Marcello sighed, then reached into the nightstand drawer and pulled out a bracelet the same style as mine, just a different color. He dangled it in front of her like a treat.
"Don't pout. I bought one for you too. Wear it in private. If Arianna sees it, we're done."
Serafina's face lit up. She kissed him, whispering thanks, still marked with his touch. Then she asked, soft and curious, "Why are you so scared of her leaving you, Marcello?"
His reply was quick, steady, without hesitation.
"I'm not really that scared because I have you. But Arianna was adored by my grandfather. After I inherit the old Don's shares in the family holdings… I can finally leave her and marry you."
And then he pushed her back down, claiming her again, the bed creaking under their weight. Her moans filled the night air.
I pressed my hand against the wall, choking on my sobs, staring at our wedding photo hanging nearby. His smiling face in that picture looked like a cruel joke.
"Thirteen days, Marcello," I whispered through tears.
"I'll be gone. Let's see how crazy you really get."