If Not Mine, Then No One’s

Chapter 6

“What the hell is wrong? What happened, Atalanta?”

“It’s over… I’m done with this!” I said, my voice trembling. I pushed myself to my feet with the little strength I had left, desperately searching for an exit.

I jumped into a taxi and headed straight for the hotel. My tears wouldn’t stop, no matter how hard I tried to control them.

“Stai bene? Are you okay?” the driver asked in Italian.

“I don’t speak Italian!” I shouted back, my voice raw.

“Are you okay?” he repeated, switching to English.

“Yes… but please, drive faster,” I pleaded.

When I finally arrived at the hotel, I ran straight to my room. I tore off the dress and collapsed onto the bed, letting the pain consume me. I did nothing but cry—crying until I felt drained, as if every ounce of anguish was spilling out of me.

⸻

Narias pov

Dante looked up from his desk, surprised. “You’ve come early today?”

I nodded, forcing a smile.

“Here’s your drink, sir… and I wanted to tell you something.”

“Earlier, a girl—”

“Really? Are you going to tell me these little stories?” Dante interrupted, amused.

“She asked about you, and I… I thought it was suspicious.”

“She came to talk. She wants to buy this place, but I told her no!”

“Why?” Narias asked.

“I… you don’t intend to sell, do you?”

“I will sell. Here’s your chance—call her to the company tomorrow, and we’ll discuss it.”

“Alright…” Dante said reluctantly.

⸻

Atalanta pov

“Lanta…” Sara’s voice pulled me back from my memories. When I opened my eyes, I saw everyone around me, and my head was spinning.

“What happened? Tell us! What happened to get you like this? Did someone do something to you?”

“Nothing!” I said, though my voice sounded weak.

“Nothing? Look at how shaken you are!” Daris exclaimed.

“Go outside. I need to talk to her alone,” Sara told him. They left, and she came closer.

“Please… don’t ask me anything,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

“I can feel that something happened. I understand, but please, tell me,” she urged gently.

I couldn’t bring myself to speak. Sara was a good person, someone I could trust—but I couldn’t say a word.

“Not now, please,” I said finally.

“Alright… but tomorrow, after you calm down, you’ll tell me,” she said softly.

“I promise,” I whispered.

She left, and I lay back down, letting myself sink into the bed again, letting the world fade while the tears continued to fall.