Elise's POV
— ELISABETH! WHAT IS THIS BEHAVIOR? he shouts, slamming the door violently behind him.
The sound echoes throughout the entire room. His gaze is hard, filled with anger.
— WHY DID YOU SPEAK TO HER LIKE THAT?
I turn toward him abruptly,
— My problem? You really want to know my problem?
I let out a nervous laugh, almost incredulous.
— Very well. My problem is that I don't want to see that girl here. In my house. With my son.
The words come out more violently than I intended.
Jon stares at me, stunned, then a nervous laugh escapes him—a short, tense laugh… almost dangerous.
It's the first time I've seen him act like this.
Jon Arrison is a calm man, always in control of himself.
But now… his whole body is stiff, his gaze dark.
And all of this… because of that girl.
That girl who just entered our lives and who, in barely a few minutes, managed to cause a dispute we have never had in years of marriage. Yes, we've already had arguments… like all couples, but it has never gone this far.
Never has his gaze been this hard. Never has his voice trembled with anger like it does now.
He runs a nervous hand through his hair before looking me straight in the eyes.
— Do you realize what you're saying, Elisabeth? Your anger is completely blinding you.
— No, Jon… on the contrary, I see things very clearly, I reply in a cold voice.
He exhales deeply, as if trying to calm the anger still boiling inside him.
— Do you realize what you've done?
His voice is no longer as loud, but it is… full of disappointment.
— We promised Alex and Asael to take care of their daughter. To treat her as if she were ours. Like our own child. And you… what did you do?
Instead of welcoming her properly, you humiliated her in front of everyone. For a reason I still don't understand. Now tell me… tell me how do you expect me to face Alex and tell him that his daughter was not properly welcomed here? How do you expect me to look Asael in the eyes and tell him that his daughter wasn't even welcomed by her mother-in-law the way she should have been?
His voice breaks slightly on the last words.
I remain silent after his words, deep down I know he's right. We promised to take care of her, to treat her like a member of the family. Like our own child.
But despite everything…
I can't do it, I cannot accept that girl as my daughter-in-law.
I raise my eyes to him.
— We made a mistake.
He frowns slightly.
— What?
— We made a mistake by marrying our son to that girl. I think you should call Alex… and tell him we are canceling this marriage. Tell him it's impossible for us to accept her. Tell him it's a mistake.
As soon as the words leave my lips, I realize it was the worst thing to say.
His face hardens instantly, his shoulders tense, his jaw clenches, and for a second… I see a cold anger flash in his eyes. An anger I have almost never seen in him. His gaze darkens even more. The veins in his neck begin to stand out, tense under his skin, a sign that he is trying to contain something far more violent. His breathing becomes heavier, slower, as if he is struggling to keep control.
— Cancel… the marriage? It was a mistake? he repeats slowly, as if he's not sure he heard correctly. So if I understand correctly… you want to cancel this marriage?
He lets out a cold, nervous laugh.
— Listen to me carefully, Elisabeth, he says calmly… far too calmly. This marriage will never be canceled. They are married, and they will remain so for their entire lives. In this family, there has never been a divorce… and there never will be.
Alex is my best friend, he is like a brother to me, he entrusted me with what he holds most precious in the world: his only daughter. He trusted me to look after her.
He pauses, then steps toward me until he is standing right in front of me. I can almost feel the heat of his anger.
— So let me tell you something… Esther is like my daughter. No… Esther is my daughter. And this house is also hers. She will be treated exactly like all my children. Whether you like it or not… she is and will remain your daughter-in-law, whether you acknowledge it or not. And you will accept this fact… and learn to respect your son's wife. Whether you like it or not, Esther is now part of this family. And in my house… no one will disrespect her. Not even you.
So be very careful about what you do, Elisabeth. If you humiliate her again… or if you hurt her in any way… I will not be responsible for what happens next.
You know me, Élise, and you know what I'm capable of, you know when I speak it is not in vain.
The silence that follows is heavy… suffocating. He straightens up slowly, then walks away from me toward the door. His steps are calm, controlled… And it is precisely this calm that disturbs me the most.
He spoke with a disconcerting calmness, as if what he just said was nothing serious, as if my emotions didn't really matter. I remain still, I don't know what to say, what to answer.
When he reaches the door, he stops.
Then he turns back to me as if he wasn't finished speaking.
— Oh yes… I almost forgot. As our tradition requires, the mother-in-law must offer a gift to her daughter-in-law as a sign of welcome. I hope for you that you have something for her.
And it will also be the perfect moment to present your apologies to her.
He doesn't let me answer before opening the door… and leaving.
The door closes softly behind him, leaving the room terribly silent.
My legs tremble slightly, I remain standing in the middle of the room, unable to move, my hands have become cold, almost numb, my eyes lost in emptiness.
Apologize.
He wants me to apologize to her.
Never.
The word echoes in my mind like an obvious truth. But immediately, another thought imposes itself. If I don't… Jon will be capable of anything. And I know him well enough to know that he wasn't speaking idly.
I close my eyes for a moment, trying to calm the turmoil in my chest.
That girl…
That girl humiliated me in that jewelry store. I see the scene as if it were yesterday. Her voice, her gaze, the way she spoke to me… as if I were nothing. As if I were not Elisabeth Arrison. And in front of everyone, she had chosen to defend a simple saleswoman… and me, she had humiliated me in front of all those people.
Never in my life had anyone humiliated me like that.
That day, when I left the jewelry store, I swore one thing.
The day I would see her again… I would make her pay.
I would teach her a lesson she would never forget.
But today… fate has decided to play with me because that girl… is not just anyone.
She is my daughter-in-law.
My son's wife.
The only daughter-in-law I had sworn to welcome with love, to treat like my own daughter.
What a cruel irony. For years, I had imagined this moment. The arrival of Tony's wife, the one who would enter this house and whom I would learn to love like my daughter.
And now… I don't know what to think anymore.
I let out a long breath, my heart tight.
So what should I do now?
Hate her… simply because she humiliated me?
Or accept her… because she has become my son's wife?
I walk slowly toward my bed, my mind still clouded by everything that just happened. I sit on the edge of the bed, my hands clasped, my gaze lost in front of me.
What should I do now…?
The question spins in my mind without finding an answer.
I always dread coming to this house.
Every time I set foot in this house… I feel the same apprehension.
I always dread this moment because every time, it's the same thing: an argument breaks out. Sometimes with my mother-in-law. Sometimes with Samira. Sometimes with Tony… and it even happens that it ends with Jon.
It doesn't matter with whom.
But there is always tension, always one word too many, always a look that hurts. So, at every visit, my heart tightens even before I step through the door.
As if I already know that something will go wrong.
Sometimes, I feel like this house doesn't want me.
As if its very walls reject my presence.
As if I were just a stranger tolerated… but never truly accepted.
My thoughts mix together, heavy and confused.
Suddenly, someone knocks on my bedroom door. Honestly, I don't want to see anyone, not now, I just want to stay alone, and think… But the person is not about to give up because they keep insisting, the knocks are heard a second time, louder this time.
I let out a light sigh before getting up, I walk slowly toward the door, then I open it.
It's Maria.
Our housekeeper. Seeing her, a small part of the tension in my chest eases.
Maria has worked for the family for years, she is a discreet, gentle woman… but also very wise. I appreciate her a lot. More than once, her advice has helped me in difficult moments.
She looks at me with that calm expression she always has.
— Madam… is everything alright?
— Hello, Maria. Are you well?
She slightly nods, as she always does.
— Yes, madam, I am well… and you? It doesn't seem like you are.
I let out a long sigh, unable to hide my state any longer.
— Yes… you're absolutely right.
She looks at me gently.
— Do you want to talk about it?
I remain silent for a second, then slowly nod.
— Yes… why not.
A small smile appears on her lips. One of those discreet smiles that mean she is ready to listen.
She is about to enter the bedroom, but I gently stop her with a gesture.
— No… come.
I step out first and motion for her to follow me to the small living room upstairs.
I must say that since I've been living with my husband, I almost never let anyone enter our marital bedroom. Except my children, of course.
I don't know… I've always felt that this place should remain private. Almost sacred. It's one of the rare places in this house that truly belongs to Jon and me.
So I prefer to keep this space away from prying eyes.
We walk in silence through the hallway before reaching the upstairs living room. I slowly sit on one of the armchairs.
Maria, on the other hand, remains standing for a moment, looking at me with the quiet patience that characterizes her.
And strangely… just her presence gives me the feeling that maybe, I will finally be able to say what's in my heart.
— So madam… she says as she sits down beside me. You just arrived and you seem really worried. Your face is closed… did something happen?
I slightly turn my head toward Maria. Her eyes are filled with sincere concern. She has worked here for so many years that she almost feels like part of the family.
— You know, Maria… you've been working in this house for years. You know the situation here better than anyone. You know what happens… you are not a stranger to us.
You also know that my family is no longer as united as before.
I pause, my heart heavy.
— Since the death of my father-in-law… everything has collapsed. This family has completely fallen apart. The arguments, the secrets, the grudges… everything has become so heavy to bear.
And me… I try to keep everything standing. I try to piece everything back together, to keep everyone united… like he would have wanted. But sometimes… I feel like I'm failing, I feel like everything I do is useless… that no matter what I try, the family keeps breaking apart before my eyes. And the worst part, Maria… is this feeling of helplessness, as if I'm watching everything collapse… without being able to stop it.
— Élise, I know you've been through a lot… You entered this house when your mother-in-law didn't like you, she even accused you of stealing her son, and yet, you chose to stay. You managed to win her heart, even if sometimes she still rejects you. But you kept going, persevered, and that shows the strength and courage you have.
She pauses and continues
— But what is happening today… has never happened before. Of course, there have been arguments in this house… but what you experienced tonight… is not the same. You must be careful, Élise. Be careful with your choices. Do not let your emotions decide for you.
I feel my heart tighten, torn between the comfort of her words and a hint of worry. Her gesture, her softness, everything pushes me to trust her…
When she says that, I immediately come back to reality. She's right. We've had strong arguments in this house, but never like this.
— You're right, Maria, I admit that this house argues often… but never like this.
— Yes… and I also noticed that Mr. Jon spoke to you very harshly. And that was in front of your children… and even in front of the employees…
— Yes… that's true… I whisper. Jon has never spoken to me like that before.
Just thinking about it makes my heart tighten again.
Maria hesitates for a moment before continuing.
— And Tony… didn't seem to be on your side. It looked like he was defending his wife. Of course… I know I may have nothing to say since I am not really part of this family…
How can she say such a thing?
Maria is older than me. She is almost the same age as Jon. For years, she has been by my side, she has always been a discreet but precious presence in this house.
I owe her a great deal of respect.
— I forbid you from saying that, Maria.
You know very well that I respect you greatly. And all the advice you've given me until today, I have always listened to it. That is certainly not going to change now.
So say what you have to say. I want to hear your opinion.
She lets out a soft sigh, as if she is still thinking about the best way to express her thoughts.
Her hands clasp in front of her, a little nervously.
— Very well… if you insist.
She pauses briefly before continuing.
— I think that… since the arrival of that girl… something has changed or will soon change in this house.
— Exactly, I say finally in a tired voice. I told Jon that I didn't want her in this house, but he doesn't want to listen. On the contrary… he wants me to apologize to her. To that insolent girl.
Maria immediately brings a hand to her mouth, visibly shocked.
— And… are you going to do it? she asks, still stunned.
— To tell the truth, Maria… I don't know. I have never behaved like that with anyone. Never. But when I saw her… everything came back all at once. The memories of what she did to me in the jewelry store… the way she spoke to me… At that moment, I didn't think.
It was stronger than me.
Maria frowns, intrigued.
— What jewelry store are you talking about? Have you already met?
— Yes… I reply softly.
I settle a bit more into my armchair, as if I am about to reopen an old chapter.
— Long before she set foot in this house.
And I tell her everything. From beginning to end. The jewelry store… the discussion… the way that girl stood up to me without the slightest hesitation. How she answered me with that proud, and insolent look at the same time. How, in front of everyone, she dared to humiliate me… and worse… defend a simple saleswoman against me.
Every detail comes back to me with an irritating precision.
During all this time, Maria remains silent.
She listens carefully, without interrupting me even once. Her gaze is fixed on me, serious, focused, as if she is trying to understand every nuance of this story.
When I finish, a silence settles in the room.
She remains still for a few seconds, her hands folded on her knees, clearly lost in thought.
— I don't think you are at fault in this story, Maria says softly.
— You think…? Because, honestly, I don't know where I stand anymore. I don't even know if I should hate her… or try to love her, I say, a little confused.
Maria slightly tilts her head.
— Are you really sure you love her?
I let out a light sigh.
— Maria… you know me. You know that for the happiness of my family, I am ready for anything. Absolutely anything. And if Tony's happiness lies with that girl… then I will accept her. If she can make him happy… then I will make the effort.
I pause, my throat suddenly tight.
Slowly, I place a hand on my chest, as if to calm the strange weight settling there.
— You know… Tony did not grow up near me. He was separated from me at a very difficult moment in his life. His father… made a bad decision by sending him away from me when he needed me, needed all of our support, but from that moment when he left, he distanced himself from his father… and at the same time from me. We still talk, of course… but it's not like before. The bond we had… broke somewhere along the way.
I lower my eyes for a moment, lost in those memories.
— But these past few days… I had the feeling that something was coming back. As if, for a brief moment… my son had become the little boy who used to run toward me again.
A sad smile crosses my face, my eyes already growing moist.
— And I don't want to lose that, Maria. Not again.
So if my son's happiness lies with that girl… then I will accept her. Even if my pride must suffer… even if it means swallowing my pride. Even if it means putting aside my hatred. Because deep down… all I want… is to see my son smile like before.
During my whole monologue, she looks at me with infinite gentleness.
— If that is truly what you want to do… then do it. But be careful that it does not become a mistake.
I slightly frown and look at her straight in the eyes.
— What do you mean? I ask, confused.
She looks at me with seriousness, as if weighing every word before speaking.
— What I mean… is that by trying too hard to push him into that girl's arms… you might also lose him again.
Her words leave me speechless for a moment, I don't know what she means.
— Maria, be clear please… I don't understand what you're trying to say.
She sighs softly, then leans a little closer.
— What I'm trying to tell you is that by wanting so much to make Tony happy… be careful not to make yourself unhappy in the process.
I look at her, still just as lost. Her words spin in my head without really finding their place.
She continues, in a more serious tone:
— You want your son to be happy, and that's normal. But in that case… also keep an eye on that girl. Because, from what you've told me… she is not the type to let herself be walked over. She has character… and people like her can sometimes take up a very important place in a family.
She pauses before adding more softly:
— Be careful… that one day, without even realizing it, she doesn't end up stealing your son and your whole family from you.
My gaze hardens instantly.
I straighten my head, almost hurt by that idea.
— That… never.
My voice is firm and sharp. No one will take my son from me.
— Then be careful… don't let a stranger destroy your family, she says softly.
She slowly stands up from her chair. Her gaze stays on me for a few seconds, as if she wants to make sure her words have settled in my mind.
Then, without adding another word, Maria turns around and leaves the room.
Her last words still echo in my mind.
"Do not let a stranger destroy your family."
Esther.
That girl with the proud gaze… with the sharp tongue… the one who did not hesitate to stand up to me in front of everyone.
I still don't know if I should hate her… or try to accept her.
But one thing is certain.
If that girl represents a danger to my son… to my family…
Then I will do everything to stop her.
Absolutely everything. And I promise it.
Tony's POV
It's barely been an hour since we arrived and the arguments have already started. That's exactly why I hate coming back here. Even if this house is full of memories, good and bad, every return inevitably turns into chaos. Family… it's supposed to be a refuge, but here, it's like walking on embers.
I clench my jaw and take a deep breath, trying not to let the anger overwhelm me. Yet, a part of me feels suffocated, as if every word exchanged could reopen old wounds I thought had healed.
I just want a moment of calm… a moment of peace.
But clearly, that's impossible in this house.
I run a hand over my face, trying to shake off the fatigue that has been building up for hours because of the flight.
The way my mother spoke to Esther… I didn't like it.
Even if I'm angry with her.
Even if she pushes me to my limits with her childish behavior.
She is still my wife.
I made a promise to her father. A simple promise… but heavy with meaning: to watch over her no matter her whims, no matter her anger, no matter how much she annoys me sometimes, because behind that pride, behind her provocations, I know she is more fragile than she wants to show. And even if she refuses to admit it… she is under my protection now, and I will not let anyone disrespect her, not even my own family.
We are still there, in the middle of the hall.
Silence has fallen after my mother's shouting, but the tension is still there. Thick… almost suffocating.
She is right next to me, her hands still trembling in mine. She's holding them tightly, as if she's clinging to something to keep from falling. I'm almost sure she doesn't even realize it.
My mother's words must have shaken her more than I thought.
I lower my eyes to our joined hands. Her fingers are cold. Fragile. For a second… I hesitate to pull away.
But I pull myself together.
— You can let go now.
My voice is calm, almost neutral. Yet something inside me refuses to move.
She doesn't react immediately.
As if she's only just coming back to reality. Her eyes finally drop to our hands… and I see the surprise cross her face when she realizes she's still holding me. As if, despite herself…
she had sought refuge in me.
She immediately pulls her hands away from mine, as if she had just been burned.
— Sorry… she murmurs quickly.
I don't respond.
My gaze shifts elsewhere and stops on Samira. I've missed her so much.
Without thinking, I walk over to her and hold her tightly in my arms, a sincere embrace, almost desperate. She gently places her hand on my back, just like she used to when we were younger.
I love my big sister so much.
— I missed you, you know… I say in a softer voice.
She smiles and tightens her embrace slightly.
— I missed you too.
I pull back a little and look around.
— Where is grandma?
— She's sleeping in her room, she replies, lowering her voice slightly. I hope she didn't hear everything that happened here.
I slowly nod.
I hope so too.
Because my grandmother and my mother already don't get along very well… and if she finds out that my mother caused another scene in this house, things might get worse.
And that's the last thing we need tonight.
I run a hand over the back of my neck, nervous.
— I want to go see her.
Just thinking about her calms me a little. My grandmother has always been the only one capable of calming the storm my family has become.
I walk toward the stairs, ready to leave, when I realize Esther is still watching us.
Her gaze is fixed on us, silent… almost lost.
I turn my head toward Samira, without even speaking, just to let her understand to take care of her.
She looks at me immediately.
Our eyes meet.
Then she gives me that small knowing smile… the one I know by heart.
— I'll take care of her. You go ahead.
I nod slightly, grateful. With her… I know Esther won't be alone.
I return her smile without even thinking and continue on my way.
That's exactly why I love my big sister. With her, no need for long speeches. A glance is enough to understand each other.
I slowly climb the stairs.
The house has become silent again… almost too calm after everything that just happened.
Each step echoes softly beneath my feet. I reach the top and pause for a moment to look around. Nothing has really changed here, everything is just as I left it. As I pass by my parents' room, I slow down without really meaning to.
And there… I see my mother, standing in front of the door, her hand on the handle, as if she's hesitating… or as if she's forcing her own courage. She's trying to go in.
Then, as if she senses my presence, she lifts her eyes and our gazes meet.
— Mom, you—
She cuts me off immediately.
— Not now, Tony. We'll talk later.
Her voice is dry, tired. Before I can even respond, she opens the door and walks into the room without another word.
I stay there for a moment, motionless in the hallway, my eyes fixed on that closed door.
A long sigh escapes me despite myself. The truth is, my mother and I… we are more alike than I want to admit.
Physically, everyone says I take after my father—the same eyes, the same features.
But in character… it's from her that I inherited, and that's far more complicated.
Stubborn. Proud. Unable to back down when anger takes over. I know exactly how she works, I know how far she can go when something upsets her. And the worst part… is that I'm the same.
But today… she crossed a line. She has never acted like this before.
So… why?
Why did she speak to her like that?
Why so much harshness in her words?
It wasn't just anger… it was something else.
Something I don't understand yet… but I will find out.
I continue on my way.
A few steps later, I finally reach my grandmother's door. And strangely… my heart calms down a little, as if behind this door, there is still a place where the world isn't falling apart. Something inside me settles. Since I was a child, this room has always been a refuge.
I raise my hand and knock gently on the door.
No answer.
I frown slightly, then, without waiting any longer, I walk in.
The room hasn't changed. Not at all. It's exactly as I remember it, every object in its place, every detail intact… as if time had decided to spare this place.
My gaze falls on her.
Sitting on the couch calmly, a book in her hands, absorbed in her reading as usual, perfectly focused. That explains why she didn't answer. A slight smile stretches across my lips.
— Grandma…
She lifts her head and our eyes meet for a second, she looks at me… then her face lights up with a sincere smile, full of affection, like I've never seen anywhere else, stretching her lips.
She immediately stands up to come toward me, but I am faster, I rush to her and hold her tightly in my arms as if, in that gesture, I wanted to find a bit of peace.
— Tony… finally you're here…
Her voice trembles slightly.
She gently pulls away, then places her hands on my face, touching me delicately, as if to make sure I'm really there.
— Easy… I'm here. I'm not going to run away, I say to tease her.
And then… without warning… she pulls my ear.
Yes. She really pulls my ear.
I grimace immediately, surprised. There's only her who dares to do that, only she can allow herself that kind of gesture… with me.
Me, Tony Arrison.
And the worst part… is that I let her do it.
— Grandma… stop, you're going to rip it off! I say, trying to pull away, half laughing. What will my employees say if they see me like this?
She doesn't let go right away, as if to remind me that, no matter who I've become…
for her, I'm still the same.
Her grandson. The one she can still scold, touch, and put back in his place without effort.
She bursts out laughing and finally lets me go.
— I don't care about your employees. Here, you're not the great Tony Arrison but my grandson. And I do whatever I want with you.
I let out a laugh, shaking my head slightly. With her… I become someone simple again, someone normal.
We sit down on the couch.
She doesn't let go of my hand, her fingers, a little trembling but still so soft, caress mine as if she wants to make sure I'm really there… that I'm not going to disappear. Then her hand moves up to my face, which she brushes with infinite tenderness.
I let her do it.
Because I know… I know she missed it as much as I did.
— Grandma… stop, I'm here now. Don't worry anymore, I say softly.
She looks at me, her eyes shining with emotion.
— You're here… but for how long?
Her voice is more fragile, almost worried.
I gently squeeze her hand.
— For the whole vacation. So relax… you have your grandson all to yourself for quite a while.
A slight smile appears on her lips, but it only lasts for a moment.
— Yes… I wanted to gather the family during these holidays. I don't want to be alone… since you all left… you left me alone.
Of course, your father came back from time to time to see me… but it wasn't the same.
There was a void… a big void in this house.
She pauses, her eyes becoming moist and her voice trembling slightly.
— The laughter disappeared… the noise… the life. Everything that made this house breathe. That's why I brought you all together… I want to be with my family. All of it.
And in her words…
I feel how much it matters to her.
_ don't worry everything will be fine
Her expression changes slightly.
— I hope there won't be any problems between your father and you…
I sigh softly, running a hand over the back of my neck.
Between my father and me… things aren't great.
They never really have been.
And coming back here, in this house… with him… won't be easy.
But for her…
I'll make an effort.
Yes. Everything.
— No, grandma. There won't be any problems… as long as your son stays in his corner and doesn't come near me, everything will be fine.
As soon as I finish my sentence, she gives me a small slap on the shoulder.
— You idiot! That's your father you're talking about like that!
I couldn't help but laugh.
She hasn't changed, always exaggerating, always defending everyone… even when they don't deserve it.
— But what did I say wrong? Isn't he your son? I say with a smirk.
She gives me a stern look… but I can see she's fighting not to smile.
And me…
I just enjoy this moment.
Because with her, everything feels lighter.
Less complicated.
As if, for a few moments…
the rest of the world no longer exists.
— Are you hungry? Have you already eaten? Do you want me to tell Maria to make you something to eat?
— No it's fine… I already ate on the plane.
She nods gently, but her gaze remains attentive, almost worried.
— I heard shouting downstairs when I woke up… I hope everything is fine. Your mother hasn't caused any problems yet, I hope…
I remain silent for a second.
My gaze drifts slightly.
The relationship between my mother and my grandmother has never been simple. Even long before my parents left this house, there were already tensions… words that were too harsh… silences even heavier.
And today… nothing has really changed.
I know that if she finds out what happened earlier… it will only make things worse and there will be another argument.
I guess some stories never end.
They repeat themselves… over and over again, as if this house holds within it all the grudges of the past… ready to bring them back to life every time we walk through that door.
I lift my eyes back to her, softening my voice a little.
— Don't worry, grandma… she won't cause any problems.
Even though, deep down, I know it's already the case.
She simply nods to show me she heard… even if, from her look, I know she's not really convinced.
— I hope so… she murmurs softly.
A small silence settles between us.
Then she continues, in a more curious tone:
— Where is she? And why aren't you with her?
I frown slightly, a bit confused.
— Who are you talking about, grandma?
She gives me a pointed look, almost annoyed.
— Tony… don't irritate me. You know very well who I'm talking about. Where is she? And why isn't she by your side?
I freeze for a second.
Then I understand.
Esther.
Of course.
I look away slightly, running a hand over my neck, as if searching for the right words… or maybe a valid excuse.
— She's downstairs… with Samira, I finally say,
— I want to see her.
— I'm sure she's sleeping… she looked tired.
As soon as my words come out, she straightens slightly, her brows furrowing.
— What do you mean, she's sleeping? Didn't you just say she's with Samira?
— Yes but she looked tired, I'm sure she must be sleeping.
— I want to see her right now. Go get her.
I sigh softly, trying to keep my calm.
— Grandma… she must really be exhausted. With everything that happened today, the trip, the stress… she's probably deeply asleep. It's barely 9 p.m…
But she's already not listening anymore.
— If you don't want to take me to her… then I'll go myself, she says, getting up with determination.
I run a hand over my face, both amused and overwhelmed.
She can be incredibly stubborn when she wants to be.
And I know very well that in those moments…
no one can make her change her mind.
I stand up as well, a slight tired smile on my lips.
— Alright, alright, listen let's do one thing let her sleep… and I promise you that tomorrow, first thing in the morning, I'll come with her to see you.
She looks at me for a moment, as if weighing my words…
Then she seems to think.
— Alright…
I let out a small sigh of relief and we sit back down on the couch.
But of course… it doesn't stop there.
She narrows her eyes slightly, a curious little smile on her lips.
— Well… tell me. What is she like? Is she beautiful? What do you like about her?
I stay silent for a second.
Caught off guard by the question.
Yes… she is beautiful.
Gorgeous, even.
What I like about her… is the way she stands up to me. She never lowers her eyes, she never backs down… even in front of me. And that… annoys me as much as it fascinates me.
But what I like even more…
are her eyes.
Those eyes… they shine like stars in the night. Impossible to ignore. Every time she looks at me, I feel like she sees right through me… and that unsettles me more than I want to admit.
And her lips… those lips I stare at without realizing… the ones that move when she talks, when she gets angry… the ones that make me want to silence them in another way.
And her body…
Damn… her body.
Nothing like that of a nineteen-year-old girl.
She has that presence… that allure… like a woman who already knows herself, as if she had a few more years, a maturity that shows in every one of her movements.
Her curves… natural, perfectly shaped… breathtaking.
Impossible not to notice them. Impossible to remain indifferent.
For once, words fail me.
As if describing her wasn't enough… as if what I feel when I look at her goes beyond what I can say.
She's not my type. It's true… she's not my type of woman.
Not the one I would have chosen. And yet… every time I lay my eyes on her, I feel something.
A desire… unexpected, deep, almost impossible to ignore.
Like a force beyond me, that imposes itself without warning and refuses to let go.
I don't like it. I don't like losing control.
And even less… because of her. And no matter how much I try to ignore it…
she has that power over me, a power I refuse to accept.
Because that… I will never tell her.
— Tony, I'm talking to you.
Her voice suddenly brings me back to reality.
I blink, as if I'm coming out of a dream.
— Huh? Yes… sorry.
She looks at me with a small smirk.
— You were far away… very far, actually.
I sit up slightly, putting my usual mask back on.
— Nonsense.
_ hm... you still haven't answered my question
— It's fine, grandma… you'll see her tomorrow. You'll judge for yourself.
She looks at me for another moment, then slowly nods.
— Alright…
A slight silence settles.
— Now, you need to sleep, I say as I stand up.
She frowns slightly.
— Sleep? I just woke up, I'm not sleepy.
I let out a small smile.
— Alright… in that case, I'll go take a shower and come back to keep you company.
But she gently shakes her head.
— No… you look tired. And don't leave your wife alone.
— It's fine, grandma. I want to enjoy being with you… so I'll go and come back. I'm not giving you a choice.
She looks at me for a second, then finally gives in with a slight smile.
She nods.
I walk over to her, lean down slightly and place a kiss on her forehead.
— Get some rest anyway…
She places her hand on my cheek one last time, with that softness that belongs only to her.
Then I straighten up and head toward the door.
Before leaving… I take one last look at the room.
At her.
She smiles at me and I do the same, then I leave.
I leave her room and head toward mine.
My steps are slow… almost hesitant. It's been years since I've set foot in this room, I don't know if it will be exactly as I left it.
When I reach the door, I stop for a moment, place my hand on the handle… then I go in.
I glance around.
Nothing has changed, everything is exactly as I left it.
Every object in its place.
Every detail intact.
As if time had frozen here…
But my gaze lands on the bed.
She is there, sleeping peacefully. I was right to tell grandma not to come. She looks tired, her features softened and her breathing steady.
I slowly walk over to her and sit beside her, without making a sound. For a few seconds… I just watch her. Even when she sleeps, she is beautiful.
Then, with slight hesitation… I raise my hand and gently brush her head, running my fingers through her hair. My hand slowly moves down to her face, I stroke her cheek with my fingertips, with a softness I don't even recognize in myself.
My gaze falls on her lips… slightly parted.
Damn…
I stay fixed on them, as if I can't look away.
A thought crosses my mind.
Just… place my lips on hers. See what it feels like. Feel her warmth against mine…
I slightly clench my jaw.
Shit.
The urge rises all at once.
A damn urge to kiss her until she can't breathe… to silence her in a way other than with words.
My hand tightens slightly on the sheet.
What the hell is this…
I've never reacted like this.
Never.
I should be angry after what she did at the hotel… I should resent her, push her away, ignore her.
But no.
Because right now…
looking at her like this, asleep, peaceful…
all that anger disappears.
As if it had never existed.
I clench my jaw, frustrated with myself.
Because all I want…
is to kiss her. Pull her against me, feel her warmth against mine… feel her heart beating under my fingers… make sure she's really here.
Damn…
I briefly close my eyes, as if to regain control.
Then, slowly… I lean toward her.
And I place a quick kiss on her forehead.
Like a gesture I refuse to acknowledge.
I straighten up immediately without a word. Without another glance and head to the bathroom.
After a quick shower… I leave the room to go back to my grandmother.