Chapter 39 CHARLOTTE The following weeks were a whirlwind of activities , mainly focused on renovating the house and interviewing new staff . Initially , I had decided not to be involved in the selection process , but Maria insisted on consulting me about everything . So , this morning , we found ourselves sitting in the study with a group of applicants waiting in the hallway . Setting up seating arrangements for the fifteen candidates who had applied for the position was a challenge , but we managed to get it done . Amidst the chaos , the handymen Maria had hired to fix the wall called to reschedule , and she was visibly miffed about it . Think about it like this , I whispered as I rocked our chairs gently . It wouldve been terrible to interview in such a noisy environment . But still , we needed to get it done today . Her face morphed into a frown . I could find a different firm to handle it . Didnt you say they were the best you knew ? Yes , but Im sure there are others equally capable , she answered back . If they dont show up tomorrow , you can cancel and get someone else to do it . Very well , she responded and sighed . She looked at the door and called out a number . A few minutes later , a man in a blue shirt and black trousers stepped in . He had a sunny disposition about him , but I couldnt shake the feeling that I had seen him somewhere before . He answered Marias questions with a precision and clarity that clearly impressed her , and I could tell shed want him on her team . Have you worked as a security guard before this ? she asked . The room fell silent , and I immediately understood why . I had remained quiet throughout the session , and now it seemed as though I had disrupted the rapport he had built with Maria . I arched my eyebrows , and a look of recognition flashed in his eyes as he glanced at me . He quickly masked his emotions and smiled , but this time , I felt unnerved . Yes , I have worked as a private security officer for several firms and families that required my services . I cannot divulge names for confidentiality reasons , but … He paused , his gaze flickering towards me before he continued smoothly , I assure you , my experience and skills are extensive . You want us to trust your word , I chirped and he nodded in response . Yes , and the qualifications I have turned in . Forgive my curiosity . 2122 Dancing into the Heart of Mr. Co 25.2 % Chapter 39 I understand , maam . I raised a question , Why are you currently unemployed if you have all these wonderful qualities ? I had to take a break for a while … I needed to go to therapy , he replied . Therapy ? Maria echoed in a surprised tone . What for ? Maria , you cant . I started to say but he interrupted me . Im willing to share . I served in the army for a while , came back home and I was struggling to get . Get back into society ? Yeah , something like that . I thought it was better to get help than let it become a problem , he replied , his tone even and professional . He maintained eye contact with Maria . So you can shoot a gun if the need arises or you cant because …. Oh no , it didnt affect that , he uttered . I can shoot if the need arises . I turned to look at Maria ; her eyes sparkled with curiosity , and I could almost hear the wheels of her mind turning , contemplating something I couldnt quite place . I turned back and locked eyes with him once more . Well get back to you . Thank you , I said , my voice steady but tinged with an underlying unease . Thank you . He nodded politely , a flicker of something unreadable passing through his eyes before he left the room . The door closed behind him . Whatever youre thinking , were not doing that . Dont say that ; hell come in handy if Ms. La Guerta turns up with some more cronies , she advised . Didnt you say she wasnt coming back ? Did I ? I cant remember . How convenient , I stated and chuckled . She shrugged in response and glanced at the documents in her hand . I think hes a great fit . Well , its your call anyway , but were not giving him a gun . Fair enough , she replied , nodding . Knowing someone who can handle himself . His presence would boost the environment . Whats his name ? I demanded . Foley Wells . Thats odd . The name doesnt ring a bell . Dancing into the Heart of Mr. Cad 25.3 Chapter 39 You think you know him ? she questioned . I can swear Ive seen him somewhere . Never mind , Im probably just paranoid . She studied my expression and smiled wistfully before calling in the next candidate . A few hours later , we were done , and I was ready to leave . My next stop was the mall ; I needed to shop for my journey . I was going to Los Angeles , and it seemed like something I had to do at this point . The thought of picking out new items excited me because it meant I wouldnt be taking anything from the Thuthai mansion , except for my wedding ring . That was going to stay in my possession until I had a good reason to let it go . A blank slate , I said to myself as I drove through the gates . I considered asking Maria to come along but I knew that she would turn down the offer once more . I couldnt convince her to see how a new environment might be something to explore . I wanted to start this new phase with her by my side , but I knew better than to push it . This estate was her home , and if she didnt want to leave , I couldnt force her . She was devoted to her job here , and I knew she would never abandon the new staff . While she might be happy to have new people to work and interact with , it didnt make much sense to leave them without her supervision . The car came to a halt in front of the building ; I resisted the urge to drive to the garage , knowing I lacked the energy to haul the bags from that distance . This was my best shot at making things easier for myself . I stepped out of the car and walked slowly through the front door . Once inside , I dropped the bags on the floor and made my way to the kitchen to grab a bottle of water . When I entered the kitchen , I found Maria at the counter , poring over some papers . She looked lost in thought . I watched her for a moment , contemplating whether breaking her concentration was worth it . A few seconds later , she raised her head and met my gaze . Welcome Signora . You seem busy , Maria . Yes , Im trying to decide on the final list of employees . They resume tomorrow , so I have to finalize it today , she explained , her tone carrying a sense of urgency . Are those the applications ? I requested and gestured to the papers strewn on the counter . She nodded in response and sighed . Is there anything I can do to help ? She glanced at the documents and shook her head . I think I can handle this on my own . I didnt hear you come in . Yeah , I didnt use the garage . It seemed like too much work to drive to the garage so I stopped in front .. Fair enough . Is everything ready for the trip ? When are you leaving ? Wednesday , Ill be on my way to the airport first thing in the morning , I replied , opening the fridge . I hope it works out , she said quietly . Youll call every day , right ? Definitely , I answered and she smiled . I did some research about school and getting a job . Dancing into the Heart of Mr. 25.5 Chapter 39 Getting a job ? I thought you said … Yes , I have enough money but thats just enough to sustain me for a while . Id need to multiply it . You still have the proceeds from the estate . No , you do . How else would we run this gigantic place ? I countered gently . I have enough , but Ill need to make more . My father used to say that theres nothing like too much money , and I need a handful . My plan was simple : I intended to thrive regardless of the situation . I didnt have the luxury of being the trophy wife anymore . This was an entirely different terrain , and I needed to step up now that my life had taken a different turn . I yearned to become a better version of myself , ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead . Have you considered staying back in Milan ? Maria questioned , her words catching me off guard . I looked at her with a surprised expression . She had always seemed supportive of my decisions ; I hadnt expected her to suggest that I stay . 1 … No , I havent . I mean , it would be great to have the possibilities living here present but I think I really need to leave for a while . Okay , She answered , her voice barely above a whisper . Youll call every day ? I promise . Be safe , she said , her voice tinged with sadness . You dont have to worry about me , I can handle myself . You know something we could do ? I asked and fiddled with the bottle top as I walked towards her . Go shopping together . Werent we just talking about managing resources ? No , we were talking about utilizing what we have and spending it as well . Shopping sounds like a good idea . Weve not worn the clothes from our last rendezvous , Signora , she scoffed and I chuckled . Alright , dinner then . I shook my head slowly as she started to object , You cant say no . Think of it as one last thing wed do together . She nodded in response and reached for the papers . Ill go get dressed then . I watched as she exited the room and followed shortly after . We spent the evening trying new dishes and engaging in other activities , which made saying goodbye a little harder . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!