Chapter 1 20 Years Ago Kensington, London, Winter 1997

• Chapter 1
• 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: -Our family tradition 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-she says to Nani, hurrying me-you know very well that your father doesn't like you to be 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 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 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 enhances my white skin, I put on some long earrings and black strappy sandals to finish off.
• Nani puts both hands on her own cheeks and opens her mouth.
• Nani: -Girl, how beautiful you look - 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