Lucrezia's brow furrows as she steps closer, placing a gentle hand on my arm. "Strange how? Do you need to sit down?"
I shake my head, forcing a smile. "No, no, it's nothing serious. I think I'm just tired from all the shopping. It'll pass."
But even as I reassure Lucrezia, I can't stop the whirlwind of thoughts in my head. There's something going on here that's bigger than me, bigger than what I've been told. The pieces don't quite fit together, and I can't help but feel like I'm being played in a game I don't fully understand. My plan was to gather information either from Lucrezia, or Enzo. Well, Enzo is not much of a talker and something holds me from making any discussion with him anyway.
Lucrezia's eyes search my face, concern evident in her expression. "Are you sure? We can head back to the house if you're not feeling well."
"Really, I'm okay," I insist, patting her hand. "Let's finish up here. I want to see you try on that blue dress we saw earlier."
As Lucrezia returns to the fitting room, I take a deep breath, trying to center myself. I need to be careful, to keep my suspicions hidden. But I also need answers, and I'm more determined than ever to uncover the truth, no matter where it leads me.
Lucrezia emerges from the fitting room, resplendentin the blue dress and I feel a genuine smile spread across my face. Despite the turmoil in my mind, I can't help but admire how the dress suits her and brings out the warmth in her eyes.
"Wow, Lucrezia," I say, "you look absolutely stunning. That color is perfect on you."
Lucrezia's face lights up at the compliment, her earlier concern seemingly forgotten. She twirls once, the dress flowing around her like water. Then, without warning, she rushes towards me and envelops me in a tight hug.
"Oh, Zoe," she says, her voice muffled against my shoulder, "thank you so much. Not just for the compliment, but for being in our lives. You've brought so much light to our family, especially to Damiano. I'm so grateful you're here."
As Lucrezia's words wash over me, I feel a crushing weight settle in my chest. My arms tighten around her reflexively, but inside, I'm crumbling. The guilt I've been trying to suppress comes rushing back with a vengeance.
Here's this sweet, innocent woman thanking me for being part of their family, when in reality, I came into their lives with the intention of destroying everything they hold dear. The warmth of Lucrezia's embrace feels like it's burning me, a stark reminder of my betrayal.
I struggle to maintain my composure, to keep my voice steady as I pat Lucrezia's back. "That's... that's so kind of you to say, Lucrezia. I'm glad to be here too."
And that's when it hits me.
I need to talk to Damiano.
I can't stay any longer not knowing what the hell happened that night.
Even if it means that it will get me killed.
After Lucrezia's unexpected hug, we finish our shopping in a daze. I barely register the dresses she buys or the shoes I somehow end up purchasing.
The drive back to the Feretti mansion passes in relative silence. Lucrezia chatters about redecorating her wing with the new fabrics we found, but I only half-listen, nodding at appropriate intervals. The guards flank our car like always, ever-present shadows ensuring our safety—or perhaps my captivity.
When we pull into the circular driveway, I notice Daniel standing at the entrance, his military posture rigid even as he holds the door for us. His face gives nothing away, but something in his stance makes my stomach drop.
"Welcome back, Ms. Lucrezia, Mrs. Feretti," he says, his voice professional as always.
Lucrezia bounces past him with her shopping bags. "Thanks, Daniel! We found the most amazing things today."
But Daniel's eyes lock on mine, and I know something's wrong. "Mrs. Feretti, Don Feretti requests your presence in his office immediately."
Lucrezia turns back, a curious expression on her face. "Oh? Did something happen?"
"Family business," Daniel says, which is code for "not your concern." His gaze never leaves my face. "He was quite insistent, Mrs. Feretti."
My heart pounds so hard I'm certain Daniel can hear it. "I'll go right away."
As I hand my shopping bags to a waiting staffmember, Lucrezia squeezes my arm. "Don't worry, it's probably just about the contracts for Chicago. You know how he gets with business stuff."
I force a smile. "You're probably right."
But we both know she isn't.
I walk through the mansion's grand hallway, my heels clicking against the marble floor like a countdown. Daniel follows a few paces behind—escort or guard, I'm no longer sure.
