As soon as the storm ends ~ 𝒞. 𝐿𝑒𝒸𝓁𝑒𝓇𝒸

'For better and for worse'

{Luciana's POV}

It was something that I haven't imagined, somehow I secured a job down in Monaco; specifically in Monte Carlo. Not that I complained because I know that I'm being taken in by a decently set for life family. They truly have the most gorgeous little boy, his cute rosy cheeks, and that cheeky smile when he's shy. In all honesty I certainly am jealous of the women who had birthed this boy, It might sound like she's hella older then me but she's not, only 3 years older than me. She made me feel like I longed something in my life. Which is not a lie.

I felt like she had posed as a great mother figure, yet even though her attempts at showing affection weren't so great, I could see that her eyes spoke louder than her actions ever could. Not that she was a bad human let alone mother, but I don't think that maternal bond ever slightly existed.

Fabiana had everything I had ever wanted: the looks, a good husband and a great position in life - her career certainly didn't disappoint, however it is the reason the reason I'm here. I don't think I'm ugly - at specific moments I think I'm far from it. It's just us two are the opposites: I have blonde long locks, whereas Fabiana has brown short shoulder length hair, I'm tall but she's petite and delicate looking. It was those comparisons that internally destroyed me, I keep picking the worst of times for this to affect me. Pain builds character. Everything happens for a reason; at least it's what they say.

Here I am, standing with my whole life packed into two big suitcases. Who would have thought that I would be able to compress such complicated past into a brand new future. I stood there doubting my decision for a split second, but urged my confidence to knock on the front door of their apartment. Within a brief moment I see Fabiana opening the door with 2 year old Théo on her arms. Excitement is the closest word I could use to describe the euphoria I'm feeling because they've given me a chance to start a new life, somewhere that life doesn't feel daunting. Fabiana has moved aside for me to be able to enter the apartment and as soon as the door closed, Théo has made his way over to me to give the sweetest hug but quickly returned back to Fabiana as his shyness got the best of him.

"Welcome to your new home!" Fabiana cheeringly said as she directed her son towards me with a bouquet of flowers that are surely bigger than him. I quickly got the urgency to walk towards him to save him the trouble of dropping or accidentally injuring himself.

"Thank you" I couldn't help but smile. "I'm glad you've chosen me for this job, though with a child like yours it definitely won't feel like a chore" I continued.

"Like I've mentioned before, it is a pleasure to have you. You seem like a great fit into our family. I'm sure my husband will approve my decision in choosing you" Fabiana stated. Those words rang through my head over and over again. It's as if Fabiana noticed the weirdness that might have been emitted from the words she directed towards me. She quickly dismissed the conversation as she got up and offered to show me around their apartment in the heart of Monte Carlo, where the family of three live and where I will spend most of my days at as I've been offered to live with them.

As we were on the tour of the house, a room full of trophies and helmets caught my eyes. I probably shouldn't be nosy but the curiosity is real at this moment. This reminds me of a saying that correlates, curiosity is the first step to hell.

"I don't want to invade your or your familys' privacy, but what does your husband do for a career? I believe you said his name was Charles, correct?"

"You see he's just one of the guys who got the chance to race one of the fastest cars within the motorsport industry, it's nothing major as he definitely hasn't been performing well" Fabiana said with utter disappointment and disgust in her voice, but isn't he her husband? Why isn't she supporting him? She seemed so snarky about it.

Hasn't she promised she'll be there for Charles in 'for better and for worse', it all seemed to not correspond as to why there is so much envy in Fabiana's statements towards Charles. This isn't my life or my story to invade or even rewrite, but he doesn't sound like a Prince Charming out of a book.

"He's actually supposed to be coming home today, but I recon he'll stop at one of his friends house for a short visit. I think you may be able to meet him today, that's if he doesn't come home late" Fabiana tried everything in her power to sound reassuring.

"Oh that would definitely be nice" I felt so awkward, there was some kind of shift when we got on to the topic of Charles. But again Im not here to counsel their marriage, I'm here to take care of their product of love. Théo.

As we moved further into the apartment, I was briefed by Théo's mom where everything was, like Théo's room, a spare guest bedroom, the offices that were available to my disposal, and lastly I was shown my room. It wasn't anything extraordinary, plain white walls, a dresser, a mirror that stood in the corner of my new room and the door that led to my own personal bathroom. I can't express the gratefulness over the fact that I have a roof over my head.

"You can go ahead and start unpacking, but I'll need you to take Théo to the park in an hour not far from our house, you can take his pram to make the journey a bit easier for you, as I have an important business meeting to attend" her demeanour changed, to me it felt like she had caught me like a fly in a fly trap. There's continuously that feeling that it's going to be hell of a rollercoaster ride. Just deep down I'm hoping at least Charles might be nicer.

"Yeah I guess that's fine, I'll quickly shower and we'll be off" it's so sudden, and because of the shock, by it all, I obeyed those instructions as it felt like Fabiana was only ever so much a ticking bomb that was close to setting off. I should better get my shit together.

In the mean time, I did what I need to do and in matter of 45 minutes I had gathered myself and Théo and his pram and we were out the door to seek a new adventure and explore the place I would call my home at least for a little while, I hope.

Authors note:

Hey! Thanks for choosing my book to read, this has sat in my drafts for a bit now as I wanted to make sure everything flows together. If any of you guys have ideas that a few of the chapters could be about be sure to let me know 🫶🏻