Chapter 13: The Calm Before the Storm
The next morning brought with it a rare serenity. A soft golden glow filtered through the windows of Luca's mansion, casting a warm, hopeful light across the marble floors and opulent chandeliers. For once, there was no shouting, no sounds of guns cocking, no trembling footsteps — just peace.
Janet sat at the large breakfast table, dressed in a soft lavender robe. The pain in her heart still lingered, but today, for the first time in what felt like forever, she was smiling. Sitting beside her was Lisa, who had slept in the guest room for the night and now shared a light-hearted conversation with her best friend. The two women laughed gently, sipping on their orange juice and nibbling on buttery croissants.
Lisa looked at Janet with warmth. "You know, seeing you smile makes me feel a lot better. I was so worried that I'd never see this version of you again."
Janet gave a soft smile, eyes still a little puffy from the tears she'd shed the night before. "Thank you, Lisa. I don't know how I would've managed without you."
Just then, the soft tap of leather shoes echoed down the stairs.
Luca.
He descended slowly, dressed in his usual crisp black shirt and dark slacks, but his demeanor was different. There was something gentler about his expression this morning. He paused halfway down when he saw Janet laughing—her head tilted back, her eyes closed in joy. That image alone made his heart flutter. He hadn't seen her like this since she had first entered his home, broken and betrayed.
Lisa noticed him first and nudged Janet, whispering, "Look who's here."
Janet turned and met his gaze. There was a brief pause — not awkward, but intense.
Lisa called out, "Luca, would you like to join us for breakfast?"
Luca stepped down the last few steps and approached the table. "I'd love to, but I've got some work to finish up. I just came down to check on something."
Before he turned away, he brushed his hand lightly over Janet's head in a rare display of tenderness. "You're safe here," he said quietly.
Janet blinked, stunned by the gesture.
Then he left, walking away without waiting for a reply.
After breakfast, Lisa gathered her things. "I think I should get going now. But promise me, you'll call me if anything happens."
Janet nodded, hugging her tightly. "I will."
A chauffeur dropped Lisa safely back to her house under Luca's strict orders.
---
Evening fell like a curtain of shadows, and Janet's peace was suddenly shattered. One of the maids — an older woman with kind eyes — accidentally let it slip while chatting with another servant.
"It was Mr. Luca who took care of those two monsters... that parents of hers. He shot them himself. I heard the gunshots echo through the underground chamber."
Janet, who was walking past the hallway, stopped in her tracks. Her heart began to pound
Mummy. Papa. Shot. Luca.
She rushed back to her room, tears already brimming in her eyes. Her breathing turned ragged. Though they had never loved her, the news hit her like a truck. Her body shivered with confusion, sadness, and pain. She collapsed onto her bed, hugging her knees to her chest.
How could Luca do this?
---
Hours passed. Night crept in like a silent thief.
In the grand living room, Luca sat alone on a velvet couch. A half-filled glass of wine twirled between his fingers. His collar was undone, and his eyes were bloodshot — not from sadness, but from thought. He had no regrets, yet something twisted inside him.
He missed her presence.
She hadn't come out of her room. Hadn't spoken. Hadn't even looked at him.
Unable to ignore the gnawing in his chest, Luca stood. Without his coat, in his rolled-up sleeves and slacks, he walked silently through the darkened hallways until he reached her door.
He knocked.
No response.
He opened it slowly. Empty.
The bed was made. The curtains drawn. Lights off.
Panic surged.
He checked the bathroom. Nothing.
His steps quickened as he searched the second hallway, then the study, the library, the garden. Nowhere.
And then, he heard the faint creak of the closet door from the master dressing room.
He turned the knob gently.
There she was.
Inside the spacious, candle-lit closet filled with elegant gowns and coats, Janet stood with her back to him. Her body slightly trembling, she was fresh from a shower, wrapped in only a white towel. The candle's golden hue kissed her damp skin and highlighted the soft wet curls cascading down her back.
Luca froze at the entrance.
He couldn't speak. He couldn't look away. The raw vulnerability of the moment — her bare back, the fragility of her form, the broken girl trying to remain strong — stirred something deeper than desire inside him.
Janet felt a presence behind her. She turned halfway and let out a soft gasp. Her eyes widened.
"L-Luca…"
He quickly looked away, turning his back to her.
"I—I didn't know you were in here. I was looking for you," he said, voice low and steady, though his heart pounded.
Janet, gripping her towel tighter, stepped back into the shadows of the closet.
"I was just… I needed a place to think," she said, her voice soft and shaky.
Luca remained facing away, giving her the privacy she needed. "I'm sorry," he said after a pause. "I didn't mean to scare you."
"I know what you did…" she whispered. "The maid told me."
Luca didn't flinch. "I had to protect you."
Tears spilled from her eyes again. "But killing them?"
" How could you even kill my parents?" , " I never knew that you would do such things!"
" And i know that you married me just for your benefit."
She shrieked sobbing.
Luca was very angry.
He headed towards Janet very enraged and caught her hand .