**Elena’s POV**
“There’s a gala tomorrow night,” Stefano announced, his focus entirely on adjusting his tie in the living room window’s reflection.
His voice was calm and direct, leaving no room for argument.
I stood stiffly in the doorway, my arms crossed tightly over my chest.
"A friend of mine is hosting a charity event,” he continued without looking up. “You’ll accompany me. Your father and Elario will be there as well."
“And what if I’m not in the mood?” I challenged him, stepping away from the doorframe to take a defiant step closer. “Do I really have to play the dutiful wife?”
He finally glanced up, his gaze brief and cold. “Yes,” he stated, his voice final. “Because I said so.”
He snapped his watch onto his wrist, grabbed his keys without hesitation, and walked straight
