Twisted Obsession

25 - Unveiling Desires

Athena Luciana Bianchi

Lorenzo was in Italy dealing with family issues, which translated to some much-needed freedom for me or so I thought but, not just yesterday when I was having fun by myself he had me drag my onto his jet and to italy. The mere thought of him brought a frown to my face. Lorenzo, with his constant presence and overbearing attitude, had become a thorn in my side. His insistence on micromanaging everything and everyone around him was exhausting. His sharp, critical remarks and his perpetual scowl were hard to endure, making every encounter a battle of wills.

For a few days, with him temporarily out of the picture, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. The prospect of not having to see his stupid face 24/7 was exhilarating. His absence meant I could breathe, think, and plan without his constant interference. It also meant I didn't have to endure his bitchy attitude, a mixture of arrogance and disdain that grated on my nerves but that all changed today because here I was flying to Sicily on his private jet.

Lorenzo's absence wasn't just a relief; it was an opportunity. An opportunity to prove myself, to operate without his shadow looming over me, and to show that I could handle things on my own– which I seemed to disagree with.

The thought of the mission filled me with unease yet reminded me I was one step closer to being free and away from Lorenzo. Elliot, Octavio and I had spent days in intense research, and with the help of them, we had finally made some progress. The whereabouts of the diamond were narrowed down to Italy, specifically Postino, Sicily, or Abruzzo. It wasn't a guarantee, but it was a lead—one that we couldn't afford to ignore. Plus in such a line of business something was better than nothing especially when we were racing against a clock that did not slow down for a second.

"Ugh, no, Athena, stop." I pause, taking a step back. What the hell is up with me? I am a smart and independent woman, so why the fuck have I recently been having this thing to prove myself to Lorenzo? Why was I suddenly craving his fucking validation? I probably must have hit my head somewhere.

A wave of frustration washes over me, the gravity of the situation sinking in. It's not just about the diamond anymore. It's about showing Lorenzo that I'm more than capable, that I'm not some pawn in his grand game. Every interaction with him feels like a test, a challenge to my intelligence and resolve. His condescending smirk, the way he dismisses my ideas, it's all fuel to my fire.

But why does his opinion matter so much? It shouldn't. I shouldn't care about what he thinks of me. Yet, here I am, second-guessing my every move, replaying our conversations in my mind, and analyzing every nuance of his reactions. It's infuriating. I've built my career on my own terms, fought hard to earn my place in a world dominated by men like him, and I won't let some arrogant jerk undermine that.

I take a deep breath, forcing myself to refocus. This isn't about Lorenzo. It's about me, my career, and the diamond. I need to keep my head clear and my priorities straight. Proving myself to him is just a byproduct, not the goal. I will find that diamond, not for his approval, but because I am damn good at what I do. And if along the way, I manage to wipe that smug look off his face, well, that's just a bonus.

The airhostess approached me. "Ms. Bianchi, we will be landing in fifteen minutes." She had a soft smile on her face. "Is there anything you'll be needing when we touch down?" I give her a small shake of the head and she leaves with an acknowledgement nod.

Pulling up the camera on my mac, I fix the black Hermes silk scarf around my head, covering my hair and part of my face. The fabric was cool against my skin, providing a semblance of anonymity. I slid on oversized sunglasses, their dark lenses. Grabbing the hem of my leopard print mini dress, I tug slightly down as I sink back into the plus leather seats.