Before dawn | Dark romance

Chapter 56 - Midnight revelations

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After the girls leave, I stretch out on the cozy lounge bed on the terrace, overlooking the New York skyline. The city's distant hum barely reaches me as I sink into the soft cushions, feeling the gentle breeze on my skin. The terrace has become my secuary, a place to escape the chaos and lose myself in my thoughts.

I am all alone in this gigantic penthouse. Well, I am sure Federico is lurking somewhere in the shadows, but Maria isn't here, and I haven't heard anything from Luca since he left this morning.

Since I had spend so much time alone, I have had a lot of time to think. Memories flash through my mind, each one vivid and overwhelming. The attack is the first thing that comes to mind. It shatters my sense of safety and changes everything. The fear, the confusion—it all comes rushing back. But what lingers the most is how it seeps into every part of my life, making me more guarded and cautious.

My work at Huntsman becomes my lifeline, giving me something to focus on and a sense of normalcy. It's the foundation of my life. My colleagues are like the family I have never had, and working with Taj everyday is seriously one of my favorite daytime activities. But lying here, I cannot imaging how Huntsman is going to fit into this life. But then again, I don't know how I will ever go on without seeing Luca? I know his life is here, and not in Europe, and my life is over there, but can I see me settling here? What will I do? I won't sit at home all day. The emptiness would drive me crazy. Maybe I can work for Luca? Maybe like his assistant or something. I don't know what I would be assisting because I still have no clue what he does, but I am determined to find out.

You know what I do regret missing? Grace's baby shower. I can just picture her joyful smile, the excitement in her eyes. I miss it, too caught up in my own issues, and the guilt is heavy. Grace has always been there for me, and I let her down. It's a hard truth to face.

And then there's Taj. We haven't spoken in weeks. I know that he asked about me. Em told me a couple of times, but Luca never mentioned any of Taj. I wonder why?

As the sun begins to set, casting a warm glow over the city, I know I have to make things right. I grab my phone, feeling a mix of hesitation and determination. I dial Taj's number first. Each ring feels like an eternity, but finally, he answers.

"Maddie," He sounds shocked, "How are you?"

His voice is like a comforting hug. We talk for hours, catching up on everything and nothing. I pour out my heart, sharing my fears and regrets.

"I am sorry I missed Grace her baby shower," Tears well up as I apologize for missing her baby shower. Taj and Grace, ever understanding, brushes it off, saying that they now understand and are so shocked on what had happened to me. They didn't know.

I lie on the bed for a while, waiting for Luca. He left about 18 hours ago, and I expect him to walk through the door any minute now. As time drags on and the wind picks up outside, the terrace, once comforting, now feels chilly and lonely. The shadows cast by the moonlight make everything seem more desolate.

Eventually, I head inside and start my night routine. Washing my face, brushing my teeth, and changing into my pajamas bring a bit of normalcy. I slip into bed, the soft sheets a welcome comfort. I try to read, but my mind keeps wandering back to Luca. Where could he be? Is he okay? Maybe I should Em a text, asking her if Vinny is already home?

I switch off the light and glance at the clock: ten minutes to one. I sigh and lay down, hoping for sleep. When it finally comes, it's restless. In the middle of the night, I'm jolted awake by the sound of the bedroom door slamming. The hallway light is on, and I see Luca rush in, his face a storm of emotions. He doesn't even acknowledge me, heading straight to the bathroom. The door closes with a loud bang.