*Florence – The Morning After*
Claire stood at the window, arms crossed over her chest, watching the street below. The lilies were still on the entry table—untouched, browning at the edges.
Edward entered with two coffees.
“Bad dreams?" he asked.
She didn't look at him. “He used to give me lilies. Always lilies."
Edward set the cups down. “Why?"
“Because they were the only flower allowed in the Moretti funeral room."
His hand stilled mid-reach. “He brought death to your door last night. Wrapped in tradition."
Claire turned to him. “He's not going to stop."
Edward stepped closer. “Then we prepare."
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*Later That Day – Fashion Studio*
The studio bustled with assistants and fabric rolls. Claire barely registered them. She sat at her table, sketching blindly, lines blurring toget
