A few days later.
One week and three days had passed. It had now been two weeks since Chloé and Lorenzo got married. But since last night, it was total silence. Not a word, not a glance. Lorenzo had left the house two days after their nighttime argument and since then, he hadn't given any sign of life—and Chloé didn't care.
On her side, the young woman had taken advantage of his absence to go back to her classes and spend time with her father. He had informed her that his surgery had been postponed, promising to let her know when the time came.
Today, Chloé had just left the university. Dressed in a pink tracksuit with a matching top, a light sweater over it, her hair tied up in a bun with a few rebellious strands framing her face, she walked calmly. Her backpack on her shoulders, she pushed open the living room door and… froze.
There, in the middle of the room, Lorenzo was waiting for her. Arms crossed, dark gaze, face closed off by a smoldering anger. Everything about him radiated tension, a contained fury ready to explode.
Unbothered, Chloé gently closed the door behind her. As if nothing were wrong, she walked forward calmly, passed right by him without even looking at him, and headed for the stairs.
Lorenzo (deep voice)
Where are you coming from, kid?
His voice echoed through the room, heavy and threatening. Chloé stopped for a split second, but without answering, she resumed her calm walk toward the steps and began to climb them one by one, as if the question didn't concern her.
Lorenzo (shouting)
FUCK, I'M TALKING TO YOU! STOP!
But Chloé didn't even slow down. She disappeared into the hallway, leaving Lorenzo behind, his face flushed with anger. Furious, he followed her upstairs at a fast pace. Within seconds, he violently opened the bedroom door and found Chloé placing her bag on the bed.
The violent slam of the door made the room tremble. Chloé immediately turned around, her face tense with anger.
Chloé (furious)
What do you want exactly? Can you stop annoying me for once?
Lorenzo (imposing voice)
Where did you come from? Where were you? Who gave you permission to go out when I'm not here? Are you messing with me, kid? Answer me!
Chloé (red with anger)
You're seriously starting to get on my nerves! You left the house for a week without telling me where you were going, and now you show up demanding explanations?! Are you sick or what? Who do you think you are? My father? Let me remind you that we're just living together. You and I, this isn't a real marriage, okay? So stop your circus. Just like you live your life without telling me anything, let me live mine. And above all, leave me the hell alone!
SLAP.
Lorenzo (shouting)
Shut the fuck up!
The slap rang violently, echoing through the entire room. Chloé staggered slightly from the impact but remained standing, her face impassive. Her eyes locked onto Lorenzo's, her heart pounding wildly, but she refused to show the slightest weakness. She crossed her arms defiantly.
Chloé (trembling voice)
That good? Are you satisfied now? What do you want next, choke me? You're nothing but an animal in the skin of a man. I hate you.
Lorenzo (furious)
You've got a big mouth. You think you're still with your high school friends, huh? Where were you? What were you doing while I was gone?! Answer me, or I swear you'll get another slap!
Chloé (defiant)
Oh go ahead! If it entertains you, hit me! But I don't owe you any explanations. So instead of wasting your breath, use your hand—it seems to be your only means of communication.
A heavy silence fell over the room. Lorenzo, fists clenched, stared at Chloé with a rage that burned his insides. She stood tall, arms crossed, insolent gaze. The more she defied him, the more his blood boiled.
Lorenzo (inner voice)
If only you knew what I know… You're just a kid. You understand nothing about the world you've just stepped into.
He abruptly turned away and walked toward the door. His hand on the handle, he stopped when he heard her voice.
Chloé (shouting)
Don't forget these three words: I HATE YOU! You heartless animal, you savage! You piss me off so much!
Those words struck Lorenzo like a knife. His heart clenched violently, but he didn't turn around. Without a word, he left the room, leaving behind a Chloé shaking with anger.
She slammed the door behind him, then walked over and collapsed onto her bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling.
Chloé (inner voice)
Who does he think he is? Mister disappears for a week and dares to come back asking where I was… What did he expect? That I'd wait for him like some obedient woman in front of the TV? Never! Let him hit me if he wants, but I'll never be his puppet.
On the other side, in his office, Lorenzo sank heavily into his chair. A glass of whiskey in hand, he stared into the void.
Lorenzo (inner voice)
I just got back after a week. A week dealing with matters she knows nothing about. Matters tied to the other side of me, the one only Marco and Fabio know. I also found out things about that girl… heavy stuff, far too serious, things that could put her in danger sooner or later. And that, I can't ignore. After my talk with her old man, everything became clear. Fuck… I never imagined she was that man's daughter. It changes everything. Now I have to stay in the shadows to make sure she's safe, even if she never knows how much I'll protect her despite myself. I'm a bad boy, yes, but I'm not supposed to lose my temper like that with a woman. Yet this girl drives me crazy. Every time she talks back, I want to crush her with my hands. I give orders, people obey, end of story. But her… she's the complete opposite. And that's destroying me.
Flashback.
One week earlier.
Seated behind the wheel of his car, Lorenzo sped down the road, eyes fixed on the asphalt rushing past him. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, his muscles tense, every press of the accelerator echoing like a way to vent his anger and tension. On the passenger seat, his phone vibrated, breaking the heavy silence.
Without taking his eyes off the road, he quickly reached out and grabbed the device. Jaw clenched, he answered, his voice deep and rough with irritation.
Lorenzo (hoarse voice)
Hello, who is this?
A male voice, calm but unfamiliar, answered on the other end.
Voice
Are you Mr. Lorenzo De Santis?
Lorenzo frowned, an annoyed smirk crossing his face. He hated being addressed in that neutral tone, as if someone were testing his patience.
Lorenzo (impatient)
Yeah. What is it? Who are you?
A brief silence followed, then the voice returned, firmer.
Voice
I am the father of your wife, Chloé Martin.
Those words instantly changed Lorenzo's expression. His fingers tightened on the wheel as he slammed on the brakes, pulling over with a screech of tires. His heart raced—not from fear, but from a mix of suspicion and surprise.
He took a controlled breath, masking his harsh tone with a polite facade.
Lorenzo (calm, controlled)
Good afternoon, Mr. Martin. How are you?
Giovanni (calmly)
I'm well, my son. I would like to see you… Would it be possible for us to meet?
Lorenzo (composed)
Yes, of course. Just tell me where and when, and I'll come.
Giovanni (emotional)
Good. I'll send you my address.
Lorenzo
All right. I'll be there as soon as possible.
The call ended. Lorenzo threw the phone onto the passenger seat, jaw clenched.
Lorenzo (to himself)
Just what I needed. Now I have to play the perfect son-in-law…
A few minutes later, his car stopped in front of Chloé's house.
When he saw Giovanni, seated on the terrace, Lorenzo froze. It was the same man he had pulled back from death months earlier.
Lorenzo (inner voice)
Fuck… he's her father?
From that moment on, everything changed.
To be continued…