Chapter 46: Hate, resentment and pain

CHIARA P.O.V

I thought I was going to have a heart attack during that infernal minute I shared with my uncle in the elevator up to the 7th floor. Then Aldo drags me through the intricate network of hallways, and meanwhile, I try not to think that every step takes me further away from Wolfgang and the safety he represents. Walking under Aldo's control was like reliving my worst nightmares all over again. The feeling of being trapped, at the mercy of my uncle, of not being able to speak up again, plunged me into silent despair. Suddenly, separating from Wolfgang felt like they were extinguishing the spark of hope that had given me back my voice, and now I felt almost literally mute again.

Fear is making me reconsider whether I'm really capable of enduring this without breaking down again.

"You look better than before," Aldo comments, irony lacing his voice. "Wolfgang seems to feed his hostages well. I guess that's your little power, your breasts and your body, men desire you and you can