Chapter 43
"Fine, then I'll head to the cabin so I can start my work early tomorrow," I said, taking Gulliver, but just as I was about to speak, Joffre interrupted.
"You're going to the cabin?" he asked sharply, glancing at Mr. César, who stopped in his tracks.
"Yes… why? I live there…"
"Let her go to that filthy cabin. It seems she enjoys the squalor," he said coldly, without looking back.
♡
I gathered my things and reluctantly made my way down the wooded path behind the mansion. Night was beginning to fall, and all I could think about was how foolish I had been not to carefully review that contract. I had stood in front of that cruel man like an idiot. But I still couldn't understand if he really needed me here or if this was revenge for how I insulted him today. When I arrived at the cabin, the dust and dampness filled the air. I turned on the lights and stood there, looking at the place with a smile. I imagined living here with Beethoven while growing a lovely garden, but I guess those were just silly childhood fantasies. I placed Gulliver on the table and sat on the small bed.
"I wonder how Keylef is doing… He seemed so disappointed," I thought as I looked at my phone and saw a message from him. Excited, I quickly opened it.
"Belle, I'm going on a trip around the world to find my way, or maybe just to clear my mind. I don’t know when I lost the direction of my life or when I decided to bet on Belladona. I don’t even know who anyone is anymore… maybe I was wrong. I wanted you to know that the only good thing that came out of all this is meeting you. You’re a good girl with very bad luck. Don’t let your appearance be a reason to feel inferior to her. I’ve realized you two are nothing alike. Good luck, and take advantage of your opportunities to become someone better so that when I return, I can be proud of you."
I grinned, jumping for joy. That message was like the refreshing water I needed to believe that there could be an opportunity, that I could have a future. So, I promised myself to seize this opportunity to become the woman I always wanted to be. Suddenly, a call came in on my phone. Excited, I answered, not recognizing the number.
"Miss Belle Orphan?"
"Yes, this is she. How can I help you?"
"I'm calling from the detox hospital. Your grandfather Beethoven has suffered an anaphylactic shock and is in intensive care, awaiting a liver operation."
"W-what are you telling me…? I don't understand…" I murmured, hearing how the voice faded in my mind, becoming lower and lower until it turned into background noise.
"Miss Belle… BELLE!" I snapped out of my stupor and looked at Joffre, who had his hands on my shoulders. Tears began to well up in my eyes, and I said,
"Mr. Joffre… my grandfather is very sick."
"What?"
"They just called me from the hospital; he needs surgery. He… he’s leaving."
"Calm down, Miss Belle… Where is that hospital? We need to go immediately, so don’t jump to conclusions until we’re sure. Do you understand?" I nodded, dazed, and quickly left the cabin.
"Please, don't tell Mr. César about this. I don't want to involve him in my problems." Joffre nodded silently. He took the car he had arrived in, and we headed to the hospital.
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