Chapter 03 Ariele

Still in that moment, seeing that man who had a dangerous aura around him and seemed to be looking for someone.

"Hello, miss, what's your name?" he said in a deep, raspy voice, prompting me to respond.

"My name is Ariele," I replied with a trembling voice.

He looked me up and down, as if assessing me. I felt exposed under his penetrating gaze.

"Ariele... it's a beautiful name," he said with a malicious smile. "You're a nun, right?"

"Yes... well, I will take my vows in a few months," I quickly responded, trying to sound brave. "Can I help you with something?"

He approached me and spoke in a low, threatening whisper:

"I want to make a deal with you, Ariele. I have a very lonely niece, you would be great company."

I backed away slightly, feeling my heart racing. I didn't know what he was talking about and didn't want to get involved with his world.

"I don't know what you're talking about, sir. I am just a nun dedicated to my faith," I said, trying to sound firm.

He chuckled softly and looked at me with disdain.

"Don't underestimate me. I sense something special in you, something that attracts me. And I always get what I want."

I swallowed hard, feeling more frightened than ever. I didn't know what he wanted from me, but I knew I couldn't succumb to his dangerous games.

"I'm not interested in doing business with you, sir," I said, trying to remain calm. "Please, go away."

He smiled again, but this time his smile was darker and more sinister.

"I'll leave now, Ariele. But remember, I always come back when I want something. And I want you, my dear nun."

He walked away, leaving me alone and trembling with fear. I knew that man was dangerous and that I should be careful around him.

I ended up running to my room, my heart beating so fast that it felt like it would come out of my mouth. I felt drawn to that man I had just encountered in the hallway, but at the same time, I was afraid of him. I didn't understand what kind of energy he had that left me shaken with just a little of his presence. Are all men like this?

I had never left the convent, so I didn't know much about the outside world. But now, I felt like there was so much more to learn and discover. I ran as fast as I could, trying to escape the strange feeling that was taking over me.

Arriving in my room, I closed the door and leaned against it, trying to control my breathing. I stood there for a while, thinking about what had just happened. I couldn't understand what had happened, why I felt this way about that man.

I felt so good about taking my vows to become a nun. I always knew that this was my calling, ever since I was a child. I never felt any attraction to men, only to religious life.

But now, that mysterious man messed with my hormones in a way I had never experienced before. I couldn't stop thinking about him all night. I felt my heart racing and my hands sweating just remembering his face and his words.

I can't let this happen. My vows are sacred, and I made them with conviction. But the temptation is strong, and I feel like I'm fighting against myself.

Then, in the middle of the night, there was a loud noise. I immediately went to the window and saw that a storm was approaching. Maybe the storm was a sign that I needed to leave my thoughts and desires behind and move forward with my divine calling.

I knelt in prayer, asking for strength to resist worldly temptations. And over time, I managed to find peace in my soul. The storm subsided, and I knew I had made the right choice.

I woke up with the sun streaming through the window of my room at the orphanage. I got up quickly and said my morning prayers, thanking God for another day of life and asking for His blessing to face the challenges that lay ahead.

After the prayers, I headed to the kitchen to help the other girls who also lived at the orphanage prepare breakfast. While chopping vegetables and fruits for the fruit salad, we chatted animatedly about our dreams and plans for the future, some of which didn't involve the same path I had chosen.

I was on my way to the orphanage's school, where I helped the children every day. It was a job I loved, and I felt grateful to be able to do something to improve their lives. However, my path was interrupted when Mother called me, asking me to accompany her to the office.

I was fearful, as Mother always called me when something was wrong. I couldn't think of what it could be, but I knew it wasn't something good. Nonetheless, I followed Mother to the office, trying to stay calm and control my anxiety.

When we got there, Mother asked me to sit and then began to speak.

"Ariele," said Mother, "I have some news to give you."

I looked at her, expecting the worst.

"You will leave for Mr. Greco's House tomorrow morning," Mother continued.

I was shocked by the news. I knew my vocation was to be a nun, but I wasn't prepared to leave everything behind so soon, for the sake of helping others.

"But Mother, can't I have more time? There is still so much to do here. I have tasks to complete, and I need to say goodbye to my students."

Mother looked at me with a stern look.

"Ariele, your vocation demands sacrifices. You must be ready to leave everything behind and follow God's will. It's time to go to Mr. Greco's House and begin your journey as a nun there. You will return here to fulfill your vows at the right time."

I knew Mother was right, but I couldn't help feeling a pang of sadness and fear. I knew this was my mission, but I still wasn't prepared to leave everything behind.

"Yes, Mother," I finally responded. "I will go to Mr. Greco's House tomorrow morning. I will follow God's will."

Mother smiled at me, satisfied.

"You are making the right choice, Ariele. God will guide and protect you on your journey."

I knew she was right. I needed to trust in God and believe that everything would work out.

Today, he sent a luxurious black car to pick me up at the orphanage. I was so disheartened that I could barely contain my anxiety. Arriving there, I could see that Greco's mansion was truly impressive. It was a magnificent building, surrounded by a high stone wall and armed men on its walls. I had never seen anything like it before.

When the car stopped at the entrance, I got out with my small bag on my back and was greeted by a row of serious and intimidating men. They escorted me to Greco's presence, who was sitting in an imposing armchair, surrounded by books and valuable artifacts. I could hardly breathe in the presence of that mysterious and masculine man.

It was hard not to feel fragile and exposed in that situation. I felt very small in front of his presence, as if he could crush me with just one look. He seemed to assess every detail of my body, and I felt like I was under intense scrutiny.

However, I had to remind myself that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself. I knew I was in a vulnerable position, but I also knew that this could be a great opportunity for me. I prepared myself to hear what Mr. Greco had to say and to be ready for whatever might happen.

I am terrified. I can't deny that I'm very scared to be here, in this house with this man I barely know. Mother sent me here, and I trust her, but I don't know if I trust this man. I try to remind myself that Mother would never put me in danger, but the look he gave me when I walked in... it was malicious, filled with anger, and I couldn't help but feel doubts.

I look around, trying to find something to distract myself, but the house is dark and silent. I shiver and hug myself, trying to stay warm and protected. The man is in front of me, his eyes fixed on me, blue eyes gleaming like sapphires. I try to remember what Mother told me: to be polite and respectful, yet firm. But it's hard to be firm when I'm so scared.

I wonder what will happen to me in this house. I know nothing about this man, other than the fact that he's handsome. But beauty means nothing if he's not trustworthy. I try to remember that Mother would never send me to a place where I wouldn't be well cared for, but I still feel insecure.

I close my eyes and take a deep breath, trying to calm myself. I can't let fear control me. I have to be strong and brave. I open my eyes and look around again, determined to face whatever comes my way.