Liora Vance, a seventeen-year-old Italian girl, had always found comfort in knowledge.Books, quiet moments, and learning were her escape from the chaos of the world.
On what seemed like an ordinary day, everything changed.
Her father, Ricardo Vance, a well-known diplomat, had just announced an urgent trip to Italy. And, as always, he expected her to come along.
"Dad, I think I should work during these holidays" Liora said softly, trying to sound convincing.
Ricardo sighed, shaking his head with a faint smile."Liora, why do you insist on working so much when I'm offering you a trip to Italy?"
He paused, his tone becoming more serious."This isn't a vacation. I have important matters to handle. We're leaving tomorrow. Go pack your things."
Liora blinked, surprised.
"Seriously?"
Without waiting for an answer, she ran across the villa, her footsteps echoing through the long hallway as she rushed into her room.
Her suitcase lay open on the bed, quickly turning into chaos as clothes piled up inside it.At the same time, she started a video call.
Sophie Parker appeared on the screen, casually doing her makeup, clearly getting ready to go out.
"I won't be here for the holidays" Liora said, sitting in front of her messy suitcase.
Sophie froze for a second."What?! But we planned so many things…"
"I know" Liora replied, sighing."But my dad really wants me to go. I even wanted to work this summer… but it's been a long time since I've been to Italy. And we're going to a city I've never visited before."
Sophie shrugged slightly, still focused on her reflection."Well… enjoy it, I guess."
Her voice sounded distant, almost uninterested. Liora felt a small sting of disappointment but didn't insist.
"I have to go, Sophie. I'm leaving tomorrow, and I still have a lot to prepare."
"Yeah, okay. Bye."
The call ended.
Silence filled the room.
Liora exhaled deeply before continuing to pack.Once she was done, she headed to the bathroom, letting the warm water wash away her thoughts.
The next morning, at exactly 5 a.m., a loud voice broke the silence.
"Wake up, Liora! We're going to be late. I'm not coming back a second time!"
The door slammed shut.
Liora groaned, slowly opening her eyes, already annoyed.
A few minutes later, she dragged her large suitcase to the entrance.Dressed in comfortable travel clothes, lightly prepared, she walked downstairs.
"Are you done? Did you forget anything?" Ricardo asked.
"Yes, I checked everything. We're good to go."
Ricardo adjusted his Cartier sunglasses before grabbing his keys and opening the door.
"We're waiting for David."
Liora frowned slightly."Uncle David? Why? Is he coming with us?"
"No," Ricardo replied calmly."He's just driving us to the airport. I'm not taking my car."
Liora nodded, unaware that this trip…would change everything.