Chapter 1

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(Readers' POV)

Rome, Italy.

The ally smelled a mix of citrus and sweet flowers, a sign that spring was slowly seeping back as I stepped out on my way to the nearest bar post another fruitless day.

There is little to no progress these days with work profit and I'm spending more than saving , the only thing that can keep me sane right now is a good drink.

I walk down the stoned ally right around the corner into my favorite place since my time here, 'Marie's Bistro', a small cozy bar that serves lip-smacking cocktails.

My hair was still wet from the shower and I felt a little out of space as my outfit is clearly not matching the vibe of the place tonight. The girls are all dressed up in pretty trendy satin dresses whilst I walked in like a teenager running errands.

I spot my usual corner at the bar counter  empty and head over, my bartender friend Bella welcoming me with her familiar smile

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I spot my usual corner at the bar counter empty and head over, my bartender friend Bella welcoming me with her familiar smile.

"Hey pretty! How was your day?"

I took my seat and sighed in remorse, waiting for her to observe I wasn't in a good mood.

"Oh, so not a good one I assume"

"You know what?" Bella continued, "I'll treat you with a good martini!"

"I'll be grateful, Bells, thank you"

She gave me a look and then glanced towards the left corner of the tavern. I followed her gaze.

There was a man seated there, alone, dressed up well along with a cap, as if a  spy in rich disguise.

"He is a handsome one, a little mystifying, ordered a cherry coke. Seems decent. Just Get his number asap!" She spoke in a hushed voice over my shoulder as I kept my gaze fixed at him. The dim lighting was shielding his face.

Something about him just felt- oddly familiar.

"You know I don't do relationships..."I scoffed.

"Who said you have to date him? Just fool around!" She said, handing me my martini.
"Forget it, just go take that seat around the open mic, I bet you will feel better, go on girlie!", Bella urged me and I got up, sipping on my martini when I was interrupted by a sharp pain on my side, making me jerk and almost drop my glass, causing my drink to spill.

"Oww, "I screamed in pain, spinning around to take a look at what caused it.

It was a man, the man Bella was earlier talking about. He wore a black cap, which was hiding his face.

"Can't you see where you are walking, mister?!", I hissed in pain

All I could see were his eyes. He stood there blank, as if in trance.

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