Chapter 22: The Nightmare
It was past 1 a.m. when Luca returned home.
The long day had stripped him of energy. His black coat clung to his frame like the weight of his battles. He dropped his phone and car keys onto the living room sofa, running a tired hand through his hair. Silence enveloped the mansion.
But his mind wasn't resting.
It kept going back to her.
Janet.
He wanted to see her. Just once. Just to make sure she was alright. So he walked softly through the hallway until he reached her room. The door stood closed, her name echoing in his mind like a ghost of desire and guilt.
He raised his hand, about to knock… but he didn't.
Instead, he stood there silently, battling himself. Then, just as he turned to leave—
"Please! Help! Someone help me!" came the scream from inside.
Janet.
In a heartbeat, Luca yanked the door open and rushed inside. She was thrashing under the covers, her face twisted in terror, her voice still screaming.
"Janet… Janet!" he called out, grabbing her hand, heart pounding.
Her eyes snapped open, glassy with fear, her breath ragged.
It had been a nightmare.
But Luca was already there—holding her hand, not letting go.