LOGINMy heart hammered against my ribs as I stood frozen in the middle of the room, my dress half-zipped and my hair a mess. I couldn't open the door and face anyone like this.Another knock came."Madam?" a woman's voice called gently from the other side of the door. "Are you awake?"I swallowed hard."Just a moment," I called out, my voice cracking.I fumbled with the zipper, my fingers clumsy and shaking. The fabric caught on my skin, and I winced; the soreness between my thighs was a cruel reminder of what I'd done.I finally managed to pull the dress up properly and smoothed my hands over my hair, trying to look presentable. I hurried toward the door on shaky legs and pulled it open.One of the housemaids stood outside with her hands folded in front of her. She lowered her eyes respectfully."Good morning, Mrs. Gabrielle."I forced myself to nod."What is it?""There is a problem downstairs."Something about her expression made my stomach tighten."What happened?""Madam Rosa has ask
Damiano stood frozen at the door, his hand still resting on the handle. The dim light from the hallway fell across his shoulders; he stood there without saying a word."You're drunk, Gabrielle," he finally said, his voice low and careful."I'm not," I whispered, though my head still spun slightly. "I know what I'm saying."He turned slowly, and his eyes met mine. The space between us suddenly felt heavy."You should rest," he said, but he didn't leave; his feet stayed rooted to the floor."Damiano", I pushed myself up on my elbows. The room tilted, and I blinked hard. "Please."He let out a slow breath, and then he walked back towards the bed. "The alcohol is talking," he said, stopping at the edge of the mattress. "You'll regret this in the morning.""I won't."He studied me for a long moment; his jaw tightened. "You don't know what you're asking.""Yes, I do."My heart pounded in my heart.Damiano lowered himself onto the edge of the bed, and the mattress dipped under his weight.
My fingers tightened around the bathroom door handle.I stood there for a long moment, listening to the muffled laughter drifting in from the living room.Was I really overthinking things? Or had my instincts been trying to warn me about something?I pushed the thought aside and opened the door.Chandelier light spilled into the hallway as I stepped out. I smoothed the front of my lavender gown one last time and started walking back toward the them.The music grew louder with every step.When I reached where Damiano and Elena was standing they both turned to look at me."There you are," Elena said with a bright smile. "Feeling better?"I glanced down at my dress. "The stain's still there," I admitted with a small smile. "But it's not very noticeable anymore.""Oh, Gabrielle." Elena touched my arm gently. "I'm so sorry again. I feel terrible.""It's fine," I told her. "It was an accident.""I still feel guilty." She picked up my handbag from the table and handed it back to me. "Here. I
I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came. Everything happening was too much and confusing.Before I could find my voice, his hand slipped from my wrist, and he reached for one of the champagne glasses from the passing tray, offering it to me with a gentle smile."Just one glass," he said. "You've earned it."I took the glass hesitantly, my fingers brushing against his. The glass was cool against my palm."Thank you," I whispered.He nodded, his smile widening just slightly. "You're welcome."I lifted the glass to my lips, the champagne was crisp and light on my tongue. For a moment, I allowed myself to relax, to enjoy the warmth spreading through my chest.But then my eyes drifted across the room, scanning the crowd of elegant guests and glittering chandeliers.And they landed on Elena.Elena stood in the doorway, elegantly dressed in crimson silk, her smile sharp as a blade. "Forgive my lateness," she announced, her voice dripping with sweetness. "I was delayed by something.
The invitation came the next morning as I stood in the doorway of Madam Rosa's sitting room, trying to steady my breathing.She sat in her usual armchair by the window; a silver tray of tea sat beside her untouched."You'll be attending the celebration this weekend," she said without looking up.My throat tightened. "I... I don't think that's…""It wasn't a question." She folded the newspaper and set it aside. "The De Luca family holds this celebration every year. Relatives, business partners, old friends, and everyone who matters will be there.""And you want me there?""I want you to help receive guests," she corrected. "You'll stand beside me at the entrance. Smile, greet, and do not embarrass this family."My chest felt heavy. "I understand, Ma'am.""Do you?" She studied me. "Elena suggested it. She said she wanted to make amends with you."I froze. Elena? She'd whispered poison about me for months and accused me of stealing her necklace?Something was wrong; I felt it in my bones
My heart jumped the moment the bedroom door creaked.I spun around, half-expecting someone to walk in, but the hallway was empty. The door was still slightly ajar, exactly as it had been. I must have imagined it.Shaking it off, I turned back to Damiano."I should let you rest," he said finally.I nodded slowly. "Thank you… for listening."His eyes met mine, just for a second. "I should have done that a long time ago."Neither of us spoke after that.He paused briefly at the doorway, then stepped into the hallway.The room suddenly felt empty as I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. Everything that had just happened felt impossible. For months, Damiano and I had lived under the same roof like strangers. And now…He knew my dream; I reached out and gently touched the sketchbook still laying on the desk.Maybe nothing would change, and after today everything would go back to normal again. Still… for one small moment, somebody appreciated my dream, and that feeling stayed







