CHAPTER 12

**AVA**
I keep looking at the real estate agent’s message on my phone. I think about the possibility of selling my family's house, and, after reflecting, I think that’s the best decision. I reply to the message saying I’m still interested in selling, and they respond quickly, scheduling a meeting for the next day. I’m off work and agree to meet the woman at my family's house.
The next morning, I’m in an Uber taking me back to the city where I was born, the same city as my parents' house. It feels strange to return to this place after so long. I sigh, look at my phone, and see I have a new message. It’s from Pietro this time.
"I'm sorry, but I've been very busy with work these days. Can we meet tonight? What do you think?"
I stare at his words, still pondering if it’s a good idea, and reflecting on the decision to accept being his submissive. I decide not to respond yet, looking out the car window and seeing the city approaching. Selling my family's house will give me some money, and I need that. I can’t live in that house anymore after my whole family was killed there.
Almost an hour later, I’m standing in front of the house. My heart races as I keep looking at the yellow house in front of me. The building is old and worn, totally different from when my family was alive. I sigh and turn my head, seeing a car approaching. It’s Jennifer, the real estate agent, here to see the house. I smile, greeting her, and she says:
"You have a great property here, but I still don’t understand why you want to sell it, Ava."
"It’s better this way. I’m in a new phase of my life and can’t live in the past all the time."
Jennifer nods, and I unlock the house with the keys. Before entering, I feel a strange sensation and look at the woman.
"I need to make a call first, so you can go in, Ava. I know being here again must be difficult.", Jennifer steps away, and I look inside the house before entering.
I turn on the light and blink as I face the small living room. My heart beats faster as I walk through the old furniture, seeing dust everywhere. My eyes fix on the kitchen, the same place where it all began. Tears well up in my eyes as I look at the floor, remembering the blood.
I walk slowly to the kitchen, and memories flood my mind. I see flashes of happy moments we spent there: family meals, laughter, and conversations around the table. But I also see the horror of that night—the dark shadows that moved quickly, the screams of pain and fear. I take a deep breath, trying to push those memories away, but they’re too strong.
Tears stream down my face as I close my eyes, trying to compose myself. I open my eyes again and see Jennifer entering the house. She looks at me with sympathy but also professionalism.
"Ava, if you need more time, I can wait outside."
"No, it's okay. Let’s start."
Jennifer begins inspecting the house, making notes, and taking photos. While she works, I walk through the house, passing by the bedrooms. Each one tells a story and a memory. In my parents’ room, my mother’s perfume still seems to linger. In my childhood room, old posters still hang on the walls, a reminder of the dreams I had before everything fell apart.
I walk down the hallway and reach my sister’s room. The bed is still made, as if waiting for her to lie down and sleep. I feel a deep pain in my chest, thinking about how everything was taken from me so abruptly. I close my eyes and take a deep breath again, trying to push away the pain.
I return to the living room and see Jennifer finishing her inspection.
"The house needs some repairs, but the land is valuable. With some improvements, we can get a good price."
I nod, still feeling the weight of the surrounding memories.
"I think selling is the best decision. I can’t carry this burden anymore."
Jennifer smiles understandingly.
"I understand. I’ll prepare the paperwork and get in touch with you to sign everything. It may take some time, but we’ll take care of everything."
I thank Jennifer and walk her to the door. She leaves, and I stay a few more minutes alone in the house. I walk to the backyard, where we used to play as children. The trees we planted are still there, growing and sturdy. I sit on one of the swings, remembering what it was like to swing and feel the wind on my face without a care in the world.
After a while, I get up and return to the front of the house. I look at the worn facade, knowing this will be the last time I see this place. Despite everything, I feel relieved to be saying goodbye to this painful chapter of my life. I get into the Uber and ask to be taken back to my apartment.
On the way back, I finally take out my phone and look at Pietro’s message again. I take a deep breath and respond:
"We can meet tonight, yes."
I feel a mix of relief and anxiety as I send the message. I started to prepare for the meeting with Pietro. I choose an outfit that makes me feel confident and put on some makeup. As I get ready, I think about how the night will go and what Pietro wants to talk about. I feel a growing curiosity mixed with a bit of nervousness.
As I leave the house, I look in the mirror one last time and see a woman determined to find peace and happiness. My heart is still heavy after returning to the place where I had the worst day of my life. I sigh, deciding that I need to forget today, or I’ll cry again.
I’ve cried so much in this life, and it all started when I screamed and cried beside the bodies of my dead family. The people I loved most were taken from me when I was just a child. I was forced to grow up too quickly and alone. I learned to live with pain by my side. I learned this after realizing I was alone and no one would help me get them back in my life. They were gone, and they could never come back to me.
To try to forget my dead family, I start thinking about Pietro, the mysterious man who can provoke intense new sensations in me.