Oblivion [18+]

Chapter 20

Camilla's POV

I didn't know that time could freeze when you needed it to but it felt like it. Because I don't know for how long was I crying against Giovanni's hand. I don't know for how long that sweet old man held me as I shook from fear, self doubt and anger in his arms.

Giovanni: Four months and one week.

Camilla: What?

Those are the first words that leave his mouth making me look up at him. He has the same gentle smile I remember.

Giovanni: It's been four months and one week since I last saw you.

So long ago. And at the same time so little time has passed and so many things have changed.

During that time I got used to Matteo's presence, I helped the organisation of a wedding and I had to accept the fact sooner or later I'd have to organise my own. I saw a man killing his own father in cold blood and I lost my virginity to that same man. Willingly. I was already missing that same man when he was gone only for five days and I knew I would be hating that same man when I'd see him again.

Giovanni: I thought they...killed you or worse...

I squeeze his hand and watch him holding back his own tears now.

Giovanni: That friend of yours, Bianca, came here with her mother a week after your disappearance. They tried to sue your father but nothing would move. That's how I knew it was Diavolo's hand related to this.

I smile softly at how he refers to Matteo as a demon on earth when he is just a man.

Giovanni: And now you come here, dressed like a real lady, with those men obeying religiously your every word and you... pointing a gun at a man?

Camilla: A man who hurt you!

Giovanni: That doesn't matter Camilla. What did they do to you?

The question is simple but an answer to it would be far from that. I wipe away my remaining tears hoping my makeup is not completely ruined for Antonio to see me like the mess I internally am.

Camilla: They didn't do anything to me.

Not directly at least.

Giovanni: I am not talking about your body my girl. I'm talking about your soul. What did they do to your soul?

I smile at the man concerned about me and shake my head.

Camilla: In some way he saved me. You said it yourself these men obey me because of who I am to Matteo.

Giovanni: Matteo?

The confusion in his face as he says the man's name says it all.

Giovanni: He is just Matteo to you?

I smile understandingly.

Camilla: He is just a man Giovanni. He has weaknesses. And after all he'll be my husband.