“We paid for a new, purpose-built center for a women’s refuge last year. It was wonderful to see how happy the kids are now they have a garden to play in.” She smiles at the memory, and something in me softens. “The foundation covers the cost of a 24/7 guard roster to protect it after an ex-partner tried to burn down the original building.”
My glass slides from my fingers in shock, spilling the last bit of my champagne on my jeans. I ignore the mess and focus on Fina.
“Was anyone hurt?”
“Thankfully, no. When the alarm triggered, the local fire department got there in time to pull everyone out.”
“What happened to the arsonist?” Fina’s mouth flattens.
“The cops were useless, as you might expect, but Kane found him.”
She doesn’t elaborate, but I can read between the lines. Whoever the arsonist was, he isn’t breathing anymore. To my surprise, it makes me see Kane in a different light. Yes, he’s still an asshole, but perhaps he has a few redeeming qualities. Any guy who stands up for abused women isn’t all bad.
Two pretty nail technicians appear to do our pedicures, and I relax in my chair. It’s refreshing to have someone take care of me for a change. The woman in charge of my poor feet tuts and grumbles at the state of my toes, but by the time she’s finished painting the final protective topcoat, my feet look a million dollars.
“I’m going to go for a French manicure on my fingers,” Fina tells me. “Acrylics are cute, but they’re no good for typing.”
I fancy something fun, so opt for nail art instead. Fina grins when I choose a badass design featuring skulls with red accents to match my toenails.
“Love it,” she says as my talented nail lady applies stencils to my nails and embellishes the design.
“Now all we need to do is choose a ball gown that matches the Vampire Queen vibe.” She winks at me.
Why would I need a formal dress when my beloved husband has had me under house arrest apart from this one outing?
My mouth gapes open. “Um, what now?”
“Has he not told you about the fundraiser?” Fina frowns.
“I hardly see him, and when our paths do cross, he threatens me.” I haven’t forgiven him for behaving like an ass the other day.
Fina’s lips flatten at my accusation. Does she think I’m exaggerating?
“It’s a big event, so all the city’s most important people will be there. Everyone knows you’ve returned from your stay in Switzerland, so they’ll all be dying to see you.”
“Excuse me?”What the fuck is she on about?
Fina grins sheepishly. “We had to explain why you disappeared. So I came up with a story about you having a breakdown from stress and being admitted to a private hospital in a remote location. I’m sorry. It was the best I could do at short notice.”
“Wait…so everyone thinks I’m mentally unwell but after electric shock treatment, and possibly a lobotomy, I’m now cured?”
Not once did I stop to think about how Angelo’s family explained my sudden absence. Maybe I should have.
“It’s not that bad. Modern psychiatric treatment has come a long way in the last few decades.”
“Poor Angelo. How awful to have a wife who’d rather spend her time having group therapy and popping happy pills than be married to him,” I mutter sarcastically.
“Don’t worry about him. He has a thick skin,” Fina says.
“Trust me. I’m not.”
Fina takes my arm as we leave via the rear entrance and climb into our waiting car. The guy she keeps making heart-eyes at hops into the passenger seat, and a few moments later, we set off back to the mansion.
Resignation settles over me as we pass through the gates. When they lock behind me, my shoulders slump.
Fina notices my change in mood. “I’m truly sorry, Chiara,” she says in a low voice because the screen is down. “If I could help you escape, I would.”
“It’s fine.” It’s not fine, but I don’t blame her for my current predicament.
