Chapter 1: Love appears without warning

20 years ago

Kensington, London, Winter 1997

It was a storm outside, the rain was hitting the ground so hard that it looked like smoke was coming out, the wind was bone-chilling in seconds, it was the middle of January and the cold was too intense.

The Doctor. Stuart had been hurriedly called to the Thompsons' house. As soon as he had entered the huge house, a maid immediately took him to the masters' room.

The Doctor. Stuart already knew well why he had been called and how it would end.

He entered the room in hurried steps and saw Mrs. Olivia, worse off than he had left her in the morning, was panting.

She had caught pneumonia and was practically at an end, she was beyond hope.

It was a pity, a lady as distinguished as she was and so young.

Inside was her husband, Mr. George Thompson, a friendly couple, the Harrisons and the family's lawyer, who looked unfriendly.

When he came in, he immediately went to see Mrs Thompson, he was unwell, he was very unwell.

The lawyer handed him a document, he didn't seem to be at all happy with what he had just given to Ms. Olivia.

Charles: -I still say this is nonsense - he said sullenly crossing his arms

Mrs. Thompson signed at great cost, then signed her husband and finally the Harrisons.

Grace: "It's tradition Charles," said Mrs. Harrison as she signed-don't be grumpy!

Charles: -Tradition, tradition - snorted the lawyer - that was good with our ancestors, we are almost in the 20th century, please.

George: -The tradition of our families will be like this until there are no more Thompson's and Harrison's, you know perfectly well. - said Mr. George Thompson annoyed. - And besides, you know well what happened to my cousin Isabella and James' uncle Richard, they didn't follow the tradition and the curse fell on their heads. Poor stubborn devils.

Charles: -Ahh please, that was an unfortunate coincidence - replied the lawyer.

James: -Coincidences or not, let's not take any chances. The contract is signed and stamped, they can no longer escape their fate. - finished James Harrison.

Mrs. Thompson died that night.

20 years later

Kensington, London, Autumn 2017

The party…

Narrated by Amy

Despite being cold, inside the library it is very warm, the fireplace crackles happily.

The noises of people arriving for the party begin to be heard in the great hall.

The library door bursts open.

Nani: -Amy!!! - shouts my mistress - what are you still doing here? Oh dear god, and you're not even dressed? - scolding with hands on hips.

Amy: -I was hoping they'd forget about me - I say without taking my eyes off the book I'm reading.

Nani: -What nonsense is the girl talking there - she scolds - and someone will one day forget about you my little flower - she comes close to me and strokes my hair.

Nani has been my nanny since forever, she helped me to be born, raised me and gave me all her love.

Nani: -Come on, let's hurry up-says Nani, hurrying me-you know well that her father doesn't like you being late for the parties.

"Dad and his parties" - I think while grimacing.

Amy: -I don't even know why he insists on having these parties! - I say annoyed, putting the book back on the shelf.

Nani: -You know it was your mother's wish. May God rest her on her golden mantle.” He crossed himself.

My mother died 20 years ago the next winter, I was 4 years old, I had a cold that quickly turned into pneumonia.

I suffered a lot with my mother's abrupt departure, but Nani and my father never let me lack anything, much less love.

Amy: -What would my mother be thinking, to leave such a wish? I ask, reaching my hands to the fireplace to warm them.

Nani: -Your mother loved parties, dances, everyone well dressed, the crystal glasses clinking - Nani was lost in the past - her mother was an excellent hostess and a great dancer - she laughed out loud - but come on, enough conversation that I don't feel like listening to your lord father's usual sermon,” she says, pushing me out of the library.

I reluctantly leave the library, climb the grand staircase and through the huge glass that accompanies the stairs, I see the immense cars that are already parked in the huge park.

I mumble something and continue climbing.

I enter the room, and my Nani is already there.

Amy: -But you came to fly? - I say in awe.

Nani: -If it were a witch, I could have come - she jokes laughing - look what a beautiful dress you have here - she smiled as she lifted the black dress with beige lining with straps, V-neckline with flowers of various colors on the bust, the ends of the The dress was all V-neck and all of it covered with beautiful lace. It's really magnificent.

Nani helped me get dressed and made me a messy ponytail in my blonde hair, then I put on my makeup, nothing fancy, little blush, a discreet shadow on my green eyes and a burgundy lipstick that highlights the my white skin, I put on some long earrings and put on some black strappy sandals to finish.

Nani puts both hands on her own cheeks and opens her mouth.

Nani: -Girl, how beautiful she is-she says.

I laughed, Nani is always so over the top and funny.

Amy: -My father said that today I had to be especially impeccable - I say annoyed - I hope I'm not up to anything.

Nani lowers her head and fiddles awkwardly with her always impeccably white apron.

Amy: -Nani - I call - what is my father up to?

Nani: -Oh girl, I don't know anything-she fixes the hairpin in her black hair, her olive eyes sparkled more than usual.

Nani: -Go-starts pushing me out of the room again-she's already late.