't... She asked me not to say anything.

Donatella: (I strike the table with my hand, a sudden gesture that makes Anja jump) Do you know what a detention hour is, Ms. Anja? It's eighty minutes of your time wasted staring at a wall. Do you know what four hours of detention are? It's a full day. It's your evening ruined, it's your class missed, it's your GPA dropping.

(I pause, letting the threat sink in.)

"Tell me where Carla is right now, or I will give you four hours of detention here and now. And I promise I will do everything to make sure your record remembers your disobedience. I was so insistent and threatened her with 4 hours of detention if she didn't say where you were."

Anja: (She breaks. Tears well up in her eyes.) Please, don't do that...

Donatella: The hospital, Ms. Anja. Which one?

Anja: (She gives in, the betrayal of Carla forced by fear of academic authority) It's... Mount Sinai, Professor. She is under observation. I'm sorry.

I ignored her apology. I had the information. Fear turned into cold determination.

"Very well. You are dismissed from this conversation. You may go."

I watched her rush out of the room, her face distraught. I didn't care. I knew where Carla was.

I walked to my desk. I grabbed my keys and wallet. I had to go see her. Immediately.