CHAPTER 22
Ariana's POV
I walk around the small kitchen, grab a glass, and fill it with water.The first sip burns down my dry throat, but I keep drinking until the glass is empty.Leaning against the counter, I stare blankly ahead for a few seconds before setting it down and slowly making my way back to my room.
If you could even call it that.
The longer I stayed in this so-called hideout, the more it felt like the walls were closing in — dragging me down with them.Each day bled into the next, the air heavy, my mind heavier.
Last night was a blur.I vaguely remembered crying myself to sleep — something I hadn’t done this much since the days I was trapped under Nicola’s roof.It was a routine I swore I’d never fall back into, and yet here I was, curled up in the same emptiness again.
Mia didn’t come to visit this morning.I was grateful for that.I didn’t have the strength to face her or anyone else.My chest still ached from everything that happened last night — from Alessandro’s words.And even though he wanted nothing to do with me, I couldn’t stop worrying about him.The thought of his injury twisted my stomach into knots.
And the fact that he wouldn’t even let me help made me feel worse — useless, unwanted.
No one came by all morning, and I was fine with that.But the quiet didn’t last long.
“Ciao, bella...”
Bruno’s voice broke the silence as he walked in carrying a few things.He placed them down on the table and turned toward me, studying me like he was trying to read my mind.
I didn’t say anything.I just watched him for a moment before lowering my gaze to my hands, hoping he’d tell me how Alessandro was doing and then leave.But of course, Bruno had other plans.
He settled himself comfortably on the couch, clearly not going anywhere.
“How is he?”I croaked, still staring down at my fingers.
“Alessandro?”he repeated, then chuckled softly.“He’s a warrior, niente lo ferma.Nothing happened to him.He’s fine.”
“Oh...”I nodded slowly, my throat tightening again.“Okay.”
The words felt hollow.My mind was miles away, drifting through everything I hadn’t said to Alessandro.I needed him to listen.Just once.If he did, maybe he’d understand — maybe I’d finally know why he hated me so much.
But before I could spiral too far into that thought, Bruno’s voice cut through again.
“Bella,” he said gently.“What is it?You know you can tell me.”
It took me a moment to register that he’d moved.When I finally looked up, Bruno was sitting next to me on the bed, his face softened with concern.
I blinked a few times before meeting his eyes.The reassurance there — the patience — made something in me crack.
“Is it about Alessandro?”
The question made my chest cave in.My eyes filled instantly, one tear slipping free before I could stop it.I nodded.
