♥ Chapter 31♥

Axel Norvelli. 

Three days later.

Three days have passed since that night in the alley, and my life has completely changed. On the same day, I moved to Catarina's house. It was a decision that happened so quickly that my head is still spinning trying to process it all. I never thought I would live next to her, the woman who used to fill me with fear now makes me feel something totally different, something I never thought possible.

At first, it was strange. The environment was new, gigantic, and luxurious, and I felt completely out of place. The mansion was imposing, with endless hallways and rooms decorated with expensive furniture that I had never dreamed of touching. The housekeeper, a middle-aged woman with a cold and distant look, didn't make things easy either. Every time we crossed paths, I felt like she was sizing me up and judging my presence there. But, despite this initial strangeness, little by little, I started to get used to it.

The fear that previously paralyzed me whenever I was around Catarina disappeared as if it had never existed. Now, instead of fear, I feel something much softer and more comforting. Kindness. I see her in a completely different way. The woman who once scared me with her aura of power and danger now makes me feel protected, as if I truly belonged to this place and to this life.

At first, there were times when I found myself looking around, waiting for the moment when she would change her mind and kick me out. But that never happened. On the contrary, Catarina made a point of integrating me into her routine, showing me parts of her life that I never imagined I would see. Little by little, I started to feel more comfortable around her.

Now, when we're together, I feel like we're building something. It's strange and new, but at the same time, it feels right. As if, somehow, all the paths I've taken so far have brought me to this moment, to being by her side. And, despite everything we've been through, I feel like I want to be here with her.

These three days were intense, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I feel like I'm starting to understand Catarina in a way that no one else does. And, even though the future is uncertain, I feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be.

****

08:20 ''Catherine's House'' Room ''Valdoria.

I woke up slowly, feeling the soft weight of the sheets on me. Even after three days, it still felt strange to be there, in that huge bed, with sheets that looked more expensive than anything I'd ever owned in my life. The mansion, the environment—everything was still surreal, as if I were living inside a dream that didn't seem to dissipate.

I turned my head to the side and saw Catarina standing, already dressed. She wore tight jeans that showed off her curves impressively and a simple but elegant black blouse that perfectly matched her style. Her hair was loose, falling in soft waves over her shoulders. When our eyes met, she gave me a smile that made my heart skip a beat.

'' Good morning, my little one. '' She said, approaching the bed. I felt the warmth of her lips as she kissed my forehead, a gesture that made me feel even more connected to her.

'' Good morning. '' I replied, my voice still hoarse from sleep. ''Are you going out?

She nodded, her eyes holding mine.

'' I have matters to resolve. Maybe I'll just come back in the evening, but I'll try to come back early.

I just nodded, not really knowing what to say. Her life was so different from mine, full of secrets and responsibilities that I could barely understand.

Catarina leaned in again, her lips touching my forehead once more, before straying to my cheek. Then, I saw her take a gun from the dresser, and without hesitation, she placed it in the holster attached to her waist. The vision was a reminder of who she truly was and the dangerous world in which I was now involved.

She left the room with firm steps, leaving me alone. I stood there for a few moments, looking at the ceiling, trying to understand everything that was happening in my life. Even though I was in that house for three days, it was still difficult to believe that I was really there, living with Catarina, such a powerful and dangerous woman.

Maybe I should go out for a bit too. I've never done anything like that since my routine has always been to go straight from work to home, without detours, without life outside what was necessary.

Having decided, I got up from the bed and went to the bathroom. A shower seemed like the first step to something different. I didn't know what the day had in store for me, but I felt like I needed to start truly living, even if this “living” still seemed a little scary.

I entered the bathroom and turned on the shower, letting the hot water run over my body and relaxing my muscles. Furthermore, I lay there for a while, trying to collect my thoughts as the water washed away any trace of sleep. After a while, I turned off the shower, dried off, and brushed my teeth, feeling the freshness of the toothpaste awaken me even more.

I wrapped the towel around my waist and left the bathroom, heading towards the closet. It was a huge space, full of clothes that Catarina had ordered to buy for me. I still felt a little uncomfortable in the tight, expensive clothes that were now part of my wardrobe, but I knew I needed to get used to this new reality. It was a completely different life than I had before, and part of me was still adjusting to all these changes.

I opened one of the drawers and took out a pair of dark jeans and a black t-shirt, both new and from brands I didn't even know. I sighed, realizing that even though I was beginning to adapt, there was still a part of me that resisted this change. But I knew there was no going back. I was with Catarina now, and this was my new life.

“I have to accept this change,” I thought as I started to get dressed. Even though these clothes felt strange and out of place, they were now part of who I was becoming. I put on the t-shirt and pants, adjusting the fabric to my body, and stood in front of the mirror for a few moments, trying to recognize myself in the reflected image.

It was strange, but at the same time, there was a feeling that I was somehow starting to find my place in this new world.

After getting dressed, I grabbed my wallet and cell phone, putting them in my pocket. I took one last look around the room, taking a deep breath before leaving. I walked slowly down the hallway, still getting used to the sounds and atmosphere of the mansion. Even though everything was new and luxurious, a part of me still felt out of place.

Maybe I'll buy something for Catarina.

I was trying to find a way to express what I felt. I know she has it all, but I want to give her something special. But what? Possibly a necklace? Alliances? I don't know. I have no idea. 

I walked down the stairs, my footsteps echoing through the large hall. When I reached the bottom of the stairs, I found the housekeeper, who was busy with something in the living room.

'' Good morning. '' I gave a small smile.

She paused for a moment, looking me up and down, and then returned to the kitchen without saying a word. I sighed, feeling the weight of his disapproval.

I think she still doesn't like me.

Frustrated, I walk toward the front door. Upon leaving, I was greeted by the sight of armed security guards, a constant presence that I was still trying to get used to. Some of them gave me a quick look, while others simply ignored me. I walked towards the gate, which soon opened for me.

To let me out is quick. But to say something, they don't say anything.

Once I got through the gate and found myself outside, I was lucky enough to see a taxi passing by. I signaled, and the taxi stopped immediately. I got in the car, and, after closing the door, I gave him the address.

'' To the necklace shop on Central Street, please.

The driver nodded, and the car started to move. As the taxi headed towards its destination, my thoughts were occupied with what I could find in that store and how I could choose something that really symbolized what I felt for Catarina.