132- An ocean away

**GIULLIA SANTORI'S POV**

Even without opening my eyes, I feel my body lying on some comfortable surface. I try to move my fingers and succeed, a sign that I'm not dead. I open my eyes and stare at a different ceiling; the room is bright, white, and beautifully decorated with wooden details. Likewise, I sit up in bed and glance at a balcony beside me; the white curtain sways as the wind enters through the balcony door.

"My god... where am I?" I whisper to myself.

I run my hands over my body and notice that I'm not injured. The clothes I'm wearing are the same ones I had on in the bridal shop. I remember feeling sick, and Alessandro Messina looks at me attentively as I faint.

I stand up and feel dizzy; I put my hand on my forehead and take a deep breath. I manage to control the sensation and take steps around the room, looking for something that might help me understand where I am. It's daytime; the sunlight is illuminating the curtain, but it prevents me from seeing beyond it.

Curious, I walk to the balcony, and when I draw back the curtains, I am met with the sea. The beach is beautiful, with crystal clear waters and sand as white as cotton. My eyes are fixed ahead, analyzing the deserted place. The balcony is elevated; I look down and notice it's a third floor. The house is very beautiful, a true beach mansion.

"This place is incredible, isn't it?" A male voice catches my attention.

Startled, I turn suddenly and look at Alessandro standing a few meters away with his hands in his pockets. I lean against the balcony railing, trying to distance myself from him as much as possible.

"Where am I? Take me home, take me back right now!" I scream in despair.

"I'm sorry, darling. But this is your new home." He smirks.

"No!" I scream even louder, running towards the room and searching for my purse.

Alessandro follows me inside, remaining calm, and watches me rummage through everything in search of my belongings. He has that irritating smile on his lips.

I'm desperate, thinking of my son, Vittorio, Bella, and my parents. I can't disappear; I won't bear being away from them, and I know they need me too. My wedding is coming soon, oh God. How is Vittorio doing right now?

"You're despicable, ridiculous, and..." I lunge at him, punching his chest forcefully, making Alessandro step back. "I hate you! Take me back, get me out of here!"

I scream in total loss of control, punching his body, and Alessandro grabs my wrists, making me stop with my hair disheveled, some strands covering my face. I look at him, tears streaming down my face.

"I love this... your way of being a fierce woman. Don't worry, they're all fine, I just can't say the same for Vittorio. That's good, very good!" He laughs and releases my wrists.

I feel my legs weaken, and I sit on the bed, crying at the thought of being far from the people I love. I don't know where I am, but apparently, it's a place far from Italy.

"Don't try to jump, as that would be suicide, and you don't want to die, do you? However, even if you try to escape, there are men scattered all over the island, and there's no other way out except by boat, private plane, or swimming. The only option you have is swimming. But I don't advise it, after all... we're in the Bahamas."

The last word he spoke repeated many times in my mind. With wide eyes, I watch him leave the room and close the door. I'm an ocean away on a deserted island, how will Vittorio find me? Luca, what is he thinking right now?

I stand up, look around the room once more, and see nothing that can help me. I collapse to the floor, resting my hands on the ground and feeling tears stream down my face copiously. This can't end like this; I want to go back home.

________________________

*Minutes passed as I cried heavily...*

I wipe the tears from my face and come to the conclusion that I can't give up. There will always be a solution to everything.

With great effort, I stand up and walk towards the door. I'm surprised to find it unlocked. He didn't lock me inside the room, which means this place is truly a fortress. I walk through the spacious corridor, hearing voices coming from one of the doors, and approach to try to hear what they're saying.

Alessandro's voice is evident, but they're talking about supplies for the island. I can't waste time, so I hurry down the corridor. I descend the stairs, and when I reach the bottom step, I'm surprised by a woman in uniform.

"Do you need anything, ma'am?" She smiles.

"How can I leave this place? I'll give you a lot of money, whatever you want, how can I leave?" I plead as I ask.

"I don't understand, ma'am. Would you like to have breakfast?" She pretends not to understand.

I roll my eyes and sigh. I ignore the woman and head towards the house's door. As I step outside, I notice there are some cars suitable for off-road trails. I don't see any men; they must be with Alessandro. I take advantage of the moment to run through the area. The heels I was wearing hinder me, so I kick them off, throwing them away.

I run a lot, entering a trail amidst the trees. My feet burn as they get hurt on scattered rocks, but still, I don't give up running. I reach a place where there's a waterfall; I stop abruptly and look at the crystal clear water. My breathing is heavy, and I feel very thirsty. I climb down the rocks, going to the water and cupping my hands to scoop some.

"Giullia!" I hear distant shouts.

I'm startled and start running again along the path. I stumble over a branch and fall to the ground, hitting my knee on a rock. The pain consumes me, and I grit my teeth, closing my eyes and trying to stand up again. I can't give up; there must be something on the other side of this place, a boat, or someone who can help me after a bribe.

I walk with difficulty, hearing my name being called several times. In an act of desperation, I look back and realize they haven't caught up with me yet. After a few trees, I see the sand of the beach at my feet and limp until I reach the beach. More water, lots of sand, and desert. I'm exhausted, injured, and desperate.

A man is walking along the sand, and I run to him, and he looks me up and down. I grab his shirt, looking at him pleadingly.

"For God's sake, get me out of here, find a boat, take me somewhere else where I can talk to my fiancé, I'll pay you very well, I'll pay you better than Alessandro pays you. Please!" I tug at the man's shirt in despair.

He takes a deep breath, and then I hear my kidnapper's voice again.

"Giullia, I warned you there's no way out. Look at you, you're very hurt." He looks at my injured feet and knee.

More tears well up in my eyes as I look at him with hatred for everything he's putting me through. I'm taken aback as he picks me up in his arms. I hit his shoulders in an attempt to free myself, but it's in vain.

"Let me go!" I insist.

"Be quiet, stubborn woman. You can't even walk."

He gets irritated and walks along the sand, following a more accessible path. Knowing there's no way to avoid it, I stay quiet, feeling disgusted as he carries me back to the beach house.