Caged

Julie's POV

I found Matteo leaving without giving care of what other people standing around us must be thinking. I didn't have it in me to look at them and left the dining area that very moment. Coming to my room I shoot for the closet to look for my bag. I sank to the floor looking at my passport. I took a long sigh wondering what the future will hold. Either I stay or not. In both cases, it is going to be a lot muddy.

I recalled the moment when I take him as my husband. And, though I never even accepted to myself I sure had some hopes from this new life of mine. And, no matter how harsh and rude he had been to me until now…I still tried to look through it no matter how hard it was to do this.

But yesterday, after knowing that he was having relations with other women…I couldn't do this. I don't think I have the energy to live under the same roof with his other…I trembled as I wonder to whom I could share this burden.

I gulped recalling his shouting from the last night. I could tell him that I didn't want his money but I already know he won't believe me. Maybe this was the real reason for Mr Lucca telling me they don't split families. But one thing was apparent from his tantrum last night and that was he won't leave me. Not so soon at least and the last thing I wanted was to depend on him no matter how hard it will be to find a job in this new place. I took a long sigh and rubbed a tear that rolled over my left cheek as I packed my bag with other important things.

Don't worry, Julie with a job you will get some money and maybe a lawyer when you will need one. Even the thought of going to court to face Matteo was dreading enough.

Though I had a hope he won't act harshly if I give up on the alimony but I still couldn't think of me being brave enough to see him in the court. And, how on the earth I was supposed to manage a lawyer, my ticket to my home back or a place to live here in Italy. I sighed thinking I might need some from the alimony to arrange some part of this mess.

I got my bag back in the cupboard and got out wiping my face before getting my hair locks behind my ear. Looking at the bed make me recall how foolish I was to trust him when all of the signs were screaming at me.

I startled when I found the door of my room being opened. The woman Matteo introduced me to was standing there. "You didn't knock," I complained.

"I am sorry. I will knock the next time. But can you get ready we have a place to go to?" This got my eyes narrowed but all I found her doing was to check out the room.

"Mr Lucca sure has a great taste…his father too had a great place in the states. I used to assist Mrs Lucca there…in the states."

"Look, I don't need you. You don't really need to take his orders…I…" I was cut off with.

"I am given your schedule Mrs Lucca. You have a reservation somewhere." This got my eyes narrowed before I give up.

"Can you be more specific?" I asked but walked to get my laptop down when I found that woman's eyes eyeing the screen.

"It's nothing much. Mr Lucca owns a hotel franchise and you should go out and visit such places showing that you support your husband's cause." I stared at her for a few seconds before I felt my chest tightening in anxiety.

"Why? Is there an occasion or something?" I could only manage it.

"No…your husband owns that place. It is natural for you to be seen at such places or meet people. But remember…try not to trust anyone, Mrs Lucca. If you have any problems going on with your husband it is better that you talk it out with him."

"Thank you, but I…I don't need your advice," I said before turning around and pulled my hair in frustration.

She didn't know a thing about me or the situation I was in but kept interfering. She was indeed a personalized punishment for me by Matteo.

"I…I need some time…alone," I said but only find that woman taking a seat on the recliner while I huffed and dragged my feet to the bathroom to get some alone time for a few hours. I got out to find a sandwich waiting for me and couldn't help but be thankful for that old lady who always takes notice of such things now for me.

I got into a sky blue dress and had only a diamond bracelet for a piece of jewellery. I didn't go for the makeup and only finished my look with lip gloss before hiding my face behind oversized sunglasses. I got out and was lost in my thoughts of how I will manage to tackle the inevitable things coming in my life when I noticed David opening the door for me.

Barbara, the woman who seemed to be in her fifties was sitting beside me while I only leaned into the seat wondering how everything will happen. My divorce, the way back home, getting back to life….and somewhere recalling Matteo's remarks I wonder if he would let me be in peace. There was something about him that tells me he won't let all of these things happen in peace.

"Are you fine, Julie?" David asked making me open my eyes. I was about to get my sunglasses down when I almost jumped over Barbara's sharp voice.

"How dare you to call her by her first name?"

"He…he is my friend…and…" I tried to explain.

"Oh…It seems that there is something with this Mrs Lucca's title. You are interested in your driver too." And, these words got me jolted.

"Excuse me? Watch your mouth?" I pointed my finger at her.

"Relax, I was only saying my mind…but whatever happens in my presence…I am supposed to report everything to Mr Lucca. So, even if you have something going on with this driver you better give up. But for now, get ready to tell your husband why your driver can call you by your first name" I was beyond embarrassed when I look at my front to notice David's questioning gaze. I could shot back at this woman but I knew I will be no match to her filthy mouth and will only welcome more trouble for me. I only look away hurriedly to feel how I was dying in this bond slowly.

We pulled in front of a hotel and I was only thankful for these shades that were hiding my face. We went inside the hotel to be greeted by some staff members who were waiting for my arrival. It seemed that they wanted to give me a tour. I was stiff and could only respond with a nod or sometimes I only ignored it. It was taking everything in me to not break into tears.

As if taking the cue, Barbara guided me to one of the restaurants housed inside the hotel. The place had a lot of people and events going on. It turns out that the hotel was quite famous for wedding events. But here in the restaurant area, there were not many people. I ordered a drink and I take it in one quick gulp.

"Mrs Lucca?" I heard someone say and turn to find the woman I met in Mauritius. I couldn't recall her name though and that was a pretty awkward moment.

"My name is Sofia McKenzie. I met you in Mauritius with your husband."

"Hello,…" I tried my best to stretch my mouth totally ignoring I must be looking like a fool for not removing my sunglasses.

"I am so sorry but I am in a hurry. We have an event going on…but would you two like to come in?"

"I…" I hated how I knew I couldn't answer. I really didn't know if Matteo would want me to go in there or not?

"It will be an absolute pleasure, Mrs McKenzie." I heard Barbara say but was only passing a smile to Mrs McKenzie who I was sure now thinking I am insane.

"Oh please, come on in…" We started getting out of the restaurant and Mrs McKenzie was telling something I didn't pay any attention to.

"…so, you see this foundation is very different. It's… it's personal."

"Oh..yes…I have heard about the case. And, I am really sorry for the mishap." Barbara spoke now making me alert of what Mrs Mckenzie was saying too.

"I hope it is reaching her…and, we could find her one day."

"Find who?" This got me Mrs McKenzie's attention. She had a little something in her eyes. I saw many emotions passing her face before she answered, "My niece…she was taken from the hospital…but my cousin believes her daughter is still alive…and…this is where our whole family comes. Even if she doesn't come back…it had given our hearts a lot of calm…"

"I am sorry…" I tried to pay my regards.

"…but how are you not aware of it? My cousin was almost married to your father in law…" Saying this she laughed a little and shook her head as if recalling some drama.

"What?" I only whispered but she was quick to say.

"Oh…excuse me…please be seated."

I look at the huge banner that says Grace Campbell foundation. I was given a leaflet that had some information about how this cause was global and they were going to focus more on the girls in the college or universities.

I look up to notice someone speaking. What I gathered so far was the fact that the family was from the USA but had the events to raise the donation in almost every country to help every girl around the age of Grace Campbell. I wonder too what kind of life that girl must have lead unknown to the fact that her family was still waiting for her return.

"I would like to call Mrs Campbell on the stage to…Mrs. Lucca?" I looked to my left to find Barbara in a hurry.

"Mr Lucca has arrived. And, he is waiting for you." I stood up from my table and was leaving the hall when I heard, "Good evening, Ladies and gentlemen…" The door behind me was closed cutting off the speech of that woman while I had my thoughts consumed thinking if he had made the call for me and if yes what it could be.

The way back home was even more excruciating. I got in to only find Mr Colombo standing in the door who didn't take a minute to add.

"Mr Lucca is waiting for you in his study." I nodded my head and was about to head to my room when I heard Mr Colombo say. "Not to that one. He is in the north one…we have more than four personalized spaces for him in here." I nodded my head and had my palm sweaty as I walked behind Mr Colombo to get to the north part of the mansion.

He gestured me to the door while I took a long breath telling myself that I will be stronger and more firm this time. Relax, Julie…this person doesn't deserve to be respected or feared. I told myself before getting in but got a little out of the place finding the room quite dark. There was no single light on in the room and the thick drapes were cutting off the light of the dusky evening.

I looked at him sitting in his oversized chair that was placed behind a huge mahogany table. Three stairs apart his place from the rest of the room that had huge couches with a fireplace at the far end. He had his blazer on and seemed quite pissed. "You called for me?" I asked from afar.

"Yea…I did," I stared at him and was really uncomfortable when he roamed his eyes over me.

"Matteo…Sir…I will appreciate if you let me stay in some other room…I…" I was cut off the moment he got straightened to look at me. It was as if he was out of some spell now and didn't like the reality much.

"Why don't you say it coming here? I want to be clear on WHAT YOU ARE ASKING FOR?" He chewed out the last of his words while my feet got me two steps back.

"I…I can't do this anymore…no, I mean I won't do this anymore."

F.a.c.e.b.o.o.k page: Ashleh Queen

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