Chapter 40 THE PRESENTATION.
\~~~RAINA.
I returned to the room and pulled out the files I brought home from work, along with my bag. Then I sat down and started working on the presentation for the next day.
I felt slightly relieved when Luciano stepped out of the bathroom and didn’t say a word to me. He simply went about his business, then left the room entirely.
I can’t remember how long I spent on that ridiculous project. No matter how hard I tried, it still wasn’t making sense. Eventually, sleep started creeping in.
I closed the laptop, placed the files on the table, and went to the bathroom to take a shower. When I was done, I didn’t bother with skincare or even going downstairs for dinner.
I just returned to the bed and lay down.
That was all I had left in me for the day.
I lay on the bed on my side, my back facing the door, staring into nothing.
My body was tired, but my mind refused to shut up.
Every time I closed my eyes, I saw that man tied to the chair.
I heard the scream again.
I smelled the metal scent in the air.
And then I imagine Luciano’s calm face.
I pulled the duvet higher, breathing slowly, and counting in my head like it would help.
One… two… three…
God, I’d never forgive this man for imprinting something so horrible in my head.
_______
The sound of my alarm was harsh the next morning. It felt like I hadn’t slept at all, and I cursed as I pulled a pillow over my head.
“God, when does this end?”
Eventually, I forced myself to sit up and breathe out slowly.
I was alone in the room, just like every other morning.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen Luciano sleep. It’s like the man doesn’t sleep at all. I always fall asleep before him, and by the time I wake up, he’s already gone.
Groaning, I dragged myself out of bed and pulled my messy hair into a rough bun.
God, I miss when the only thing I had to worry about was finding inspiration for my next piece. I miss sketching so much.
Every time, every single time, I imagine a pencil in my hand, sketching, and letting my mind drift instead of being trapped in this life.
I dragged myself into the bathroom, brushed my teeth mechanically, and stared at my reflection longer than necessary. I looked tired, pale, and like someone who had aged ten years in two months.
After a quick shower, I dressed carefully, choosing something simple but sharp. Today was not about beauty. Today was about survival.
Oh, the presentation.
My chest tightened just thinking about it.
I moved to the table where I had left everything the night before and let out a tired breath.
“I should have paid more attention to this instead of rushing to bed. What the hell am I going to…”
My voice trailed off as I noticed the coloured sticky notes lining the edges of the papers.
Frowning, I picked them up slowly and flipped through the pages.
“What is… this?”
There were pieces of coloured paper pasted almost everywhere, and I squinted as I read the neat handwriting on them.
“Oh my God,” I whispered, dropping into the chair.
Everything was explained step by step. It was clear, simple, and detailed.
It was like someone had taken the chaos in my head and organized it neatly on paper.
All I had to do was read.
“Who did th…”
I paused, then scoffed softly and glanced around the room.
Who was I kidding?
It was Luciano.
No one else had access to this room the way I did. No one else would have bothered.
Still… why?
Why would he help me?
He had arranged everything so carefully, breaking down what I struggled to understand, marking what mattered, and cutting out what didn’t.
All I needed to do now was follow it.
And that terrified me almost as much as it unsettled me.
What is this man planning to do to me again?
After the shit he pulled yesterday, I just knew it was best I leave Luciano and just focus on myself.
“Well…” I stood up, and then neatly arranged the files in my bag.
“He should be able to do that much. It’s his fault I’m going through this,” I rolled my eyes and then exited the room.
____
When I got to the living room, Luciano was already there, sitting on the couch with his laptop open in front of him.
He was always busy and always working on something.
I swallowed hard, looked away from him, and then headed straight for the door.
“Morning to you too,” his voice came from behind me, and I stopped.
“Morning,” I replied quietly.
“Breakfast?” he asked.
I didn’t answer. I kept walking until I stepped outside.
I was almost at the car when I heard him call my name and I turned to see him standing by the door.
“What?” I asked as he walked toward me.
“I was talking to you.”
“I didn’t hear.”
Luciano bent slightly till he was at eye level with me, but I still refused to meet his gaze.
“You are not having breakfast.”
“I am okay.”
“You didn’t eat dinner last night.”
“I am fine,” I said quickly and turned my head away.
“That attitude will only make things worse for you, baby.”
I lifted my head and finally looked at him.
“When has anything ever been easy for me?”
Then I turned again and walked to the car.
“Good morning, madam,” Gabriel said as he opened the door.
“Hi, Gabriel,” I replied, getting into the back seat.
Luciano stayed where he was, standing still, and watching.
Even though I knew he couldn’t see me through the dark tinted window, I could feel his gaze.
As the car drove out of the compound, I looked away, reached into my bag, and pulled out my files.
Back to work.