Reborn Heart of Steel

Brianne’s Pov

As I descended the fire escape, my legs shook and my heart pounded in my chest, while the sunrise colored the sky a bright orange. The assault, the frantic getaway it all seemed unreal, as if a bad dream blending with actuality.

However, the adrenaline was diminishing, being substituted by a profound tiredness and an unsettling feeling of anxiety. To where was I expected to travel? Returning to that oppressive mansion, to a existence that didn’t belong to me?

With a sigh, I took out my phone, its cracked screen taunting my situation.

At that moment, a shiny black vehicle arrived, abruptly stopping right in front of me. The window of the driver was lowered, showing a face marked with worry.

“Brianne?” Alessandro’s voice echoed loudly with concern evident in his tone. “What are you up to out here?”

I felt a wave of relief so strong that it nearly knocked me down. “Alessandro!” I shouted excitedly as I hurried towards the car. “I’m so grateful that you are here!”

He stepped outside, his eyes scanning me, noticing my untidy look and the lines of tears on my face. He inquired, his voice quiet and pressing, about what had occurred.

I paused, the recollection of the assailant, of Chase’s unconscious body hidden behind the door, restraining me. Can I rely on Alessandro? Did he have a role in this terrifying network of hidden information?

However, a mental image of Brittany’s victorious grin suddenly appeared in my thoughts.

How she enjoyed causing torment to Lucy, me? There was no way I was letting that slide or giving her another opportunity.

This had become Brianne, and I was committed to living it according to my own wishes.

“I was in an argument with some girls.” I lied, my voice shaking a bit. “They were bothering me, and I just…” I stopped speaking, hoping the explanation would be enough.

Alessandro’s jaw clenched in fury. “Who were they?” he snarled, his voice tinged with a menacing tone.

“It doesn’t matter.” I muttered as I got into the car. The sumptuous leather seat offered a sanctuary in contrast to the chilled brick alleyway.

A quiet tension settled between us as Alessandro began driving again, merging back into the busy street. He continued to glance at me, a mysterious feeling swirling in his eyes. Was it worry, or possibly something more malicious?

All of a sudden, he uttered softly with a strong tone. “Brianne, regardless of what transpired this evening, it is imperative that you be honest with me.”

Locking eyes with him, my heart was a jumble of fear and defiance. “Aren’t I?” I dared, a tinge of Brianne’s characteristic conceit creeping into my tone.

Alessandro’s mouth formed a slight grin, a hint of what seemed like amusement shimmering in his gaze.

“Yes,” he murmured in a husky voice. “In this marriage, we must be completely transparent with each other, without keeping any secrets.”

The words he spoke caused a shiver to run down my back. Matrimony? I was struck by the harsh truth of my circumstances once again. This was more than just a game of imitating Brianne. I was tied to this man, to this life, by an unseen connection.

“Okay,” I admitted, the rebelliousness melting into a tired acceptance. “On one condition only.”

A flicker of interest took over his eyes as he raised an eyebrow, replacing the worry. “What condition?”

“I need you to vow to pay attention,” I stated, my voice unexpectedly steady. “Without judgement.”

A smile crept slowly onto Alessandro’s face, causing a peculiar warmth to bloom in my chest. “Agreed,” he conveyed, his voice full and deep.

_________________

While the city lights rushed by outside the car window, illuminating his attractive face with an orange hue, I realized that this was only the start of a risky game. A game in which truth and deception, fear and desire, were on the brink of dangerously blending together.

School was a whirlwind of activities and events. Walking through the grand oak doors felt like stepping into a completely different realm.

During lunch, Brittany, my previous bully, came up to me with a fake sweet smile.

“Hi, Brianne,” she said cheerfully, her voice lacking its typical spite. “The party at the club last night was crazy! How did it go?”

I suppressed a burst of rage. The life Lucy had experienced was filled with constant gossip and obligatory friendships. “Interesting,” I murmured, trying to embody Brianne’s characteristic casual attitude.

“How about Alessandro?” Brittany pushed the button, her eyes shining with interest. “Was he…?”

“Brittany’.” Chloe, Brianne’s friend stood with a self-satisfied smile behind Brittany. “Please refrain from being impolite. Ms. Salvatore is not obligated to respond to your inquiries.”

Brittany’s smile wavered briefly, but she swiftly regained her composure. “Take it easy, Chloe. I was simply attempting to have a conversation.”

I stared at Chloe. I had never had anyone defend me before. Then I realized, I was Brianne.

The bell chimed, indicating lunchtime was over. I left the cafeteria feeling bitter after interacting with Brittany.

Even with everything that happened, there was a part of me that longed for the Lucy who was unnoticed, who didn’t have to face the ongoing judgment and stress of being Brianne Salvatore.

All day long, I couldn’t stop thinking about the events from the previous night. I went over Chase’s words in my head, attempting to understand everything.

Was the mention of silencing a witness by the attacker just a coincidence, or was it somehow connected to Lucy’s “accident”?

The overwhelming urge to confide in anyone was strong. But whom could I rely on? Alessandro? The man, mysterious despite his charm, continued to puzzle others.

Was Chloe more focused on the benefits of being Brianne’s friend rather than building a true relationship, despite her loyalty?

My phone vibrating in my pocket snapped me out of my thoughts. A message from a number I don’t recognize:Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

“Come see me in the park after school. Keep this information to yourself.”

I caught my breath. Could it be Chase? My heart raced anxiously within my chest, a blend of fear and urgent optimism churning inside me. However, the idea of experiencing another situation similar to the one on the rooftop made me pause.

After the last bell sounded, I stayed seated, the text heavy and silent in my hand. There was a strong inclination to go back to the mansion, to the overwhelming security of my lavish cage. Nonetheless, the potential for responses, no matter how dangerous, exerted a strong influence on me.

The choice ate away at me while I gathered my belongings. At last, I exhaled deeply. Escaping from this new reality was impossible, despite my yearning for the peaceful life that I could never attain.

I quickly texted Chloe, making up an excuse about needing extra tutoring.

The park, once a comforting refuge for Lucy in her solitary moments, now seemed changed. Shadows grew longer as the light faded, bringing a spooky silence to the playground.

I anxiously looked around, searching for any indication of Chase. Right when uncertainty started to appear, a silhouette came out from the back of a tall oak tree. It was Chase, his face marked with a blend of relief and unease.

“Lucy?” he murmured, speaking with caution in his voice.

My breath hitched. How did he…? The heaviness of the circumstances, the unusual occurrences in recent days, weighed on me as heavily as a suffocating fog.

“I didn’t say I was Lucy,” I exclaimed quietly, my voice almost a whisper. “However… however, I can provide an explanation.”

“What happened?” He questioned. “Don’t lie to me.”