Aria sat in silence, her eyes fixed on the view outside the window, though her thoughts were far from peaceful. The room felt suffocating despite its size, like a golden cage meant to keep her in place.
A soft knock at the door startled her.
“Come in,” she said quietly.
A maid entered with a tray, setting it gently on the coffee table. “Good morning, Mrs. De Luca. Breakfast, as instructed by the Don.”
Aria blinked at the title, Mrs. De Luca. It still didn’t feel real.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
The maid bowed slightly before exiting, closing the door behind her.
Aria looked at the tray. Scrambled eggs, toast, freshly squeezed juice, and a bowl of fruit. All her favorites. Her stomach growled, but she hesitated.
She picked up the fork and took a small bite, chewing slowly. Her throa
