Chapter 3 Third

MARIA.

Mom was eating and talking non-stop during dinner. My father listened with patience and love. He never changed with her meaningless chatter and I never saw the two fighting, although they had very different personalities. Dad was affectionate and loving at all times, even though he was a sub-boss of the mafia.

He was dangerous, I only saw him once as a family man and I was very scared. We were the target of her unconditional love and devotion. Anastasia found a man who had a terrible fame and was a prince with her. So, why wouldn't I make it?

- I want to spend the summer at Casa Marino - I said, in a suppet. My parents didn't allow me to travel alone.

Dad stopped eating.

- We're already here, sweetie. Why do you want to go there? - Dad drank his wine.

- I want to stay inside. - I swallowed it dry. - I need to get away a little. - I played with my food on the plate.

After Anastasia had to leave to accompany her husband, I felt more lonely and somewhat idle every day. Talking to my cousin Letízia, I heard her say that she came back renewed after spending some time at our cousin's hotel. And I was free to stay there as long as I needed.

- Tell me when you want to go and I'll arrange everything - he agreed. I realized that Mom was angry, but she didn't say anything so as not to contradict my father's order.

I put up with your bursts and ran away from emotional conversations, without revealing anything, just saying that I was fine. There were days when I woke up incredibly hopeful that everything would be fine and others, that I thought that the wound would never be healed. Physically, Anastasia made sure that she went to the doctor and had tests. Without pregnancy and no diseases, I slept better the following nights.

I didn't want to talk to the doctor. I let her handle everything.

While my sister was here, I spent my time with her and the baby. It was easier not to think about myself occupying myself changing diapers, spoiling our beautiful little boy and laughing at the random nonsense of

Anastácia. She and Romano were fighting over some silly things, which were funny to watch.

Then I wandered around the house and walked on the beach only contemplating the time, which passed in an exaggerated slowness, filling me with thoughts that I would not like to have. Not in the mood to exercise, I slept all night in the afternoon and still naped in the library after tea. It even looked like I was taking some tranquilizer.

I wanted to get out of that lethargy and with that, I barely waited for my mother to grumble, ordering me to pack my bags and organize the trip. My new backguard almost didn't talk to me, he wasn't very sociable. I still missed Marcelo and his death was fresh in my heart. I felt mourning, even though I heard my mother saying not to feel it.

The trip to the interior of the island was very long and tiring. The car was comfortable and luxurious, but the weather inside it was simply annoying. However, it was very worthwhile to go out and breathe the fresh air. Aunt Sara left the main entrance with her arms open and making as much scandal as my grandmother would if she were still alive.

Maria Catarina, my little cousin, ran after her and hugged my legs. She was sweet and kind like her mother, in addition to a tremendous

Annoying little pest like Lucca.[ 6] His hair was dark like his father's

And Anna's smile. I squatted and gave her a tight hug, happy and surprised to see her. My cousin left the hotel, with his phone in his hand and received me with all the usual affection.

- I didn't know they were around here - I said in your hug.

- Anna needed a break from the routine to paint. - He clarified and her phone rang. - Sorry, I need to go back to the office. - She kissed my forehead and left.

Aunt Sara took me to the room where I would stay. It was one of the largest, facing the private garden and with a spectacular view of the sunrise on the field line. I stood in the window, contemplating the landscape and letting that beauty invade my heart and bring some of the light I needed so much.

I took a shower, told my parents that I was fine and put on some fresh clothes to walk. I received a thousand recommendations and asked my guard to leave me alone. I wasn't going to leave the property. He looked at me suspiciously. Since everyone thought I drowned after the end of the engagement, they were cautious. Although I said I didn't do it on purpose, they didn't believe me.

The trails were very lively because guests usually walk around the land. Listening to music, I got distracted and ended up getting lost. I didn't see

But the house and I didn't know which way I should go back to. I walked in search of a shadow to think about and saw a cabin with a blonde woman painting on the balcony.

- Are you lost, young lady? - Anna joked from afar.

- You don't know how happy and relieved I am to see you. - I sighed and threw myself on the steps of the stairs. I dried the sweat, feeling my throat dry.

- There is water and juice in a minibar in the kitchen - he warned laughing, still concentrated on the huge screen attached to a gigantic easel.

I ran in and noticed that it was a well-adjusted cabin, equipped with some appliances. I grabbed two bottles, using one to wet my face, neck and wrists. The other one, I drank it all. Sitting on the floor, I leaned against the wall, crossing my legs and respected the silence so that she could paint. My phone still had a lot of battery and in the shade, with a fresh wind, I ended up napping.

- Hey, girl. Wake up. - Anna poked me gently. - Did you get tired?

- Exhausted. How did you get here?

- Lucca brought me. - He smiled crooked and sat next to me. - Did you decide to take a few days of vacation?

- I love your kindness, but I know you know about the end of the engagement.

Anna gave me a calm look.

- The news went fast in the family. I want to know if you're okay and that's the only thing that really matters. - He patted my knee.

- I don't know. - I sighed and decided to be honest. - I'm not well, to tell you the truth. I'm confused and lost. I've spent my whole life wishing to get married and have children, now it's the last thing that goes into my mind. I didn't dream of being anything other than mother and wife. And now...

- And now you're young enough to start from scratch as many times as necessary. You have time to have new dreams and build a totally different life than expected. - Anna leaned her head against the wall, looking forward and followed her gaze. The sun shone in the meadow in front of us in an impressive shade of orange. It filled my heart with hope. - There is something really beautiful about being able to write our story the way we want. I know that your parents are part of something that has its own laws and traditions, but maybe there is a way to do something that is outside the bubble. Talk to your sister, she works abroad.

Anastasia only worked outside because Romano didn't care. Any other husband could complain that his wife is not at home

Taking care of the children all the time. Still, that conversation with Anna made me want to seek a completely different direction for my life.

Some adult women in the family worked in simple positions in companies and even ran large sectors. Despite not having a college, she was intelligent, friendly, good at mathematics and would learn what was very easy. I just needed new air.

A new life.

Lucca went to pick us up a few minutes later and I was quiet during dinner, just watching Maria Catarina be the center of attention with her chatter and little Pietro with pumpkin puree all over his face, giving me naughty smiles. He had his mother's brown hair, lighter eyes and was a laughing child.

Alfredo, my aunt's husband, gave me a nice smile when he arrived a little late to eat. The table was full, with many options and I realized that I had eaten more than a few bites, as it had been in the last few weeks. After dessert, I said goodbye and went straight to the room.

My phone was charging, I picked it up and sent a message to my sister. She called me back almost at the same time.

- What do you need? I'm here ready to listen to you! - He joked, but it was true. That's why I loved her so much. Anastasia even seemed to have supernatural powers. If she wanted to, it would happen. I needed to be inspired by her and find a little more balance in the confused emotions that grew inside me.

- I want something different and I don't know if I'll have permission. I need Romano's help - I spoke quietly, with a little shame and I hated myself for that.

- Romano? - I ignored your tone of surprise. There was nothing against my sister's husband, at first, he scared me and I was terrified that he would hurt Anastasia. Later, he became familiar and comfortable.

- I want a job, do something different, I no longer want to sit and wait for a marriage proposal. In fact, I don't want suitors. I don't want a husband. - My voice was trembling. - I don't want a wedding.

- Maria, I understand that you are traumatized...

- No, Ana. - I cut it and she sighed.

- I'm going to talk to Romano. As much as he doesn't care much, the problem is our parents. The biggest problem is mom - she emphasized what she knew well. If they stayed by my side, my parents

They would lose their strength. It was enough for Romano to convince my father, that my mother would become a pinscher complaining, but it would not cause damage. - I will check what I can find for you.

- Thank you for supporting me.

- All for your happiness. You and me forever, remember? - Forever.

I ended the call with a spark in my heart that I expected to become a fire. I wasn't ready to face the unknown, but I would go with all the courage I had. It was time to get out of my bubble.