Luca POV
I took away her freedom, so I must compromise if I want her to stay with me of her own free will. I understand how significant this is, as I have placed restrictions that could make her feel trapped, and it's essential to regain her trust. "How about this: why don't you stay here for three months, and if you still want to leave by then, I will let you go," I promised, trying to offer a solution that respects her autonomy. "Really?" she asked, her eyes searching mine for sincerity. I nodded in agreement, fully aware that this might be the only way to prove my intentions. "On the condition that you give me a chance, I don't want to lose you. I will arrange for your phone and laptop to be sent to your room, so you can call your parents and Matt and let them know that you are fine." This was my attempt to provide her with some reassurance, hoping it would help her feel more at ease.
"Okay, that sounds good to me," she said with a smile, a glimmer of hope and relief evident in her eyes. "And thank you," she added, her voice softer now. "You are welcome, baby," I replied, feeling a sense of calm wash over me as I noticed her finally looking relaxed. This small victory was accompanied by her surprising me with a gentle peck on the cheek before she returned to the house, a gesture that left me with a mix of hope and apprehension.
If she knew what I have done, I wondered if she would still trust me. Behind her back, I had taken measures to ensure she couldn't reach out for help in a way that might jeopardize my plans. I had employed hackers to make alterations to her devices, just in case she tried to betray me by contacting anyone for help. Even going as far as bugging her phone so I could listen to all of her calls, I knew I was walking a fine line between protecting my interests and betraying her trust. I can't take any chances with her, and this internal conflict gnawed at me, leaving me questioning my own actions.
Yasmine's POV
Immediately after I got back to my room, I found my phone and laptop on a desk, just as he promised. The sight of them brought a wave of relief, as they were my only connection to the outside world. I quickly dialed Matt's number first, knowing he must be out of his mind with worry by now. "Hello, Yasmine, where the fuck are you?" he said vehemently, his voice booming out of the speakers with a mix of anger and concern. I quickly moved the phone away from my ears, laughing despite the situation, knowing that his reaction was out of genuine care. "I am sorry, Matt, ..." I started, trying to find the right words to explain everything. But he cut me off, his worry getting the best of him. "I've been to your apartment, and I am on my way to the station to report you missing. Just tell me, where are you?" His urgency was palpable, and I knew I had to be honest with him. "Italy!" I said, dropping the bombshell that would undoubtedly shock him.
"What!" he exclaimed, the disbelief clear in his voice. "Like what the fuck, Yazz!" he continued, grappling with the unexpected news. "Let's say I'm here on a vacation, and I want to start on my next work. Heck, let's say I've started already," I rambled, trying to downplay the situation and avoid mentioning Luca. "I am in Tuscany right now, have not gotten the time to explore at all, but I'm on it. I just need to rest for a while," I added, hoping to reassure him that I was safe and sound.
"But Yzzz, you can't just throw this at me, babe. I mean, we had plans, you know. So that means I have to put all your programs on hold for now," he responded, his frustration mixed with concern for my well-being. "But most importantly, when are you coming back?" he asked, the question I knew was inevitable. "After three months," I said dryly, bracing myself for his reaction. "Oh, c'mon now, you are shitting me!" he retorted, clearly struggling to come to terms with my decision.
"Matt, I'm really sorry, but I need this, okay?" I pleaded, hoping he would understand. "With the breakup and everything, and c'mon, I'm an artist, and I work with pieces mostly related to nature. So just give me time, and I will come out with something superb, okay? And you know I have always wanted to come to Italy, so this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me," I explained, trying to justify my sudden departure. "And once again, I'm really sorry, but it just kind of happened at the last minute," I added, hoping to convey the spontaneity of the situation. "Okay, take your time and don't forget to call me regularly. And don't you dare pull this stunt on me again, or I will beat your ass," he warned, his tone softening as he accepted my explanation. "And most importantly, be safe, okay? I'll get back to you later," he said, hanging up with a mix of relief and resignation.