Page 104 of Sacred Hearts

Matteo

I straighten my tie for the last time in the mirror of the Prime Minister’s office. My office. For a few more minutes, at least.

“Ready?” Sophia asks, standing at the door with a tablet in hand.

“As I’ll ever be.”

“The press is assembled. Gabriella’s already there.”

Walking down the corridor of Palazzo Chigi feels different today. Every portrait on the wall seems to watch me with new interest, as if they know this is the final time I’ll make this journey as Prime Minister.

The past year has been relentless. Seven no-confidence votes. Three attempted coups within my own party. The exposure of corruption networks that reached into every corner of our government. And through it all, the constant media scrutiny of my relationship with Marco.

Yet somehow, we prevailed.

The press room falls silent as I enter. Camera shutters click rapidly, creating a familiar soundtrack to my political life. Gabriella stands to the side, her composure perfect as always. Our eyes meet briefly, and she gives me a subtle nod. We’ve planned this moment for weeks.

I approach the podium for the last time.

“Good afternoon. Today marks one year since our government faced its most significant challenge. One year since corruption at the highest levels of our republic was exposed. One year since I stood before you and promised that Italy would emerge stronger, more transparent, and more just.”

The room remains unusually quiet. They know what’s coming.

“I am proud to report that in this year, we have prosecuted seventy-eight government officials for corruption. We have reformed campaign finance laws. We have created an independent anti-corruption authority with real enforcement powers. And most importantly, we have restored the Italian people’s faith that their government can work for them, not against them.”

I pause, allowing the weight of these accomplishments to settle.

“Today, I am announcing that I will be stepping down as Prime Minister, effective immediately.”

Despite the rumours that have circulated for weeks, gasps echo through the room. Hands shoot up, but I continue.

“This was always my intention. I entered politics not as a career, but with specific goals: to root out corruption, to establish systems that prevent its return, and to demonstrate that public service should be about service, not power.”

I look toward Gabriella, who steps forward on cue.

“I am nominating Justice Minister Gabriella Esposito to succeed me as party leader. Her tireless work on the anti-corruption campaign has been instrumental to our success. Her integrity is beyond question. And her vision for Italy’s future aligns perfectly with the reforms we have begun.”

Gabriella joins me at the podium. The flashbulbs intensify.

“It has been the honour of my life to serve as your Prime Minister. I thank the Italian people for their trust during challenging times. Ithank my staff and cabinet for their dedication. And I look forward to seeing our country continue to flourish under new leadership.”

The questions erupt immediately.

“Prime Minister, will you be moving permanently to the Vatican now?”

“Are you resigning because of continued opposition to your relationship with the Pope?”

“Minister Esposito, will you continue the Valentini anti-corruption agenda?”

Gabriella steps forward, her voice calm and authoritative. “I’ll take this one, Prime Minister.” She turns to the press. “The anti-corruption agenda isn’t the Valentini agenda. It’s Italy’s agenda. And yes, I will continue it with the same vigour and commitment.”

I step back, watching her handle the room with the same confident authority that made her my most trusted ally. She’ll be fine. Italy will be fine.

An hour later, after the formal handover is complete, I walk out of Palazzo Chigi for the last time. No motorcade awaits me. Just a single Alfa Romeo with a driver I’ve come to trust. The security detail has been reduced to two agents who will accompany me to my new residence.

My phone buzzes with a message from Marco:How did it go?

I type back:It’s done. Coming home.

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