own thoughts, as she stared at the engagement ring on her finger. It should have been a symbol of joy, of hope, of a new chapter

eo Russo, her father, whose influence extended far beyond the confines of their Sicilian villa. To Matteo, her engagement was

thoughts. She glanced at the screen. "C

very conversation with him was a reminder of the life she was trying to leave behind. But avoiding D

sharp and impatient. "I was starting

phia replied, her to

words dripped with disdain. "Don't let yourself ge

ghtened. "I kno

nding, it looks like you're losing focus. Father has

," she said, though

ip, even once, it won't just be you who p

dead before sh

glass walls offering a panoramic view of Manhattan. As they dined with potential investors, Andrew's confidence and

he wished she could be-open, honest, free. But her presence at his side was a lie,

ndrew's voice broke

en silent for too long. "I'm fine,"

and reassuring. "You don't have to be perfect all the ti

and she hated herself for betraying that trust. "I'm just tired

anding. "I know it's overwhelming, but you'

ooks filling the air. She ran her fingers along the spines of the volumes, trying to steady her thoughts. She wanted so despe

t?" Evelyn's vo

er expression calm but her eyes sharp. Evelyn stepped into the

n said, though her tone suggested

cing a smile. "I was just admirin

"It's been built over generations. Each pie

the subtext beneath them. "It must be a lot of r

eptible. "Responsibility is something w

ion in the room was palpable, and she couldn't

Evelyn said, her tone shifting s

ed. "He's... incredi

ady. "But so is he. And as his mother, it

felt her chest tighten. Evelyn's suspicions wer

w," Sophia said softly, h

a moment before nodding

d left the room, leaving

She thought of Dante's warning, of Matteo's expectations, of Evelyn's veiled threats. The walls we

eo: "You're doing well, but don't lose focus. T

e wanted so desperately to escape this double life, to live fully in the