It's not a question.
"No," I admit. "But I'm better than I was."
"Because of me?" There's something vulnerable in his voice.
I turn to look at him. Really look at him.
His eyes search mine. Looking for truth.
"Yes," I say. "Because of you."
Something shifts in his expression. Softens.
He lifts my hand. Kisses my knuckles. Right there in front of his siblings.
"Good," he murmurs against my skin. "Because you're the only thing keeping me from falling apart too."
The confession stuns me.
Before I can respond, Karolina speaks up. "So, Vittoria. Tell us about your family. We've heard bits and pieces, but I want to know more."
I blink. Shift my attention back to the table.
All of them are watching me. Waiting.
Not with judgment. Just curiosity.
"What do you want to know?" I ask.
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
Vittoria
Istare at the half-empty drawer in my bedroom. Clothes folded neatly. Waiting to be packed.
The wedding is in three weeks. Then I'll be living at the Baganov estate full-time.
I pull out another stack of sweaters. Set them in the box beside my bed.
My phone buzzes. Amanda asking if I want to get coffee later.
I text back that I'm busy packing.
She sends back three eye-roll emojis and a gif of someone dramatically fainting.
I smile despite myself.
The drawer is almost empty now. Just a few random items left. Old receipts. A broken bracelet I keep meaning to fix. A photo of me and Riccardo from years ago.
I pick up the photo. We're both laughing. I don't even remember what was funny.
My chest tightens.
I set it carefully in the box. Not sure if I should bring it to Dmitri's or leave it here.
Everything feels complicated lately.
I close the drawer. Move to the next one.
