Shadow Of The Past | ✔️

15| Strangers in Familiarity

NAOMI

My eyes slowly opened to the warmth of the morning sun on my face, but it did little to ease the pounding in my head. Groaning, I sat up too quickly, regretting it instantly as pain shot through my temples. After a moment, I tentatively surveyed the unfamiliar room around me. It was stark: white walls, a low black bed draped with silk sheets, and minimal furniture, except for a prominent mirror in one corner.

Avoiding my reflection, I realized I wasn't dressed as I remembered from the night before. Instead of my usual attire, I was in grey sweats and a hoodie. The room smelled faintly of a familiar cologne, triggering distant memories.

As I pieced together the events of the previous day—Ace, an argument, tears, and then a sudden attack—panic began to creep in. Where was I? And more importantly, where was Amara, my daughter?

The realization hit me like a ton of bricks: I was in Ace Rossi's home. But why? And where was Amara? Anxiety surged as I hurriedly left the room, finding myself in a quiet hallway with two directions to choose from. Instinctively, I headed left.

The hallway led me to a grand staircase made of glass, descending to a lounge with expansive windows revealing a breathtaking view of the ocean. Feeling a flicker of relief, I spotted a phone on the wall. Desperate, I dialed Aubrey's number, grateful when she finally answered, her voice filled with relief upon hearing mine.

"Naomi.
, where are you? And where's Amara?" Aubrey blurted out, her fear palpable.

Aubrey's qords froze me. Amara wasn't at home, and Xavier, her father, was frantic. Panic set in as tears threatened, but I quickly composed myself, promising to find Amara and update Aubrey.
When the conversation in the kitchen abruptly ceased, I turned to find Ace and three other men seated at the table, each holding a whiskey glass. They were all dressed in impeccable black suits, exuding an aura of intimidation that would have unsettled most people.

"hai una ragazza adesso?" one of them asked in Italian, casting a glance my way.

"Cazzo, lei è calda," another chimed in with a suggestive whistle.

Thank you.

"no non lo so." Ace says, scowling and glaring at the men looking me up and down, with small grins.

Unbeknownst to them, I understood every word. However, I chose to remain silent, observing Ace scowl at his companions as they shamelessly eyed me.

His voice took on a different allure when he replied in Italian, which oddly stirred something within me. I swallowed hard as our eyes met again.

Giving him a pointed look that said 'can we talk?', I was relieved when he nodded subtly.

"Are you feeling alright?" he asked once we were out of earshot.

"I'm fine, Ace," I replied boldly, though finding Amara was my primary concern.

His jaw tensed at my straightforwardness.

"Where is Amara?" I demanded, glaring at him.

"She's outside playing with the dogs," he responded, which only added to my confusion. What dogs?

I followed the sounds of laughter and barking to the backyard, where I spotted Amara running with two large dogs in the distance. As relief flooded through me, I realized with a shock who the dogs were.

Milo and Nala. He still had them.

We had found them as newborns on the road, and despite initial hesitation, Ace had eventually agreed to keep them. The last time I had seen them was just before Ace left, when they had been at his parents' house.

Part of me wanted to rush over and hug them, but another part hesitated, unsure if they would remember me or see me as a stranger.

Standing beside Amara, watching her interact with Milo and Nala, I noticed Ace stealing glances at me. It was clear that Naomi had loved those dogs deeply—more than she loved me, even. And the feeling was mutual; they obeyed her without question, even growling at me when I told them to get off the bed, but instantly complying when she spoke.

I chuckled to myself silently.

But, no matter how much I wanted to hold her in my arms and kiss her, I couldn't do it. I wanted to touch her and feel her, but couldn't.

Relief washed over me as I followed the sounds of laughter and barking to find Amara running joyfully with two familiar dogs, Milo and Nala. Seeing them again after so long, my heart softened momentarily.

Watching her play, overwhelmed with conflicting emotions towards Ace. The tension between us was thick with unspoken words and unresolved feelings. When he tried to explain what happened the previous night, I couldn't bring myself to trust his version of events.

"Why am I here?" I finally asked him, frustration lacing my words.

Ace hesitated, then recounted a story of rescuing me from a dangerous situation, claiming I'd been poisoned. I scoffed at his explanation, unable to believe his sincerity.

"Can you just trust me for once?" Ace pleaded, his voice tinged with hurt.

I turned away, unable to bear the intensity of our silent standoff. Walking away from him felt like the only way to protect myself from further disappointment.

As I left, I couldn't shake the feeling that nothing here was as it seemed, especially when it came to Ace Rossi.