Collision Course

Chapter Four: Drawing the Line

- Elena -

The sun was beginning to set over Monaco, casting a golden glow over the city as I stepped out onto the balcony of my hotel room. The view was breathtaking—the glittering sea stretching out to the horizon, the luxurious yachts bobbing gently in the harbor, the grand architecture of the buildings catching the last rays of sunlight. It was a scene straight out of a postcard, but as beautiful as it was, it did little to calm the storm of thoughts swirling in my mind.

I had been avoiding it all day, throwing myself into work, interviews, and meetings, anything to keep my mind occupied. But now, with the day winding down and the city settling into the rhythm of the evening, I had no choice but to face it: Leo Moretti.

He had gotten under my skin, and I hated that. Hated how easily he seemed to do it, without even trying. It was infuriating, and it was exactly why I needed to keep my distance. I knew his type—charming, confident, and always in control. I wasn't about to let myself get swept up in whatever game he was playing. I had worked too hard to build a life on my own terms, without distractions that could pull me off course.

I wasn't naïve. I knew better than to let someone like Leo into my world.

As if on cue, my phone buzzed in my pocket, pulling me from my thoughts. I pulled it out, seeing my mother's name flash across the screen. It was time for our weekly call—something I had come to look forward to more and more as my life became increasingly hectic.

"Hi, Mom," I said as I answered, leaning against the doorframe.

"Elena! How's my superstar daughter doing?" My mother's warm, familiar voice instantly brought a smile to my face.

"I'm good," I replied, feeling some of the tension ease out of my shoulders. "Just wrapping up another busy day."

"Busy is good," she said, her tone bright. "But don't forget to take care of yourself, too. Your father and I were just talking about how proud we are of you, but we worry that you're working too hard."

I chuckled softly. "I'm fine, Mom. Really. But I appreciate the concern."

"Good. You know we're always here if you need anything. We miss you, but we're so proud of everything you're doing."

I felt a pang of guilt for being so far away from them, for the way my career had taken me to places that made it difficult to visit as often as I'd like. My parents had always been my biggest supporters, their love unwavering through all the ups and downs. Even now, as I navigated the complexities of fame and success, they were my anchor, the one constant in a life that often felt like it was spinning out of control.

"I miss you too," I said softly, feeling the familiar warmth of their support wrap around me. "How's Dad? He's not working too hard, is he?"

"He's good, keeping busy with his projects, as always," my mom said with a fond laugh. "He keeps talking about how he wants to come visit you soon. Maybe we can plan something?"

"I'd love that," I said, the idea of spending some time with my parents suddenly sounding like exactly what I needed. "Let's figure out a time that works."

We chatted for a few more minutes, the conversation light and easy, filling me with a sense of calm that I hadn't felt all day. By the time I hung up, I felt more grounded, more sure of my decision to stay in tonight and avoid the chaos that seemed to follow Leo Moretti wherever he went.

I had my boundaries, and I was determined to keep them intact.