DEATH OF ME~~~

VALENTINA POV ~~~~

I worried the entire time he was away. When Vincenzo was set to return, I paced in the entryway while Nesto

leaned against the wall, watching me. He hadn’t left my side during my husband’s absence, except when I used the bathroom.

I knew this was to keep me safe, but I would much rather have Vincenzo’s gaze on me. After scolding me for scuffing the entryway tile, Zia dragged me to the kitchen for chicken in lemon sauce and a side of roasted eggplant.

She had a tartufo for dessert, which reminded me of Dimitri and our dinner way back when I was first in Siderno. I started tearing up.

Zia shook her head at me. “He is better off. He’s a good boy but he never liked this life, not like he should in order to lead. Your son will take over when it’s time.”

This was a conversation for another day. No way was I deciding my child’s fate like that. I didn’t care what Vincenzo said—our children would make their own decisions.

“It’s the hormones,” I told her. “I cry all the tim