The city didn’t sleep.
Not tonight.
Not when her name was everywhere.
Giulia stood by the window, staring at lights that refused to dim. Cars moved endlessly below, people lived their lives, and yet—
Nothing felt normal anymore.
Not after what she had just heard.
Not after what she had just become.
“You should get some rest.”
Matteo’s voice came from behind her.
Low.
Controlled.
Like everything else about him.
She didn’t turn.
“I used to wake up at five,” she said quietly.
A pause.
Matteo frowned slightly. “What?”
“For work.”
That got his attention.
He stepped closer.
Not touching.
Never quite touching when things got too real.
“You don’t have to think about that now.”
“That’s the problem,” she replied.
Now she turned.
Slowly.
Eyes steady.
“I can’t stop thinking a
