Chapter 82

All possible scenarios ran through my mind. I blamed myself for not visiting him sooner, but he had insisted that I live my life, focus on my well-being. He didn’t want to be a burden to me, and he had simply withdrawn, but I couldn’t bear the thought of anything happening to him. I clenched my fists as memories of my mother’s death flooded back. Closing my eyes tightly, I took a deep breath. No, I couldn’t let myself fall into that loop again. When I arrived at the hospital, I took a deep breath, unclenching my fists to release the tension.
“Miss Belle, how are you feeling?”
“Fine. How’s my grandfather?” I asked, her expression more worried than reassuring.
“What I’m about to tell you… we don’t yet have an explanation. We needed your permission to run more tests.”
“What are you talking about? What tests? Is he sick?”
“It seems… your grandfather has regained his memory.”
“Memory?”
“See for yourself.”
Scared by her words, I entered his room, and the scene before me left me breathless.
“Beethoven…” I murmured. He didn’t hear me, continuing to paint with the precision of a professional. I glanced at the nurse, who urged me to step closer.
“Beethoven, it’s me, Belle…” He turned to look at me, confused.
“Who did you say you are?” Taking a deep breath, my voice trembling, I answered.
“I’m Belle… we’ve lived together since I was a little girl.”
“I don’t have granddaughters. My son’s child hasn’t even been born yet,” he said coldly, returning to his painting.
“Please, nurse, could you remove this stranger from my room and notify my son that I’ve woken up?”
The nurse awkwardly entered and said, “Sir, I’ve already told you, we don’t know who your son is.”
“Julián Santorini, a member of one of the most prominent families in this country. Once I contact my family, I will report this hospital.”
Terrified, the nurse looked at me, and I fearfully turned to the man before me.
“What did you say your name was, sir?” He looked at me and replied, “I already told your colleague. I am Romanov Santorini, head of the Santorini family and owner of countless famous art pieces displayed in museums you wouldn’t even be able to enter.”
I glanced at the woman behind me, who shook her head in disbelief. Forcing a smile, I said, “Forgive us for the confusion, Mr. Santorini. We will try to contact your family.”
“It’s about time…”
In silence, I left the room with the nurse. Once we closed the door, she said, “Now do you understand?”
“When did this happen?”
“It was gradual. Suddenly, he started with music, then notes, and one morning, he woke up wanting to paint. Without intending to, he began calling for his family and changing his behavior.”
“But… what does that mean? He’s confused, right? It’s dementia or something.”
“That’s what we thought, but when we searched for his name, we found Romanov Santorini, who went missing three years ago.”
“So, it’s true… all those stories weren’t just my grandfather’s dementia or hallucinations.”
“Until we run more tests, we won’t know the exact cause. For now, as his only known relative, we need your permission to proceed with the necessary examinations.”
I nodded fearfully, but inside, a storm was turning my world upside down.
“Are you all right, Miss Belle?”
I nodded in silence, but the fear of losing my grandfather, as I lost my mother, was pulling me into a spiral of despair.
۩
After the hospital meeting, with my head in turmoil, I went to the company for the meeting we had scheduled. I wasn’t in the best condition to speak or think clearly. At the entrance, I came face-to-face with Belladona. Our stares met, and people began murmuring. I tried to avoid the unpleasant encounter, hurrying toward the elevator. Suddenly, Belladona stepped in front of me, shoving me aside.
“Since when do employees get privileges over their bosses?” she said, stepping into the elevator.
“I’ve always used this elevator,” I replied, turning my back on her.
“As well as being shameless, you’re rude and unrefined. When will you stop trying to be me? Because it’s a pathetic attempt at imitation.”
“I already told you, I’m not trying to take any position.”
“Of course not, but it annoys me to see your face around here.”
“I’m not in the mood to deal with your comments. Just ignore me as I will ignore you.”
“There can’t be two Belles in one place. So, here, a gift from me.”
I turned to her as she handed me some papers.
“What is this?”
“A fully-paid scholarship to the best university in Siberia. Didn’t you say all you wanted by Caesar’s side was to grow and become someone better? Well, here it is. You have nothing more to do here. You have one day to decide. I hope your stupid speech wasn’t a lie because if I find out you lied, believe me, little girl, you don’t want me as your enemy. Accept my charity and go somewhere better.”
Speechless, I took the papers from her as she left the elevator.