I stepped off the plane, the cool, crisp air of Venice immediately refreshing after the stifling confines of the aircraft.
Despite flying business class, the exhaustion of the long journey weighed heavily on me.
As I walked through Marco Polo Airport, the usual bustle of travelers and the ambient noise of conversations felt almost surreal, a stark contrast to the quiet turmoil inside me.
The argument with my father still echoed in my mind. It had been a final, explosive confrontation, one that left no room for reconciliation.
I'd reached a breaking point and chosen to flee, hoping Venice would provide the escape I desperately needed.
This city, with its labyrinthine canals and intricate beauty, seemed like the perfect refuge.
The drive from the airport to the villa was quiet, the city lights casting fleeting shadows as the car glided through the narrow streets.
My villa, my sanctuary, loomed ahead-a stark black-painted structure that stood apart from the traditional Venetian architecture.
It was a deliberate choice, reflecting both my desire for privacy and my disconnection from the world I was leaving behind.
As the car approached, the high iron gates creaked open, and I felt a familiar sense of relief wash over me.
The villa's imposing facade was both a shield and a prison, designed to keep the world at bay. I had chosen it for its seclusion, hoping it would offer me the solitude I craved.
Inside, the villa was just as I had envisioned: modern, minimalist, and devoid of warmth.
The marble floors were polished to a gleaming finish, and the furniture was sleek and angular.
It was a space that felt more like a statement than a home, a reflection of my desire to distance myself from the expectations and responsibilities I had left behind.
I had barely dropped my bags when the sound of heels clicking on the marble floor broke the silence. Stacy, my efficient assistant, appeared around the corner.
Her blonde hair was perfectly styled, and her gaze was focused on the tablet she carried.
"Welcome back, Mr. di Angelo," she said, her voice a steady reminder of the professionalism that kept my life in order. "I trust your flight was comfortable?"
"More or less," I replied, handing her my jacket. "What's the latest?"
"Everything is in order," she said, her tone even. "I wanted to remind you about the art exhibition at the gallery tomorrow evening. It's a significant event, and your attendance is expected."
I nodded, recalling the invitation. The exhibition was not my own, but rather a showcase of various artists and collectors.
It was a high-profile event, one that would put me in the midst of Venice's elite.
Despite my reservations about mingling with people I barely knew, it was an obligation I couldn't ignore.
"Right, thanks for the reminder," I said, rubbing my temples. "Anything else I should know?"
"No, just be prepared for a busy evening," Stacy said, her voice softening with understanding. "If you need any help with the details or anything else, just let me know."
"Not tonight," I replied. "I'll handle it in the morning. For now, I just want to unwind."
Stacy nodded, her professional demeanor giving way to a subtle, supportive smile. "Understood. I'll be available if you need anything."
As she turned to leave, I felt a flicker of gratitude for her presence.
Stacy had a knack for knowing when to provide assistance and when to give space, and tonight, I needed the latter.
I made my way to my suite, the villa's quiet halls a stark contrast to the lively city outside.
The view from my bedroom window was mesmerizing-the moonlight dancing on the canal, casting a silvery sheen over the water. It was a beautiful sight, but it did little to ease the inner conflict I felt.
As I lay down in bed, the cool sheets offering a fleeting sense of comfort, my mind continued to race.
The art exhibition, while a significant social event, felt like an intrusion into the sanctuary I had hoped Venice would be.
It was another reminder of the life I had left behind, a life that seemed to follow me even here.
Sleep came reluctantly, my thoughts swirling around the future and the shadows of the past. Venice was meant to be my escape, a chance to find clarity and peace.
Yet, as I lay in the darkened room, I couldn't shake the feeling that it was more of a temporary pause than a true solution.
Tomorrow would bring its own set of challenges and expectations.
For now, all I could do was face it with whatever strength I could muster and hope that, in time, Venice might offer the answers I was seeking.
Hello my loves
Thank you for diving into my story! After recently reading House of Hades, I found myself captivated by the characters and felt inspired to borrow their essence for my own tale.
While the theme and story are entirely different, the characters you've grown to love in House of Hades have been reimagined in this new setting.
I hope you enjoy seeing these familiar faces in a fresh light, navigating a world that's both new and unique.
Your thoughts and feedback are always welcome-I'm excited to share this journey with you!
Happy reading, and thank you for joining me on this adventure!
Love,
Subia
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