CHAPTER 14 — PUBLIC CLAIM
Amara chose a small apartment near the river.
Not hidden.
Not extravagant.
Visible.
The decision was deliberate.
If she disappeared, the rumors would grow teeth. If she stayed close but independent, the message would shift. She was no longer a protected secret or a convenient weakness.
She was a presence.
The apartment smelled faintly of dust and fresh paint, the windows overlooking a stretch of water that reflected the city lights at night. It wasn’t luxurious, but it was hers. For the first time since stepping into Alessandro’s world, the quiet felt earned rather than imposed.
She set her bag down and leaned against the wall, exhaling.
This was the dangerous part.
Not fear — but freedom.
THE CITY STARTS TALKING
The rumors adjusted quickly.
At first
