CHAPTER VII

Lucy’s POV.

Have you ever felt so over your head as if you were just living an empty shell of someone’s life?

This went through my head as the ballerina from the photograph stared right at me. I stood frozen under her scrutiny. How was she able to get in here? Her face was devoid of expression which chilled me to the bones. My voice was stuck in my throat. I wanted to confess but I didn’t know exactly what I’ve done to her.

Right then, blood started trickling down her temple. She remained impassive. My hand reached out to her in haste only for it to come in contact with a cold glass.

It was just my reflection.

The blood I saw turned out to be just black dye. I looked so much like Dante’s fiancée now, I wanted to cry.

Everything that went on in my day after Dante locked me inside this room felt like a dream. I didn’t even remember coloring my own hair. It could have been Annalise or Dante since he was so obsessed with it. Maybe I was having nightmares again. Whenever that happens, I often cannot tell the difference between my reality and dreams. It was so bad that my father had to give me some pills for it. Which were on my bedside table. Back home. It’d be easier to get it only if I have access outside. I couldn't do anything without giving Dante more leverage over me and I really didn’t want that. He’s got my father already.

Still, I could still hear the names echoing in the deep recesses of my mind as if they were buried there.

Antonio, Noel, Simone, Raul, Ferdinand

I couldn’t picture how my father could have killed not only one but five people. The same man who smiled tenderly as he taught me how to ride a bike. My father who, despite his austerity, held me gently after my mother’s accident.

In my mind, they sounded young. The unmistakable hurt I heard in Dante’s voice was too raw. There were so many more emotions there than I ever heard from my father in my 22 years of existence.

I cleaned up the remaining dye on my forehead. The bathroom still reeked of strong chemicals and I couldn’t wait to get out of there. I was drying my hair as I walked back inside the room when the door opened.

A man who appeared to be in his 30s casually entered the room. He seemed gentle and approachable with his clean-cut hair and sharp suit compared with the rugged and intimidating aura of Dante. I could tell from his expression that he was just as surprised as I was.

“Caterina,” he breathed out as if he couldn’t believe it. The vein on my forehead popped.

“My name is Lucy,” I snapped at the stranger then I remembered I was supposed to pretend to be her and I faltered. I swallowed a lump in my throat and backed slowly in the bathroom. I became increasingly aware that I was only wearing a camisole under my robe.

Disappointment flashed in his eyes but his grin flushed it out. He wagged his finger at me.

“You’d have to get used to being called by that name or else we’ll get into a huge trouble.”

I bristled. “Why does it matter? I’m locked in here anyway.”

“He’s not going to keep you here forever, you know.”

“No.” I glared at him. “I don’t know that.”

I didn’t like the familiarity in the way he spoke with me. However, the brilliant brown of his eyes teased a memory in my brain. I felt like I'd seen him somewhere before…

I looked at him accusingly. “You were with him. When I was kidnapped, you were sitting on the passenger seat.”

His face lit up as if we were in some high school reunion and we’re exchanging pleasant memories. “You remembered.”

I crossed my arms. “Who are you?”

“Leo.” He shot me a crooked grin.

“What are you to him?”

“His business associate.”

I scoffed out loud. “Business associate, my ass.”

The corner of his lips quirked up and I swore his eyes imperceptibly flickered on the lower part of my body. “You tell me then, you look like you know better than I do.”

“You’re his killer buddy.”

If I thought he’d be offended, he just simply plopped down on the bed on his stomach and looked around.

“Yeah well, the term may sound cute but we prefer not to be called that.”

What’s his game this time?

“Did Dante order you to check in on me and get on my good side? You can tell him he could go to hell because there’s no way that’s happening.”

“You sleep here alone?” He asked like I didn’t just say anything. My eyebrows knotted at the underlying meaning of his question but I answered, sounding more defensive than I’d have liked.

“Of course.”

He shook his head. “That hopeless bastard is in more trouble than I thought.”

“What do you mean? Is the wedding off?”

He chuckled. “I’m afraid you’re still the best choice unless another duplicate shows up.”

I turned away from his amused gaze. Could he blame me for getting hopeful? No girl wanted to be forced in a marriage.

Dad, what did you do?

Whatever it was, I wanted to hear it myself. I have to protect myself from being swayed, especially now that I’m surrounded by strangers. I had to be smarter this time. Even though I’d rather jump from a 60-feet tall building, I need to get along with Dante. We’re getting married after all. And maybe if I’m in his good graces, he’d let me talk to my father.

I thought I’d start with Mr. Nice Guy over here. He might be Dante’s friend but I had no one else left to talk to.

“Why do I look so much like her?”

“Beats me.”

I rolled my eyes. Why did I even try? I’ll be gone in the head before I even get some answers around here. I was about to lock myself inside the bathroom when he spoke again.

“Have you heard of doppelgangers?”

My eyebrows arched. I knew they exist in some way. Others even believed that they bring bad luck. “You believe in that?”

“No. I’m just trying to ease your mind. Speaking of—” He straightened up and sat on the edge of the bed as he handed something out to me. “I brought you something.”

I moved closer to where he was. His unwavering stare made me a little bit self-conscious. When I took the small package from him, his fingers brushed against my skin.

I opened it, slightly pleased to receive a gift even though it’s not my birthday. I recognized it immediately. A lot of old women in my town fiddle with it daily. “A cross stitch?”

“Something to keep you sane until the d-day.”

Personally, I would prefer a phone but I knew no one’s giving it to me anytime soon.

“Is it one of Caterina's hobbies?”

“Yeah.”

Then no, thank you, was what I wanted to say but I clamped my mouth shut. Just because I had to pretend to be her didn't mean everything about me was going to change for her.

This was only temporary. I would make sure of that.

I was about to thank him when the door banged open behind me, making me jump, and Dante charged inside. I hastily hid the package behind the vase on the table ladened with food.

“What the fuck are you doing in here?” Dante’s eyes were furious as if he was going to rip Leo’s throat and feed it to him. I didn't think I could be of any help to Leo and I backed away but he just rested his weight on his elbows and looked up at Dante, cool as a cucumber like this was how Dante greeted him everyday.

“Just checking in on your fiancé.”

“Who told you you could do that?”

“Well, she doesn’t seem to be happy in your company. I thought I’d give her a little bit of relief.”

He opened his mouth, probably about to cuss Leo out when his eyes fell on me for a second. Then, his head whirled back at me. The words didn’t make it pass his parted mouth as his dark eyes traveled down my body and then back to my damp black hair that was covering my chest.

I couldn’t help it. I shivered. His dark depths felt like they could pierce through my robe.

“Happy?” I asked, my throat dry.

He met my gaze. “Not even fucking slightly.”

Dante seemed more stressed than usual, like the tension from his muscles was about to pop open his shirt. He turned to Leo again and briskly nodded his head towards the door.

Leo jumped to his feet. “Onto business then.” He dusted off his pants before giving me a charming smile. “It was nice meeting you again, Caterina.”

“Go.” Dante’s voice lowered. When it was just the two of us, he glared at me. I had no idea why he’s so furious this early in the morning.

“When I come back, I want those food gone and into your stomach being fucking digested or I’ll hand feed it you myself.” His eyes flickered to my body, his jaw tightening. “And get dressed.”

Now, he’s saying something about it. I didn’t hear him complain hours ago.

“You’re such a dictator.” I muttered under my breath. But of course, he heard it. Nothing that I do went unnoticed by him.

His gaze intensified. “Oh you have no idea, fiorellino.”