Lissy Romano

4| Double standards

Lissy Romano

He showed me to my room, and when I walked inside, I was too stunned to speak. A big bed, a spacious closet, and my own bathroom, it was like stepping into a dream.

"You like it?" Davide asked as he placed my bag on the chair next to the desk.

"I love it," I replied, excitement bubbling up in my voice.

"Well, I'll let you settle in. If you need anything, I'll be downstairs," he said with a smile.

"Okay." I muttered, sitting down on the bed, overwhelmed by everything.

As he turned to leave, I couldn't help but add, "Thank you. I really appreciate this."

"You're welcome, Lissy," he said warmly before leaving the room.

For now, I needed to relax and settle in. I began putting my clothes away in the closet, marveling at how much space there was. When I walked into the bathroom, I was blown away again. It had everything: towels, soap, shampoo, a razor. I could barely believe this was my life now.

I decided to take a shower, grabbing a sweater and baggy pants to change into. Before stepping into the bathroom, I locked the door and quickly checked for any hidden cameras. Old habits die hard.

After the shower, I stood in front of the mirror, wrapped in a towel, staring at my reflection. Bruises, scratches, and cuts marred my skin like a roadmap of pain. It was hard to look at myself without feeling disgusted.

I pulled on my sweater and pants, unlocking the bathroom door and stepping out. Clean and refreshed, I felt like a different person for a brief moment. Maybe I could stay this way. Calm, unbothered, free.

But reality had other plans. Seven other plans, to be exact. My brothers, who were still strangers to me. Meeting them felt inevitable and terrifying. Would it even matter if we were related? They didn't know me, and I didn't know them.

I was thirsty, so I decided to head downstairs quietly, hoping not to disturb anyone. As I wandered around, trying to find the kitchen, I saw Davide approaching me.

"Lissy, you need something?" He asked kindly.

"I'm thirsty. Could you show me where the kitchen is?" I asked hesitantly.

"Come with me," he said, gesturing for me to follow.

"This mansion is so big," I said, looking around in awe.

"It's not that big, Lissy. You'll get used to it," he replied, smiling.

When we reached the kitchen, Davide asked, "What do you want to drink? Soda, juice, tea?"

"Water will be fine," I said.

"Really?" He raised his eyebrows, seeming surprised.

Miguel had never let me eat or drink whatever I wanted. Sometimes water was the only thing I was allowed, and even that felt like a luxury on some days. That trauma still held me back.

"Yes, water is fine," I repeated softly.

He grabbed a water bottle and a glass, setting them on the table in front of me. I reached for the bottle as he smiled at me.