The next day, voices carried from the floor below—heated, tense. I approached the door and immediately recognized Axel and Alyssa. The tension between them was obvious even without seeing them directly. I couldn't intervene, so I dragged the suitcases out of the room, taking a deep breath to steady myself.
"And what is she doing here?" Alyssa shot daggers with her eyes, stepping toward me with a finger pointed. "Axel will never be yours, get that through your head!"
"I don't want him," I said firmly, keeping my composure. "I'm here to work."
"Good for you. Darling, let's go—I've arranged the private jet."
Alyssa grabbed Axel's arm, trying to pull him out of the suite. But he stopped in front of me.
"Crystal, you'll return with some of the security team. I'm going with Alyssa. See you at the office tomorrow."
Alyssa disappeared with him, her glare full of resentment, and I was left alone with my suitcases, feeling as if I'd just witnessed a betrayal that wasn't mine. Desire, confusion, and reason twisted together in an impossible knot.
During the ride home, my thoughts kept returning to Axel. Every touch, every glance from the night before made butterflies rise in my stomach. Even so close to marriage, his presence was magnetic, impossible to ignore. I wanted to understand their relationship, what lay behind their distance, but also protect my own conscience.
At the Rome airport, I spotted a man holding a sign with my name as I exited baggage claim.
"Hello, are you here for me? I'm Crystal Tura."
"Yes, Axel Valenti sent me."
I nodded, too exhausted to ask questions, and followed him to the car. Once home, I thanked him and handed him a tip before he left.
Shortly after, my phone rang—it was Greta.
"Hey, are you there, hon?" Greta's voice was cheerful as always, while I felt completely drained.
"Yeah… about that surprise you wanted to do. Can we postpone until tomorrow? I'm exhausted."
"No, come on, make an effort. I promise you won't regret it."
I took a deep breath. "At least tell me what it's about."
"We've both got a date!" Her voice practically bubbled with excitement.
"Okay… who are they?"
I could hear her laughing. "Two gorgeous guys, one blonde, one dark-haired. I'm taking the dark one."
I rolled my eyes. "Fine, I'll make an effort. Though I'm not sure meeting a guy is exactly the perfect solution."
"You just need to get that Greek god out of your head—ugh, I mean, that idiot! But still, he's a Greek god. Anyway, forget Axel. Don't you want to enjoy life for once?"
I stayed quiet, letting her words sink in. "You're right. I need to move on. I have to try."
"And even if it doesn't work out, it's fine. You just have to think about yourself, your well-being… and sex!"
I laughed. "Okay, you've convinced me."
"Be ready by nine-thirty. They'll pick us up, and don't forget… look your best!"