What the hell?
My vision tunnels. She left him a kiss. A promise. A claim.
My hands are shaking.
I think about the bracelet. The "special schedule." The way she buttoned her uniform when she saw me.
I come so often, I don't remember the exact days.
When he needs me.
He's very generous to those who serve him well.
The pieces click together like a puzzle I didn't want to solve.
But even as I think it, I know. I know.
I agreed to stay. To marry Salvatore, to play his game. I even let myself fall for him, but I will not sit here and act like the scared, blind woman who puts up with bullshit. I will ask him about it, but I won't let it go for another day. I quickly open the door and call out to Mia.
"Can we talk?"
She walks back toward the door.
"I don't want you in Salvatore's room again. You can work in other parts of the house, but not in here."
"I don't work for you." She says it flat, matter-of-fact.
"Mia—"
"I've worked with him long before you came, and I'll be here after you leave."
I blink. "What?"
"You heard me."
"Mia, you're dismissed. Leave."
"Again. I don't work for you."
She turns and walks out, smug, like she just put me in my place.
I stand there, shocked, trying to figure out my next move when I hear him.
"Mia." Salvatore's voice echoes in the hallway. I didn't even see him enter. "My fiancée has asked you to leave."
"But Sally?"
Sally?
"Now!" he commands. "Elio, I want a meeting with the entire house staff today."
I walk away, leaving her standing there.
"Valentina?" Salvatore calls out to me, but I ignore him. I walk to my room and lock the door.
Am I surprised Salvatore is sleeping with other people? Not really. But I am pissed.
A few minutes pass, and he's knocking on my door. I ignore him. "Valentina, please let me in."
