Órion Fantone
and I looked in the mirror, adjusting my tie. Another day like all the others, where I wake up without much enthusiasm, simply following my schedule, filled with important events with men like me, who know how much my last name matters and how fat my bank account is. They say money brings happiness. For many, bills can indeed provide endless ecstasy, but for me, for someone who lost his wife too soon and was left with a deeply troubled daughter, things are different. No amount of money in the world can make me happy again, much less give me a reason to live intensely like I did with my beloved wife. I was ready for the big event, where the senate candidates would meet and debate their proposals. My assistant handed me a folder with my speech, I put on my glasses, got into the car, and adjusted my posture before starting to read everything written on that paper. I never liked the idea of other people writing for me—it always felt like lies—but at that moment, I’d do anything to win.
"Your daughter is in the other car behind us, she promised to behave." I kept reading the speech. "Orion, have you talked to her? College starts next week. She can’t skip it, that’s terrible for your image."
"You’ve already talked to her, I don’t need to repeat it. Melissa is old enough to understand that if she doesn’t fall in line, she won’t get anything from me."
When I found out Mary was pregnant, I almost lost it. We were still in college. It was a shock to learn that, at twenty, I was going to be a father. But I don’t regret telling her to go through with the pregnancy. In fact, I’ve always loved my daughter, and even if she blames me for her mother’s death, I’ll be by her side through everything—even from afar. The drive to the event took longer than expected. I kept reading that speech while my assistant went over my schedule. I didn’t even have time to sit in a random pub and get drunk. In truth, a man with a name to protect like mine couldn’t be seen in a place like that. Everything was always discreet and well-planned.
"We’ve arrived. Like I said, Orion, your daughter promised to behave. Let’s go to the room where all the reporters are waiting to do interviews, and then a few photographers will take pictures of you with Melissa."
"Let’s go. The faster I get this over with, the faster I’ll be free from this circus."
"Smile. You’re going to be re-elected as Governor of California. Show how kind you are and your willingness to continue with your projects."
"You don’t need to teach me how to do my job, Katarina. I’ve been in power for a while and I know how to behave during campaigns. It’s no coincidence I became one of the most voted governors in California."
"But that was before. Now you have a real challenger, and he’s desperate to take your place." She walked over to me and adjusted my tie. "We won’t let that bastard Gregory take your seat." She gave a bitter smile. That man had come out of nowhere into the Capitol and announced his candidacy, and he was ready to step over me to become governor. But he doesn’t know me well enough to understand that, even if he tries, he won’t win this election.
"Relax. I don’t intend to lose these elections, much less let a man like him take my place. I still have many unfinished projects."
"Do what I’m telling you, and you’ll be the most voted candidate in the country."
She smiled before I walked toward the door that led to the room where the committee was already gathered, along with a horde of reporters eager to bombard us with questions. Calmly, I sat down. The large table was set with candidates not only for governor but also for senator. I greeted everyone there with a handshake and sat next to my competitor before picking up the microphone on the table. The show was about to begin, and all I wanted was to run far away from all that madness. However, my duty to the people was more important, and I intended to fulfill all my promises.
Little by little, the reporters began questioning, and with elegance, I answered every question. When I looked to the side, I noticed two women storming to the front like a hurricane. One of them I recognized from other interviews—a well-known journalist who always put me on the spot. The other, though, I had never seen before: fair-skinned, blonde hair, ocean-blue eyes, and a reddish mouth—everything about her captivated me from the moment my eyes met hers.
"Governor." A reporter's shout pulled me out of my daze.
"Yes, go ahead," I said, still looking at the girl, wondering where she had come from—so beautiful with her golden curls, a true angel.
"I just asked the question." I blinked a few times and reached for the glass of water, taking a sip.
"I’ll take this one," Gregory jumped in, answering the question the reporter had just asked—but I hadn’t heard it. Truth is, ever since that unknown girl appeared, I couldn’t focus.
Smiling, my opponent answered the questions while I was consumed by that woman’s beauty. Even when I tried to concentrate, my eyes were on her—on her blonde hair and light eyes. She looked at me briefly and gave a shy smile that made my heart race. Never in my life had I felt such an instant and intense interest in someone I had just seen for the first time, like I did at that moment. I looked away as my assistant nudged me from behind. I turned to the front, seeing the reporter I already knew holding the microphone.
"This question is for Governor Orion Fantone." I focused. This debate was important for my re-election, and even though I was still mesmerized by the golden-curled girl, I had to stay sharp. "You implemented some scholarship programs at a few prestigious colleges in the state. Do you plan to continue with this project if you win another term?"
"Not only will I continue it, but I also plan to increase the number of scholarships for young people from simple families. I want everyone to have access to good universities and become professionals in their chosen fields."
The reporter smiled and returned to her seat next to the blonde girl. The two talked quietly, and even while I continued answering new questions from the debate, I felt anxious to know everything about the young woman with the enchanting smile. Some time passed, and finally the questions ended. I stood up from the table, buttoned my blazer, glanced at my assistant who was typing something on her tablet, then looked away, searching for the girl—but I couldn’t find her.
"Katarina, I need you to investigate the reporter who was here this afternoon. Actually, I need to know everything about the girl who was with her."
"Reporter? I don’t know who you’re talking about."
"That’s why I’m telling you to investigate. Once you find her, I’ll find out who the girl beside her was."
"Are you talking about the two who arrived last? Orion, what are you planning? You’re campaigning for re-election. You can’t even think about getting involved in a scandal."
"Do what I’m asking. Find out everything about both of them."
Reluctantly, she took a deep breath and nodded. I walked into the next room, where I’d take a few photos with the candidates and with my daughter. Melissa walked up to me and gave me a kiss on the cheek before whispering in my ear.
"You owe me. I want my credit cards back." I gave a bitter smile. We didn’t get along well—our conversations always ended in arguments. It had been that way ever since everything happened.
"Smile, daughter. Show how happy we are as a family," I whispered in her ear before kissing her forehead. I thought the rebellious phase would pass when she turned eighteen, but instead, things got even worse—she was more out of control than ever.
It was already night when everything ended. Exhausted, I got into the car as one of my bodyguards opened the door. My daughter got in too. We were going home together, something that rarely happened, but since everyone was watching, I had to keep up appearances.
"I did what you asked. Now give me back my credit cards and my car."
"Your classes start next week, and you’ll go back to college. Show me, for once in your life, that you can be responsible." I looked at her, seeing her eyes just like her mother’s...