A CHANGE OF OUTFIT

CHAPTER 8

it was now the third day of being held captive in Italy, and Luciana felt like she'd suffocate from boredom.

She'd exhausted her phone's games and scoured the internet, desperately searching for any hint of her father's whereabouts. But every attempt ended in disappointment.

Frustration boiled over as she dialed the phone number she'd memorized as her dad's. The automated response cut through her like a knife: "The number you dialed does not exist."

Luciana hurled her phone onto the bed, despair washing over her. Was this her new reality? Trapped, alone, and helpless?

was she the modern Cinderella?

The door swung open, and Antonio walked in, dropping a suit of clothes on the bed. "Get changed. We're going out."

"I am not going anywhere with you." Luciana folded her arm. "I am not your property or some ping pong ball you can toss around anytime you like."

Antonio laughed. "you have five minutes. Ms. Grace would assist you." He said and walked out, leaving Luciana seething.

The door opened again, and a familiar scent wafted in. Luciana's face lit up with joy as Ms. Grace entered the room.

"hello, miss." Ms. Grace said as she entered the room.

Luciana rushed to her, flinging her arms around Ms. Grace.

Despite a nagging voice warning her that Ms. Grace might be in on the scheme, Luciana felt a deep sense of trust and relief.

"I'm so happy to see you," Luciana exclaimed, tears welling up in her eyes.

Ms. Grace hugged her warmly. "I'm happy to see you too, miss."

Luciana pulled back, her eyes shining. "Please, stop being formal. You can call me Lucy."

Ms. Grace smiled. "I'm sorry, I can't do that. Mr. Antonio doesn't tolerate disrespect towards his... guests."

Luciana rolled her eyes. "Well, it looks to me like I'm a captive, not a guest." She said beneath her breath.

Ms. Grace's expression turned neutral. "I'm sorry, miss. I didn't mean to imply—"

Luciana cut her off, her voice sharp. "It's okay. Tell me, who are these people?"

Ms. Grace's eyes darted around the room before she leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry, I can't answer that question."

Luciana face fell. She sighed and shrugged. "I guess I'll have to figure that out myself."

She stared at Ms. Grace for a while before pressing on. "Are you happy here?" she asked.

Ms. Grace laughed.

"The Moranos are like family to me. When my husband divorced me and threw me out, I was homeless. Donatello took me in and gave me this job. I've known Antonio since he was a teenager... I nurtured him after his mother's death to the be..."

"wait hold on." Luciana interrupted. "his mother is dead?" she asked, shock written all over her face.

Ms. Grace's expression turned somber. "Yes, sadly. She was killed. It was a huge loss for everyone. She was so sweet."

Luciana's mind reeled as she processed the news. She flashed back to her confrontation with Antonio, remembering how he'd threatened her when she mentioned his mother.

Luciana's gaze wandered to the portraits on the walls, and she turned back to Ms. Grace. "Is she the one?" she asked, pointing to a portrait.

Ms. Grace nodded. "Yes. I never thought Antonio would let anyone in his mother's room." She chuckled. "He never even shared her belongings with his fiancée. You must mean something special to him."

Luciana's thoughts contradicted Ms. Grace's words. To her, being with Antonio felt more like being a captive than something special.

Ms. Grace interrupted her thoughts. "We have just five minutes to get you ready." She held Luciana's hand, preparing her for the outing.

"Where are we going?" Luciana asked as Ms. Grace applied her makeup. "He's refused to tell me anything."

Ms. Grace smiled. "Maybe that's because he wants it to be a surprise."

Luciana's anxiety resurfaced. "I'm just scared."

Ms. Grace's smile was reassuring. "Oh, dear child, you'll be okay."

After the final touches, Viktor's voice echoed through the door. "He's expecting you downstairs."

As they descended the stairs, Antonio couldn't help himself as he stared at Luciana. Her slender figure was accentuated by the fitted, sleeveless dress that hugged her curves in all the right places.

The soft, silky fabric clung to her skin, subtly outlining the peaks of her nipples - a reminder of her braless state.

The dress's delicate straps rested on her shoulders, framing her heart-shaped face and drawing attention to her striking features.

Antonio's face was like one who had seen goddess Aphrodite, his eyes tracing the contours of her body. Her beauty was undeniable

Viktor shook his arm, breaking the spell. "Boss? Boss?"

Antonio snapped back to reality. "Yes, yes. Let's go."

* * * * * * * *

As they journeyed through the Italian countryside, Luciana's eyes widened in awe.

The breathtaking landscape unfolded like a canvas of vibrant colors, with rolling hills, lush vineyards, and ancient cypress trees stretching towards the sky.

The sparkling waters of the Mediterranean Sea glistened in the distance, meeting the horizon at a perfect curve.

Her thoughts wandered to the stories her Mother used to tell her about Italy's rich history, art, and architecture.

She had always been fascinated by the country's cultural heritage, and now, seeing it firsthand, she felt like she was walking through a dream.

Despite her captor's presence, Luciana couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and enchantment. Italy, with its la dolce vita (the sweet life) atmosphere, was seducing her, making her forget, if only for a moment, the danger and uncertainty that lay ahead.

To her surprise, they stopped at a luxurious boutique. The empty store sparked her curiosity – was this a celebrity-only shopping experience?

A petite lady greeted Antonio at the reception.

"Welcome, Mr. Morano. We prepared the latest collections and limited editions of designers' wear and shoes, just as you ordered, sir."

Antonio nodded. "Okay, good." He turned to Ms. Grace. "Please go with her to try some new clothes... and some... um... ladies' things." He said in embarrassment.