The Slave of Pleasure

Determination in the Midst of Chaos

Leaving my mother behind was harder than I expected. Even after the long conversation we had about my decision, the weight of goodbye was still present as we left the house. She tried to hide her concern, but it was impossible not to notice her teary eyes and forced smile.

"I promise I'll be fine," I said, trying to reassure her, but in truth, it was myself I was trying to convince.

"Just be careful, Rachel. I know you're strong, but I'm still your mother. I don't want anything bad to happen to you."

Her hug was so tight it took my breath away for a moment, but I knew it was her way of telling me she loved me.

Nancy, always more relaxed, hugged her too. "Don't worry, Mrs. Marta. I'll take care of her."

My mother let out a weak laugh. "I guess that's what worries me."

With our bags packed, we left the house and got into the taxi that was already waiting for us. The ride to the airport was quiet at first, but Nancy soon started talking about Italy and how excited she was to be back.

"Do you think we'll see Vincenzo soon? Or is he going to make some kind of dramatic, movie-style entrance?" she asked, her eyes shining with excitement.

I took a deep breath, trying not to let the tension show. "I have no idea."

Nancy seemed to notice my nervousness. She took my hand and squeezed it lightly. "Hey, it's going to be okay. You're doing what needs to be done."

I thanked her with a weak smile.

The airport was busy, with people rushing around, each with their own destinations and concerns. As we checked in, Nancy started complaining about hunger.

"I need to eat something before we board. I can't make it through a long flight without food."

I rolled my eyes. "Okay, but make it quick."

"Quick as lightning!" - she replied, already walking away towards one of the food courts.

While Nancy chose between a sandwich or a salad, I sat at a nearby table and tried to gather my thoughts. I was determined to return to Italy and do whatever it took to help Vincenzo, but the thought of facing Veronica sent a chill down my spine.

It was at that moment that my cell phone rang. The sound took me by surprise, and when I looked at the screen, my heart practically stopped. It was Vincenzo.

My hands shook as I answered.

"Vincenzo?"

"Rachel."

His voice was grave, but there was something else a mix of tiredness and relief.

"I didn't expect you to answer so quickly," he continued.

"Vincenzo, what's going on? The news about you and Veronica is everywhere."

There was a pause before he answered, as if he was choosing his words carefully.

"Things have changed abruptly, Rachel. I did what needed to be done." - Turn yourself in to the police? - My voice came out louder than I expected, drawing glances from some people around me. It was the only way to protect you.

My emotions were running high. On one hand, I was furious that he had made such a drastic decision without consulting me. On the other, my heart sank when I heard the concern in his voice. Vincenzo, I'm going back to Italy. I'm going to help with the investigation and make sure you get through this.

No, Rachel. This is too dangerous. Veronica won't let you get away with it if she finds out you're involved.

I don't care. I've already made my decision.

Rachel, please

Before he could continue, I interrupted him: - There's no point in trying to convince me. I'll do whatever it takes to solve this and make sure you're okay.

And with that, I hung up the phone. My heart was racing, my hands were still shaking, but I knew I had made the right choice.

When I looked up, Nancy was back, holding a tray with a huge sandwich and an orange juice.

"What happened? You look like you saw a ghost."

"Vincenzo called me."

Nancy's eyes widened and she nearly dropped her tray. "What? And what did he say?"

I summarized the conversation for her, and to my surprise, Nancy smiled.

"I like this new Rachel. Determined, confident, unafraid to stand up to anyone."

"This isn't a game, Nancy. We're dealing with dangerous people."

"Exactly. And that's why your determination is so important. Vincenzo is lucky to have you on his side."

Despite her comforting words, I couldn't help but feel the weight of responsibility on my shoulders.

As we waited for our flight to board, my mind was racing. Vincenzo had sacrificed so much to protect me, and now it was my turn to do the same for him. Nancy, as always, tried to lighten the mood.

So when this is all over, do you think there will be a fairy tale happy ending?

- I think we are far from that.

Well, I disagree. I think you and Vincenzo will get through this and still have an amazing story to tell their children.

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help but smile a little.

When our flight was finally called, I felt a mix of relief and anxiety. This was the point of no return.

On the Road to Italy

The flight was uneventful, but my mind was restless. Nancy, on the other hand, seemed to be enjoying every moment, watching movies and ordering snacks from the flight attendant. "You should try to get some sleep," she suggested at one point.

"I can't."

She sighed. "Then at least try to think of something positive. What will be the first thing you say to Vincenzo when you see him?"

"I have no idea."

Nancy smiled. "I bet it will be something memorable."

The flight seemed endless, but finally the pilot announced that we were approaching Rome. My heart began to beat faster as the plane descended.

Arriving in Italy

When we landed, the reality of being back in Italy hit me hard. Everything seemed the same, but I knew that things had changed drastically since the last time I was there.

We grabbed our bags and hailed a taxi. On the way home, Nancy remained cheerful, commenting on the scenery and the people.

I, on the other hand, was focused on what needed to be done. There was no room for hesitation or doubt.

When I arrived home, I left my bag in the hallway and took a deep breath. This was just the beginning of a long journey to right everything that had gone wrong. Nancy looked at me with an encouraging smile. "We'll figure this out together."

I nodded, determined to face whatever lay ahead.