The Hidden Frame
1115 Words
Before Ciro could even blink, a heavy fist
collided with his jaw, sending him stumbling to the floor.
I stood up so fast that my chair nearly fell over. I quickly pressed my hand against my mouth to prevent the loud scream that almost escaped.
Odelia reached for her son with a worried expression. She then threw an angry glance at her husband.
"What have you done, Vanos?!"
I was still in shock, trying to process what just happened.
Liam did not move a muscle. He was clearly not surprised. He just sat there, looking at his brother.
"You ungrateful boy! If you ever use that tone again, I will kill you with my bare hands. Get out of my house!" Mr. Willostones stormed to his seat, breathing heavily.
"Yes! Go back to your perfect son. I will never let you turn me into him. I refuse to be someone I am not!"
Ciro struggled to stand up, but Odelia helped him.
"Ciro..." Liam said softly.
"You stay out of this, Liam. I am out of here!"
He stormed out of the house.
"How can you let him leave like that?" Odelia whined, turning to her husband. "We need to call a doctor. He is injured, Vanos."
He ignored his wife again.
His cold eyes suddenly landed on me.
"Ciro must attend the board meeting tomorrow," he said.
"Everyone expects to see him." he paused, his gaze still on me.
"I already called in people to fix him. They are on their way as we speak." he said, his voice becoming colder.
"All you need to do is make sure he doesn't get out. Do not disappoint me."
"I won't, sir," I said clearly.
He then dismissed me.
As I stepped out of the house, I wasn't alone. I heard footsteps behind me. It was Liam.
"Tarisa—a word?"
"I'm all ears, sir," I replied.
"Please call me Liam."
His generous smile made me smile back.
"I will try, sir."
This time he laughed a little, adjusting his tie. "Anyway, I am sorry you had to witness that. Sadly, we have gotten quite used to their drama."
"I understand, sir."
How could I call him by his name? That was impossible!
"Listen," he said, stepping closer.
"Ciro is my brother, and I love him. There is nothing more important to me than seeing him change his ways. Father can be difficult, but that's just how he is. We all want what's best for Ciro. Believe me, we all do."
I was touched by his wise words.
How could a man so handsome and rich be so wise and loving? He was nothing like the rich men I worked for before.
He had power, but he didn't lack dignity.
"Ciro is so lucky to have you, and I promise you, I will make sure he becomes a better man."
"Thank you, Tarisa," he said with a smile. "Have a pleasant day."
He turned and went back inside.
I started walking toward the guesthouse, ready to face Ciro. I knew he was still in a bad mood after what happened. But I wasn't afraid to face him.
When I finally reached the door, I did not hesitate to go inside.
I went straight to the fridge. I took some ice and placed it on a piece of cloth I found in the kitchen. I wrapped it together, then went directly into his room.
He was sketching on his drawing board when I walked in.
He did not bother to look in my direction.
To him, I was invisible.
As I focused on his drawing, I realized how talented he was.
The happy little boy in the drawing looked real, and the details were so vivid.
It was like I was watching an magic unfold before my eyes.
"I never knew a pencil could do wonders," I said to him with admiration.
He did not respond.
I pulled up a chair and sat beside him. I was still holding a bag of ice in my right hand.
"Let me see your bruises."
Before my left hand could touch his face, he grabbed it, locking his eyes with mine.
"I do not need your pity. I wish to be left alone."
"You know that's impossible," I responded.
"My job requires me to be with you at all times. No matter what your mood you are in, I shall always be here. Get that through your thick skull, Ciro. You are stuck with me, unfortunately."
He gave me a faint, mocking smile.
"You are wasting your time here, lady. I am giving you a chance to walk away before it's too late."
I ignored the threat and lifted his chin. After making sure I could clearly see the bruise on his jaw, I pressed the bag of ice against it.
"If you think I will sit here and keep listening to your nonsense, you are seriously mistaken," I said.
"Tomorrow, you are expected at the board meeting. You need to be ready. Starting with your face."
"I am not going anywhere," he said in a low voice.
"Anyone would kill to be in your position. Do not take what you have for granted," I said, still pressing the bag of ice against his cheek.
He stood up and moved away from where I sat.
"I never wanted to be a part of any of this," he said.
"Ever since I was a little boy, I knew I did not belong here, but I was forced to fit in. All I ever wanted was the freedom to live my own life."
"So you think behaving like this will solve everything?" I said as I got closer to him.
"I tried everything, but nothing worked," he said. "You have no idea what it's like being his son."
I saw pain in his eyes. I also felt it in his voice.
"You can't escape this. Either you become the man your father wants, or keep living in this cage." I paused, allowing my words to sink in.
"You are very talented, Ciro. You can always work on your art in your free time. Every great man has a hobby."
"But this is not a hobby. This is my life."
As I kept admiring his artwork, I realized there was a picture frame leaning against the wall, blocked from view by the bed.
Before my hand could reach it, he pulled me toward him.
We were closer than ever this time.
With his arm around my waist, our chests pressed against each other.
"Don't ever touch that," he snapped.
I froze.
What was so special about that picture that triggered his sudden reaction.
- Writer
