Chapter Forty-Two

The old woman picked up the teacup delicately from the saucer on the table and blew a soft breath over the surface of the liquid before taking a sip, exhaling contentedly. "è perfetta (It's perfect)," she said, noticing the surprise on Camilla's face.

"Don't be surprised," Harriet chuckled, placing the teacup on the table. "That's the only Italian word I know." Camilla nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips.

After a brief pause, Harriet asked, "How are you feeling?"

Camilla's response was hesitant and noncommittal as she shrugged her shoulders. "Umm...fine I guess..." she said, causing Harriet to lean forward with concern.

After a pause, Harriet spoke again, her tone gentle yet firm. "No, you're not," she said, sensing that there was more to Camilla's emotional state than she was letting on.

Camilla's eyes fell to the ground, her throat feeling tight as she struggled to find the words.

Finally, she forced out the truth. "I and Alexander lied about being in a relationship," she sai