Page 51 of The One
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” I say quietly as I collect the old tray and leave.
After dropping the tray off in the kitchen, I head straight to my room, feeling tired and drained.
It’s been a hell of a day with my father’s attack, Mateo’s rescue, and Sofia’s sullen mood.
I enter and lean against the door, closing my eyes. I need some sleep. My bones are heavy, and my mind is exhausted. I want to shut it all out for a little while.
As I walk into the room, I instantly spot a large parcel on the bed.
Huh. How did that get there?
I take a seat on the mattress, staring at the large box placed neatly in the center. It’s wrapped in moss-green paper with an elegant cream ribbon adorning it.
Wow, the packaging alone is beautiful.
Is this for me?
Surely not. Giulia must have placed it here by accident. Perhaps she got the guest bedrooms confused, and this is for whoever is arriving later on. A lady friend of Mateo’s, probably.
The thought stabs my heart.
Unreasonable jealousy burns in my gut. The girl from the airport is probably visiting to finish what they started.
Argh!
I get off the bed to take the box back to Giulia when an envelope on top of the package catches my attention.
Mariella.
Chapter Eighteen
Mariella
Ipull the card from underneath the ribbon. My name is written in elegant handwriting, but I don’t recognize it.
Wow, this is actually for me.
I blink in surprise, my fingers tracing the loops of my name, the smooth surface of the card suddenly more real in my hands.
A quiet laugh escapes me, as warmth spreads through my chest. My lips curve into a smile before I even realize it.
Who would send me a gift here?
Other than my sisters, nobody ever gives me presents, especially nothing this elaborate.
Then, a dark, unwelcome thought disrupts my joy, and I instinctively take a step back.
What if this is from Father, or worse, from Renaldo, as some twisted act of revenge?
What if this is a body part of one of my sisters or Rufus, our family cat I love so much?
All my excitement vanishes with that thought, and now I eye the large package with suspicion.
But why wrap it so carefully then?
To get past the guards, to ensure it reaches me?
What if there’s something dangerous inside? What if it’s a bomb?
