A pleasant surprise

3 years later

My name was everywhere.

Magazine covers. News interviews. Even a movie deal.

If you asked anyone, they’d say I had it all — and maybe they were right. My book had taken off, capturing the attention of readers everywhere. It was the breakthrough I’d been waiting for, the kind of success that reshaped everything.

Italy had become a second home — my publisher and the entire team were based there. I’d flown in and out so often it became routine. But now, with talk of relocating the publishing house, I knew my time there was coming to an end.

Aside from that, I enjoyed it over all. I managed to get a lot of designer clothes, visit places, relax.

Richard, surprisingly, had become a very friendly husband. We’d built a cordial, easygoing relationship. He adored me — that much was clear.

Soon, I’d be leaving Italy — heading back to New York for the premiere of my latest book. Things were going well. For the first time in a long time, I felt at peace.

The night of the premiere a