NORA

Nothing about tonight feels normal. I really thought it would—meeting all these people, getting familiar around here, knowing this family that my parents knew. But the more I learn, the more it seems like I know nothing at all.

And that isn't it.

It's not like back home. Elena's family was quite normal. Anyone who came over to my parents' was normal. No one ever struck odd, but here, everyone and everything is odd. There's this constant, lingering suspicion around, and it doesn't go away.

When I return to the lounge, Mrs. Sofia gives me a brief look, like she wants to say something, but she doesn't. She continues on with the conversation she's having and lets me be.

"So, Nora," Olivia comes up behind me. "Where did you live before?"

"A little town, a few hours' drive from here. It's called Glenfell."

"Glenfell. I've heard of it before," She nears the servers and grabs two of the champagne flutes before offering one to me. "What was it like? Do you miss it?"

"Yes, a lot. I miss everything there."

I take a sip and then a long, deep gulp of the drink, hoping to calm that feeling in the back of my head.

"Oh, I was curious about one thing..." I trail off, licking my lips, trying to gather the words to ask since she seems to be very familiar with the family. "Does the family have other residences in town?"

Olivia quickly shakes her head, "None that I'm aware of."

"Hmm..."

"Why do you ask that?" She tilts her head.

"Oh, just no reason," I shrug, brushing it off while bringing the glass to my lips. Maybe I should just spit it out. "Well, there's actually a reason. I didn't quite meet Mrs. Sofia until last week. Before that, Mr. Marcelli wasn't here a lot, so I'm assuming there's another residence. That is, I've been seeing him less ever since Mrs. Sofia came here."

For the first few days, I barely even saw him, and now that his mother is here, he's gone, suddenly. Mrs. Sofia says it's work, but it doesn't seem like that.

Olivia looks at me for a second and quickly bursts out, "Oh, that's because they mostly stay at the compound. Especially Mrs. Sofia, she'd rather be there than here."

"The what?"

"The compound," She repeats, her hands gesturing, but then her voice falters. "It's... like a family house."

"Where is that?"

"Not too far from here." She says, and it feels as though she's becoming hesitant now.

I narrow my gaze at the bubbly for a moment. A family house? That would make sense. But why would I be here then there? If they live there, shouldn't I have moved there instead? I'm assuming that's where Mr. Marcelli has been since his mother returned after being gone all day.

"Where's that exactly?" I ask again.

"It's hard to exactly explain. You should probably talk to Mrs. Sofia about it. She'll give you more information about the... family house."

I glance at Mrs. Sofia, and she's still seated with a few ladies, and for some reason, I don't think she's going to tell me that. Or anything for that matter.

"Well, it was good meeting you. Unfortunately, I have to go now. We'll meet soon, yes?"

I give her a brief nod, "Yes, sure."

I watch as she walks off with another woman, who I'm assuming is her mother. They leave the lounge along with a few others while I stay rooted on my feet, watching everyone else. The evening after that begins to wrap up quick and soon enough, they all have left.

I head upstairs to my room to change out of the clothes that I've been wearing for the past few hours. For the first time, I actually feel tired, drained in a way that I know once I hit that bed, nothing is going to keep me awake.

I'm glad about that, too.

A knock appears on my door, and I turn to find Mrs. Sofia by the door, looking all different from earlier. Less intense, if I could say so.

"Did you have a good time?"

I nod, "I enjoyed it, and it was nice meeting all your friends."

"Good." She gives me a quick smile and steps forward, her fingers gliding over my neck to the necklace. "It suits you."

"Oh, you should have it back."

"No, keep it."

"Thank you," I say to her.

She looks at it for another moment before letting go. Her eyes glance around my room, at the clothes that are still scattered on the floor. She picks up a dress and gives it a brief glance before placing it over the armchair.

"I saw you met with Olivia. I hope she didn't bother you much. Sometimes she can be a little too... chatty."

"No, she was fine, actually," I reply.

"Good." Her hands brush down her dress. "What did you two do when you slipped away? I noticed."

My heart begins to quicken as my cheeks heat up at the fact that we were in Mr. Marcelli's bedroom, which I'm sure I should not tell her about. I should just say nothing and get it over with. It was just a harmless visit. "Oh, nothing, really, I just showed her... my room." My one hand flies in the air, a bit too dramatically.

"Right," She smiles at my sudden awkwardness and then turns. "Good night, Nora."

"Good night, Mrs. Sofia."

Once I'm done and my head hits the pillow, I don't wake up for a while. But I know now one thing for sure—there are secrets, too many of them, and they're all hidden behind this one man who conveniently has disappeared from here.

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