“My business…” Luca starts but doesn’t finish.
"Can be managed remotely," Alessandro cuts in. "Or sold. You've got more important things now."
"It's not that simple," Luca says, his voice fading. "I can't just abandon what I've built."
"And what about what you've built here?" Valentina challenges him. “You’re going to abandon that?”
There’s a long silence, and then Luca says, “"I need to rest."
I wait to hear more, but there isn’t more.
I straighten as realization hits. He's leaving. Again. And Enzo and I are not part of the conversation.
Nothing's changed. How could I have been so stupid? So naive to believe things would be different this time?
I stumble backward as the door swings open, nearly colliding with the wall behind me. Valentina steps out, followed by Alessandro and Adriano, all three freezing when they see me.
"Katerina." Valentina recovers first. "Were you about to come in?"
I nod, unable to find my voice.
"He just fell back asleep," Valentina says. "But I'm sure he'll be pleased to see you when he wakes."
"Of course," I manage.
Alessandro studies me. "Perhaps you can convince him to stay. He seems determined to return to Chicago as soon as he's able."
My heart sinks further.
If Luca had discussed taking me and Enzo with him, Alessandro would have mentioned it or at least hinted at the negotiation.
After all, technically, he and Maksim own me.
The fact that he's asking me to convince Luca to stay confirms my worst fear: Luca is planning to leave us behind again.
"I don't think my opinion matters much in this," I say, hoping that they don’t hear the bitterness I feel.
“Don’t underestimate your influence,” Valentina interjects.
I want to believe her, but the evidence suggests otherwise. The Luca I knew seven years ago left without a thought of taking me with him. The Luca behind that door is making plans to do the same.
"I'll come back later." I can’t stand here and pretend anymore. I can’t live in a fantasy world in which Luca and I are a family.
Alessandro nods, stepping aside to let me pass. As I walk away, I chastise myself for being a fool to think anything would be different this time.
I stumble back to my room in a daze, locking the door behind me before sinking onto the bed.
My hand finds my stomach again. "What am I going to do with you?"
Seven years ago, I convinced myself I didn't need Luca.
I built a life for Enzo and me.
A good one, even within the constraints of my position.
I can do it again.
I have to.
