With Beatrice, the depth of feelings I have for Tori weren't there. Sure, Bea was my wife, the mother of my children, but I didn't care deeply for her. I never loved her.
Christ. Is that what I'm feeling for Tori? Love?
As I sit by Vittoria's bedside, lost in thoughts about my growing feelings, I see her eyes flutter open. She blinks a few times, seeming to orient herself, before her gaze settles on me.
"You're still here," she says softly, a hint of surprise in her voice.
I lean forward, taking her hand gently. "Of course. I told you I would be."
She's quiet for a moment, studying my face. Then, hesitantly, she asks, "Cesare, can I ask you something?"
"Anything," I reply, curious about what's on her mind.
Vittoria takes a deep breath, wincing slightly. "Your first wife, Beatrice… what was your marriage like?"
The question catches me off guard. It's not something I've discussed with anyone, let alone Vittoria. But looking into her eyes, I see genuine curiosity and perhaps insecurity.
I sigh, leaning back. "It was complicated," I begin, choosing words carefully. "Beatrice and I, our marriage was arranged, much like ours. We were young, both carrying the weight of family expectations."
Vittoria nods, encouraging me to continue.
"We grew to care for each other, in our own way," I say. "She was a good mother, a capable partner in business matters. But love..." I trail off, shaking my head. "That wasn't part of the equation."
"Did you ever wish it was?" Vittoria asks softly.
I consider her question, thinking back on my years with Beatrice. "At times, perhaps," I admit. "But in our world, love can be a liability. It can cloud judgment, make you vulnerable.Beatrice and I had a mutual understanding, a partnership. In many ways, that was enough."
Vittoria is quiet, processing my words. Then she asks, "And now? With me?"
My heart rate quickens at her question. It's something I've been grappling with myself. "With you, Tori..." I pause, struggling to find the right words. "It's different. You've surprised me, challenged me in ways I didn't expect. I find myself caring for you in a way I didn't anticipate."
Her eyes widen slightly at my admission. "Cesare, I?—”
Before she can finish, there's a knock at the door. Lorenzo enters, his expression urgent. His gaze goes from me to Vittoria lying in the bed, and I see anger flash in his eyes before he turns back to me.
"Boss," he says. "We've got a lead."
I stand quickly, torn between duty and desire to stay with Vittoria. She seems to sense my dilemma.
"Go," she says softly. "Do what you need to do."
I lean down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "I'll be back soon," I promise. "Rest, and don't worry. You're safe here."
Vittoria nods, her eyes already drifting closed. I give her hand one last squeeze before following Lorenzo out.
In the hallway, I turn to him, voice low and dangerous. "What do you have?"
"One of our informants spotted Domenico Costa at a small private airfield outside the city," he reports. "He's trying to charter a plane to Ireland."
My jaw clenches. "He's running. Coward."
"We have men en route to intercept," Lorenzo continues. "They should be there within the hour."
I nod, mind racing. "Tell them to bring him to the warehouse on the docks. And make sure he's alive when they do."
As he moves to relay orders, I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what's coming. Domenico Costa will pay for what he's done to Vittoria.
But first, I need answers.
