The silence between them wasn’t just awkward—it was sharp, carved out of everything unsaid and every bruise they didn’t speak of.
Alessia sat across from him at the long dining table, her fingers wrapped around the porcelain cup of untouched tea. Dominic, as usual, was all stillness and cold elegance. Not once had he looked at her since they sat down. Not once had he acknowledged the quiet that made her throat tighten.
She swallowed, unsure why it bothered her more than his harsh words ever did.
“You didn’t come home last night.”
Her voice barely scraped the air, but it was enough to pull his gaze up. There was no flicker of guilt. No explanation. Just that impenetrable expression that made her feel small.
“I had business.” His voice was as hollow as the space between them.
Alessia t
