Eleonora
I wake up slowly, reaching across the bed for Nico’s warmth, only to find cold sheets.
My eyes flutter open. The room is dark except for the faint glow of moonlight filtering through the curtains. He’s not here. I sit up, calling his name softly.
“Nico?”
No answer. The silence feels heavier than it should.
I slip out of bed, grab the silk robe he bought me, and pull it over my shoulders. Maybe he's working.
I’m thirsty, so I decide to head downstairs for a glass of cold water instead of drinking from the carafe on my nightstand.
As I descend the stairs, I notice the light spilling out from under the door of Nico's office. As I walk up to the door, I hear low voices coming from inside, I recognize Nico’s deep tone immediately, and Marco’s as well.
I'm about to leave them to whatever they are discussing and then I hear my sisters being mentioned.
My heart slams against my ribs. I freeze at the words I hear.
I can’t breathe.
They’re talking about my sisters like pieces on a chessboard. Like they’re bargaining chips. Just like my father always did.
Before I can stop myself, I push the door open.
Both men turn sharply. Nico’s eyes widen when he sees me standing there.
“What?” The word comes out sharper than I intended. “What the hell are you talking about? My sisters? You’re planning things about them behind my back?”
“Eleonora—” he starts, voice low.
Marco clears his throat. “I’ll give you two some privacy.” He slips out quickly, closing the door behind him.
Nico walks toward me, his expression guarded. “Why aren’t you in bed?”
That’s his response? My anger flares hotter.
“Are you serious right now?” I snap, stepping back when he reaches for me. “I just heard you talking about my sisters like they’re assets to be moved and secured. Like my father used to do. Like they’re nothing but tools in your war with Gallo. And your first question is why I’m not in bed?”
“Eleonora…”
“How long were you planning to keep this from me?”
He stops, jaw tight. “I was trying to protect you.”
“Protect me?” My voice cracks. “By keeping me in the dark while you arrange my sisters’ lives like they’re pawns? You’re no different from Massimo right now.”
Nico’s eyes flash with frustration. “You think I want this? Gallo is obsessed with you. He’s pushing your father to hand you over. If I don’t secure Camilla and Daniela now, Massimo will use them next. I’m trying to stop another one of your sisters from being sold off before it’s too late.”
The words hit hard. I feel tears burning my eyes.
“So you were just going to handle everything without telling me?” I whisper. “Decide my family’s fate while I sleep peacefully in your bed?”
He steps closer, but I take another step back.
“I didn’t want you to carry this fear,” he says, voice rough. “You’ve carried enough.”
I shake my head, hurt and anger twisting together in my chest.
