Chapter 45 Where Have You Been
Suddenly, a voice broke her reverie.
Caught off guard, Anna fell backwards.
As everything spun, a strong arm reached out and caught her waist...
Her body stabilized in mid-air, and as she looked up, she saw the gentle and refined Simon.
It was him, once again, saving her!
The women around, regardless of age, couldn't help but gasp.
A hero saving the damsel in distress, such a handsome man!
Worried about the crowd and the potential media attention, Simon pulled Anna up, bent down to carry Charlie, and led them towards the inner part of the building.
Giovanni, seeing the situation, went ahead to make arrangements.
The expansive dolphin tank quickly cleared out, leaving it empty.
From the moment the incident occurred, Simon had been observant. He placed Charlie in the front row and comforted him softly, "Don't worry, everything will be alright."
Then, he turned to Anna and asked, "How are you?"
Anna shook her head. "I'm fine." But deep down, she felt hurt. After all, despite spending over twenty years together, it had come to this.
Suppressing her emotions, she said, "Thank you."
Simon smiled gently. "I didn't do anything. Charlie, Uncle Simon invites you to watch the dolphin show."
Upon hearing that, Charlie's mood lightened slightly, and he nodded gently.
He didn't say much after that.
Anna, feeling sorry for him, sat in her seat and lifted him up tenderly. She spoke softly, "That person just now has no morals. Don't think too much about it. Let's watch the dolphin show together. Dolphins are known to be friendly creatures. They can save people and even give them kisses."
Charlie furrowed his brows, not believing her. "Dolphins can't save people."
Anna smiled. "You'll see during the show."
"Okay." Charlie nodded, his eyes once again filled with anticipation.
Feeling relieved, Anna spoke to the dolphin trainer and then focused her attention on watching the dolphin show with Charlie.
The dolphins leaped out of the water, played with balls and rings, and swayed their tails, showcasing their cuteness. Afterwards, a mannequin was thrown into the water, appearing to be a drowning person.
Suddenly, the dolphin emerged from below, pushing the mannequin to the surface, repeatedly bringing it back to shore, and finally setting it down.
Charlie was astonished. "Dolphins really can save people! Anna, do dolphins have intelligence?"
Anna smiled and gently explained, "No, it's not that. It's because…"
"Because dolphins love to play and have this inherent behavior, when it encounters a drowning person, it will mistake them for a floating object and instinctively lift the person up and push them ashore, saving them."
So that's how it is.
Charlie understood, and the previous unhappy and scared feelings vanished completely.
Simon sat on the side, watching Anna gently take care of the child, his eyes unusually soft.
Previously, she was the person who needed the most comfort due to the trouble caused by her stepmother, but now she was the one accompanying the child. It was truly admirable.
Seeing that the two were still talking about dolphins, he got up and instructed Giovanni,
"Teach that woman a lesson."
"Yes, Mr. Dalio."
After Anna and Charlie finished watching the dolphin show and walked out of the dolphin pavilion, they were surprised to come across two beautiful cupcake treats.
"Wow, there are cupcakes."
"Did you buy cupcakes?"
Simon said softly, "I heard that desserts can heal the heart and make people feel happy. They are suitable for both of you."
"Thank you, Uncle Simon," Charlie happily accepted.
Anna was also moved, he said 'both of you', not just Charlie, indicating that he noticed her subtle emotions and was a very caring man.
"Thank you, Mr. Dalio. Did we delay you? If you have something to do, go ahead," Anna said.
"No, I happen to be observing the market and the public's mentality. If you don't mind, I can help you both."
Anna raised the cupcake, "So this cupcake is payment then."
"No, I sincerely hope you both have a good mood."
"Haha, I'm joking with you. Let's go," Anna smiled brightly, her eyes curved and teeth white.
Simon smiled, thinking that her smile was the most beautiful and elegant smile he had ever seen.
The next day, the three of them played at Vista Heights amusement park, from the big rides to the small ones, and from above water to underwater. They played several games until it was dark, and then they went back.
*
Back at the villa, Mr. Vittorio was growing increasingly discontented. His usual calm and composed demeanor had been replaced by a subtle restlessness, visible to those with a discerning eye. The sophisticated facade he meticulously maintained began to crack, revealing traces of frustration and dissatisfaction.
This transformation didn't go unnoticed by those in his close circle. His loyal associates, who had grown accustomed to his unwavering poise, found themselves perplexed by this sudden change in disposition. Whispers of concern and speculation spread among them as they struggled to comprehend the cause behind Mr. Vittorio's inner turmoil.
Attempts to unearth the source of his discontent proved futile. It seemed that even the most trusted confidants were met with a wall of impenetrable silence whenever they dared to broach the subject. Mr. Vittorio had become a master of deflection, skillfully diverting attention away from his unsettled state of mind.
However, his actions spoke louder than his words. Meticulous observers couldn't help but notice the slightly impatient gestures, the lingering frowns, and the occasional tightening of his jaw. These subtle signs hinted at a deeper unrest, an unspoken anguish that was fervently seeking an outlet.
In the midst of this internal struggle, Mr. Vittorio found himself contemplating the path he had chosen. The weight of responsibility pressed heavily on his shoulders, reminding him of the sacrifices required to maintain his elevated position. The relentless pursuit of power and influence had taken its toll, eroding the joys once found in smaller, simpler pleasures.
As he surveyed the life he had meticulously built, Mr. Vittorio couldn't help but wonder if this grand ambition had led him astray. The glamour and success felt hollow, overshadowed by an unfulfilled longing for authenticity and genuine connection. The sacrifices made in the pursuit of influence seemed increasingly futile as he yearned for something more tangible, something that spoke to the depths of his soul.
His heart ached for the simplicity of a life unburdened by constant striving, unencumbered by the weight of expectations. He longed for the freedom to express his true emotions without fear of judgment or retribution. The relentless pursuit of power had imprisoned him in a gilded cage, and now, he yearned for liberation.
Nevertheless, amidst the chaos of his inner turmoil, Mr. Vittorio remained enigmatically composed, giving away little of his emotional strain. His countenance held an air of mystery, an indefinable allure that both fascinated and frustrated those around him.
The days passed, each one tinged with a bittersweet mix of longing and resignation. Mr. Vittorio continued his calculated dance, navigating the treacherous waters of his intricate existence. And as he embarked on yet another day cloaked in the intricate web of his ambitions, his heart silently yearned for a release from the burdens that weighed so heavily upon him.
Giorgio was busy until late today, and when he got off the car, the house was pitch black.
It's this late, they haven't come back yet?
He took out his phone to call Anna, when a beam of car lights shot towards him.