Whispers of Desire

Sanctuary

Amore Rodriguez

The month spent within the opulent walls of the Moretti mansion had been a whirlwind of emotions and experiences. As I adjusted to the intricacies of Alejandro's world, the allure of the lavish lifestyle clashed with the ever-present undercurrent of danger. Despite the sense of security the mansion provided, a part of me yearned for the independence that came with my own space. On a quiet afternoon, as the sun bathed the mansion in a warm glow, I made a decision. I felt a sense of reassurance, a belief that the threats had momentarily receded, and it was time to return to my apartment. The familiar surroundings held a comfort that I hadn't realized I missed.

I reached for my phone, intending to inform Alejandro of my decision. Dialling his number, I waited anxiously for him to pick up, but the call went unanswered. His presence at the headquarters likely meant he was engrossed in the demands of the mafia world. With a sigh, I opted to send a text, typing out a brief message. "Alejandro, I've decided to go back to my apartment for a while. I feel safe, and I miss my space. Let's talk later. - Amore."Leaving the phone on the table, I took a moment to collect my belongings. The mansion, though grand and protective, felt like a gilded cage at times. I longed for the familiarity of my surroundings, the quietude that accompanied the solitude of my apartment. As I stepped out into the sunlight, the decision to move back was met with a mix of emotions. The Moretti mansion, with its imposing structure, faded into the distance as I drove towards my apartment. The streets held a different energy, one that resonated with the rhythm of daily life rather than the clandestine affairs of the mafia.

Upon reaching my apartment, I felt a sense of nostalgia. The familiarity of the space wrapped around me like a warm embrace. The decision to move back, if only temporarily, felt right. Days passed in the quiet solitude of my apartment, the routine of everyday life gradually becoming a grounding force. Yet, a part of me remained tethered to the complex world Alejandro inhabited. I found myself glancing at my phone, awaiting a response that never came. In the quiet of the evening, as the city lights began to flicker outside my window, I realized that the choice to move back, while offering a sense of normalcy, also meant navigating the complexities of love entangled with the clandestine affairs of the mafia.

-

The weeks passed with a strange sense of normalcy. Life settled into a rhythm, and I embraced the routine of my work at the hospital, the solace of my apartment, and the occasional outings with friends. However, a void lingered—an absence that echoed in the silence of unanswered calls and unspoken words. Alejandro remained distant, his absence palpable even in the busy corridors of the hospital where our paths seldom crossed. As I navigated the complexities of my dual life—one as a nurse and the other as a woman entangled with the enigmatic Alejandro Moretti—I found solace in the familiar routine.

Then, one ordinary day, a letter arrived at my apartment. Its appearance was unremarkable, a nondescript envelope that stood out against the mundane bills and advertisements. The absence of a return address and the handwritten script on the front intrigued me. Upon opening it, my eyes scanned the words that unfurled a tapestry of unsettling revelations.

солнечный свет, Sunshine,

This might sound peculiar, perhaps even foolish, but I implore you to read and take it to heart, my sunshine. Your mother was a remarkable woman, a shield against the evils and dangers of this world. I yearned to witness your first steps and hear your first words, but those moments were stolen from me, my sunshine. My life is in disarray, a chaos I never wanted you to be entangled in. Nevertheless, my watchful eyes were always upon you. I witnessed you blossom into a splendid woman, a beauty akin to her. I fear disclosing my identity, and for that, I admit my cowardice. The only thing preventing me is the knowledge that you are safe and secure, even if it's from our adversaries. I would not hesitate to dismantle the world to ensure not a single strand of your hair is harmed. Let Moretti connect the dots. I love you, my sunshine. I am sorry. Truly sorry.