♥ Chapter 32♥

Axel Norvelli. 

As soon as the taxi stops in front of the store, I pay the fare and get out, looking at the entrance with a mixture of nervousness and curiosity. I don't usually go to places like this. But now, I'm here, wanting to buy something special for Catarina, something that shows how I feel about her.

I enter the store, and the soft sound of the bell on the door announces my arrival. The environment is elegant, decorated with soft tones and lights that highlight the shine of the jewelry on display. I walk slowly, trying not to look completely out of place, but the truth is that I feel a little out of place. I look through the windows carefully, observing each piece without having much of an idea of ​​what I'm looking for.

Then something caught my attention. It's a simple but beautiful necklace with a pendant that appears to open. I move closer, leaning a little closer to get a better look. It's one of those things that keeps photos inside—the kind of thing that I always thought was sentimental, but now it seems perfect to me.

As I stand there, still looking at the necklace, a salesman approaches with a polite smile.

'' Can I help you with something, sir? '' he asks, with a courteous tone.

I look at him and give a shy smile, still feeling a little awkward.

'' I… I'm looking for a gift. For a woman. '' My voice comes out a little hesitant. ''That necklace…'' I point to the pendant that caught my attention. ''He can keep a photo inside, right?

The seller looks at the necklace and smiles, nodding his head.

'' Yes, exactly. It is a classic and very special piece. You can put a small photo or even a secret inside. It is a gift that carries a lot of meaning.

'' It looks perfect…'' I mutter, more to myself. ''I would like to take a closer look.

The salesman carefully opens the window and hands me the necklace. I hold it in my hands, feeling the light weight and smooth texture of the metal. I imagine a small photo of the two of us inside, something for her to carry with her, always close to her heart.

'' It's a very nice gift, sir. I'm sure she will love it. '' The salesman comments, observing my reaction.

I smile a little more confidently now.

'' I hope so. '' I take a deep breath, making the decision. '' I'll take this.

'' Excellent choice. '' He responds, beginning to pack the necklace carefully. ''Can I help you with anything else?

'' No, just that. Thanks.

While he finalizes the purchase, I think about how Catarina will react. I don't know if she likes this kind of thing, but I want to give her something that shows what I'm feeling. Something that shows that, despite everything, she means a lot to me.

After paying and picking up the small box, I leave the store with the gift in my pocket, feeling a little lighter, but still with butterflies in my stomach about what will come next.

With the necklace kept in my pocket, I decide to take a walk in the park before returning to the mansion. I need to get rid of this nervousness that has been with me since I left the store. The park seems like a good place for that.' The soft sound of leaves rustling in the wind, the distant laughter of children playing, and the calm pace of people walking help clear my mind.

I walk without a specific direction, just observing the world around me. For a moment, I can even relax a little, feeling the cool breeze on my face. It's good to have time for myself, away from the worries and weight I feel about everything that's going on.

But suddenly, everything changes.

As I get lost in my thoughts, I feel my shoulder bump into someone. I quickly turn to apologize, but as soon as my eyes meet the person's face, I feel my heart freeze in my chest.

It's Chloe. And not just her, but also her former colleagues, the same ones who humiliated me so many years ago. But what are they doing here, in my city?

The wicked smile she gives me is like a punch in the gut. She recognizes me instantly, and the sparkle in her eyes makes me want to disappear instantly.

'' Axel? Is it really you? '' Her voice is filled with sarcasm and disdain. ''Nothing has changed, it's still as horrible as ever.

My eyes widen, and a wave of embarrassment and fear washes over me. I try to say something, but nothing comes out. Chloe takes a step closer, her cruel smile widening.

'' And that hair? '' She laughs, pointing at me dismissively. ''It was much better when you hid those eyes of yours.

The others around her start laughing too, and each sound is like a knife piercing my chest. Seeing these people here, in a place that was supposed to be my refuge, makes me feel vulnerable in a way I didn't expect.

'' What are you doing here, Axel? '' Chloe continued mercilessly. ''Do you live here? Was this the city you fled to? How ugly! '' She laughs.

I want to respond, I want to defend myself, but the words get stuck in my throat. I am in shock, caught between the past and the present, unable to react, as they continue to destroy me with their cruel words, even here, in my own city.

'' Did you run away from your parents' house to this city? '' One of the guys in the group approaches, his smile filled with mischief. ''You know that your parents are still looking for you to this day, right? It was hell when they got the police involved.

I feel my skin pale. I can't believe they're talking about my parents. My stomach turns when I hear those words. Imagining my parents meeting me again is a nightmare.

'' But now that we found you, we can tell them where you're hiding'' the other boy comments, and they all laugh, like it's the funniest thing in the world.

Their laughter echoes in my mind, pulling me back to that dark place I thought I'd left behind. My lungs begin to fail, as if the surrounding air is turning to cement. A panic attack is brewing, and I can feel my heart beating too fast, almost like it's going to explode.

'' I wonder if all the girls ran away from you too, Axel. ''The voice of one of them is cruel, and again, everyone laughs, making me feel even smaller.

The shortness of breath intensifies, and I'm about to lose control when, suddenly, I feel a firm hand on my face, turning it to the side. Before I can react, I feel my lips pressing against mine in a quick but intense kiss.

My first reaction is to turn away, but the familiar scent makes me stop. Catherine. It's her. My body immediately relaxes, as if her simple presence had the power to drive away all the darkness that enveloped me. The panic that once threatened to engulf me begins to dissipate, and my breathing returns to normal.

Catarina says nothing, but the look she gives Chloe and the others is enough to silence them instantly. She stands beside me, the expression on her face cold and calculating, like a lioness protecting her territory.

'' Any problems? '' she asks, with a dangerous tone of voice, without taking her eyes off them. The silence that follows is filled with tension, and I feel that, for now, I am safe.