I pleaded with Matteo, my voice trembling. "Please, just once. I promise I won't try to escape. I just want to see my parents, know they're safe."
Matteo's expression remained cold, detached. "You know the rules, Lucia. Leonardo and Vincent made it clear: no contact with the outside world."
Desperation crept into my voice. "But it's my parents. They must be worried sick about me."
For an instant, Matteo's face softened, and I saw a glimmer of humanity. But he quickly regained control. "You're property of the Rossi family now. You'll do as you're told.
Tears welled up in my eyes, but I refused to cry. Instead, I stood, squaring my shoulders, and met Matteo's gaze. "You're not like them, Matteo. You have a heart. I see it."
Matteo's mask slipped, and for a moment, I thought I saw compas
