Page 26 of Beneath the Shadows

“This is some of your best work yet,” she says, admiration in her voice.

“Thank you,” I reply, feeling a surge of pride despite everything.

“Have you spoken to your husband about having a show?” she inquires.

I swallow the lie before it comes out. “I have, but he’d rather I not do it. He’s worried about too much public attention.”

She frowns. “That’s a shame. You’re so talented.”

“I know,” I say, hating the resignation in my voice. “But I understand his concerns.”

Ophelia clicks to one of my favorite shots, a panoramic view of the coast at sunset. The sky was full of pinks and reds. “Would you mind printing this on a canvas? I’d like it for my new house.”

“Of course,” she says, jotting down the details for the matte and frame.

After I pay for my purchase, I return to where Antonio’s waiting patiently, his gaze distant but alert.

“All set?” he asks as he opens the car door.

Hesitating for a moment, I glance at him. “Can you not mention this to Val? He doesn’t need to know where I went.”

For a moment, there’s silence between us. Antonio starts the car, his expression unreadable. Finally, he nods, his tone steady but relaxed. “I won’t say anything.”

“Thank you, Antonio,” I say softly. “It really means a lot to me.”

“No problem.”

The drive back to the estate is silent, each of us lost in our own thoughts. I steal a glance at Antonio, wondering, just for a moment, what would happen if I told him the truth—that Val is hurting me. Would he help? Deep down, I know the answer. His loyalty lies with his family, and any kindness I thought existed between us is buried beneath that duty.

As the house comes into view, a sense of dread sinks in. Valentino might not be home now, but when he returns, it all starts again—his demands, the unspoken rules I have to follow, the nights I’m forced to endure him. There’s no escape, just the endless waiting for him to take what he thinks is his, again and again.

The sudden ring of Antonio’s phone jolts me, and I flinch. He glances at me, curiosity in his eyes, before answering the call. “Where are you?” A man’s voice fills the space.

“I’m with Alessia. What’s up?”

“You need to get to the restaurant. Now.”

“I’m on my way,” he responds curtly. Disconnecting the phone, he turns to me. “You need to go inside.”

“What’s wrong?” I ask, anxiety creeping in.

“I don’t know,” he says, his voice firm. “That’s what I’m going to find out.”

Valentino

My father called earlier this morning, requesting I join him for lunch. I’ve been expecting this.

“Today’s the day,” I say aloud.

I knew once I married Alessia, he’d have no more excuses. He has no choice but to step down, finally allowing me to take my place as the head of the family. Everything I’ve been planning is about to fall into place.

I quickly send an email to Giancarlo, letting him know I’ll be able to move our timeline forward and that I’ll be in touch soon. With that handled, I leave for the restaurant.

As soon as I walk in, Lena spots me and makes her way over, swaying her hips.

“Is my father here yet?” I ask when she stops in front of me, her gaze lingering a bit longer than necessary.

“I haven’t seen him,” she says, stepping closer, her voice sultry. “I haven’t seen you in a while either.” Her finger trails along my arm.

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