**Stefano’s POV**
The phone rang again right after Dante left, and Lucia’s name appeared on the display.
I looked up the stairs, listening for footsteps, but the house remained quiet and still. The only sign of life was the faint creak of the floorboards above, where Elena was likely moving around.
I answered the call, pressing the phone to my ear as I hurried up the stairs. After closing the door to my room, I immediately asked Lucia the one question that had been on my mind all day.
“Why didn’t you show up yesterday?”
Her voice was soft and trembled. “I couldn’t watch you marry her, Stefano. I just couldn’t.”
I dragged my hand over my face, trying to keep my voice steady even though my nerves were shot. "You can't let this get in the way, Lucia. If anyone gets suspicious, everythin
