Standing there, fists clenched, Lorenzo was still in shock from the call he had just received. His breathing was heavy, his jaw tight, and his dark eyes were staring into the void with icy rage. A thousand thoughts were running through his mind, each darker than the last.
This enemy… this wasn't a stranger. No, it was someone close. Someone who knew his every move, someone who knew exactly where to hurt him.
Lorenzo (muttering through clenched teeth)
_ He knows me… that bastard has known me forever. He knows who "She" is. He wants to hurt me by going after my girl… He wants to take her away from me, just like I took "Her." But who the hell is this son of a bitch messing with my head?
Out of control, he violently threw his phone to the ground. The device shattered into pieces, and the sharp sound echoed through the hallway like a gunshot.
Lorenzo (shouting, face twisted with rage)
_ Aaaaah damn it! You sick bastard, I'm gonna find you and kill you! I swear on my life, you won't have my girl, never!
His body was shaking with anger, veins bulging in his neck, fists trembling with the urge to destroy everything around him.
At that moment, Chloé, who had heard the crash from the bedroom, suddenly opened the door. She found Lorenzo pacing back and forth in the hallway, hands on his hips, eyes burning with fury.
Chloé (surprised, worried)
_ What's wrong with you? Why did you smash your phone? Are you okay?
She quickly walked toward him and stood right in front of him to make him stop. Her heart was racing, but her movements remained gentle. She raised her hands and cupped Lorenzo's burning face, her cool palms against his hot skin. She looked straight into his eyes, as if her gaze could pierce through the storm raging inside him.
Chloé (softly, almost pleading)
_ Please, calm down… Look at you, you're shaking with anger. Take a breath. Tell me what's going on.
Caught off guard by her softness, Lorenzo reacted instinctively. He slid his hands to her hips, pulled her sharply against him, and wrapped his strong arms around her. His grip was tight, as if he was afraid she might slip away, as if he needed her to keep himself from exploding.
Chloé, surprised but not afraid, let him. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around his neck, buried her face against his chest, and let her fingers run gently through the hair at the back of his neck.
Chloé (whispering softly)
_ Are you okay? Do you feel better now?
Lorenzo lowered his head toward her, his warm breath brushing her hair. His voice, still rough, had lost some of its violence, replaced by a strange mix of exhaustion and sincerity.
Lorenzo (low voice, calmer but tense)
_ Yeah… looks like I'm getting used to your little arms. Guess it works… you manage to calm me down.
Chloé smiled slightly, her cheeks flushing as her heart sped up.
Chloé (curious, teasing)
_ So, who was on the phone? Another idiot getting on your nerves?
Lorenzo didn't answer. He stayed silent, holding her tighter, as if that was the only answer he wanted to give.
Chloé (calm, slightly ironic)
_ You don't want to tell me? You're right… I'm nothing to you anyway. We're just married on paper and—
Lorenzo (cutting her off sharply)
_ Can you stop talking nonsense? You really trying to piss me off?
She fell silent.
Chloé (inner voice)
He's so grumpy. I just want him to say what he feels. Just one word… something. Admit that I matter to him. But no, mister ice wall.
Lorenzo (inner voice)
I gotta admit… it feels good having someone in your arms when rage is boiling inside you. This girl… she's starting to mess with my head. She's more than just a paper marriage. She's becoming dangerous. She might make me addicted if I let her get too close. And honestly… I don't even want to run. For once, I just want to stop pretending to be the indestructible bad boy. Just stay here… crushed in her tiny arms that look like nothing next to mine. Smell her… let her calm me down. She wants to make me fall. I feel it. And the worst part? I don't know if I should fight it… or just dive in.
---
(…)
---
A few hours later
Night had fallen.
Chloé was sitting on the edge of the bed, unable to sleep. Anxiety twisted her stomach.
Chloé (whispering)
_ Where are you…?
Suddenly—
The door burst open.
Chloé (screaming)
_ OH MY GOD!
Lorenzo stood there, barely holding himself up. Blood was pouring from his right shoulder, soaking his clothes. His breathing was heavy, uneven.
Chloé rushed to him.
Chloé (panicked)
_ Who did this to you?!
He collapsed.
---
CHAPTER 19: Blood and Secrets
Everything froze.
Chloé dropped to her knees, catching him just before he hit the ground.
Chloé (crying, shaking)
_ Lorenzo! Hey, look at me! Stay with me, okay?!
But Lorenzo didn't respond.
His head tilted slightly, his eyes half-open, his breathing weak.
Chloé (desperate, tears streaming)
_ No… no no no… don't do this to me… please…
Her hands were covered in his blood, trembling uncontrollably.
She pressed her hand against his wound, trying to stop the bleeding, but the blood kept flowing between her fingers.
Chloé (panicking)
_ I… I don't know what to do… shit, think Chloé, think!
She looked around, her eyes landing on the bedsheets.
Without hesitation, she rushed to the bed, tore a large piece of fabric, and came back to him. She pressed it firmly against his shoulder.
Lorenzo let out a faint groan.
Lorenzo (weak, barely audible)
_ Don't… open… the door…
Chloé froze.
Chloé (shocked)
_ What…?
Lorenzo (breathing painfully)
_ No one… comes in… don't trust… anyone…
His voice faded.
Chloé's heart dropped.
Chloé (terrified whisper)
_ Lorenzo… what did you get yourself into…?
And in the heavy silence of the room… a sound echoed.
A faint noise.
From downstairs.
Chloé slowly lifted her head.
Her eyes locked onto the door.
Her breath stopped.
Someone…
was inside the house.
To be continued…