Chapter 6

Viola POV

Nicholas went still.

“You decided to marry Camilla three years ago. I’ve accepted that.” I looked at him. “You don’t need to wait for me at airports, keep my room for me, or arrange my life.”

His hand slowly clenched at his side, his wedding band pressing into his skin.

“You’re her husband. And I’ve been an adult for years. I don’t need a guardian anymore.”

He took a step toward me.

“Viola, I never—”

A quiet cough came from the doorway.

Camilla stood there, holding his coat.

She walked over, handed it to him, then smoothed his cuff.

“It’s so cold out here. That old shoulder injury will start hurting again.”

Nicholas took the coat. She turned to me, her voice even gentler than it had been at dinner.

“After the funeral tomorrow, you and Lorenzo can sit down and talk,” she said. “I’ve already told the Marchetti family you’ll stay.”

“I just refused in front of everyone.”

“It’s only coffee. They’ve already been given an answer. What will they think if you don’t show up?”

“You changed my answer for me, and now you’re saying I’m the one breaking a promise?”

She glanced at Nicholas.

He said nothing.

“Call them back,” I said. “Tell them you never asked me.”

Camilla’s smile disappeared. One hand slowly rose to her chest.

Nicholas immediately steadied her.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m a little short of breath. Maybe I’ve been standing too long.”

“Go inside and sit down.”

“But tomorrow—”

“I’ll talk to her.”

Only then did she release his arm and slowly walk back inside.

When the door closed, Nicholas turned to me.

“You know about her health. You didn’t need to be so harsh.”

“I asked her to withdraw a promise she made on my behalf without my permission.”

He rubbed the space between his brows.

“I’ll handle tomorrow.”

“Then go inside now and tell them I never agreed.”

He looked toward the lit windows but didn’t move.

I waited a moment.

“Did Camilla arrange for you to meet me at the airport, too?”

“She gave me your flight details.”

I nodded slowly.

They had known all along what was coming. I was the only one who had walked out with my suitcase, thinking I had come back for a funeral.

“When my father died, you promised to take care of me.”

He swallowed.

“I didn’t ask you to decide the rest of my life for me. Nicholas, all I’m asking now is that you tell them the truth: I never agreed.”

He stood there, still holding the coat Camilla had brought him.

I looked away and went back inside.

Camilla was sitting on the living room sofa. When she saw me, she braced a hand on the armrest and stood.

“I’ve had your clothes prepared for tomorrow. After the funeral, you can change into the light-colored dress—”

“There’s no need.”

Mother came out of the dining room and hurried to her side.

“She could barely breathe a moment ago, and she’s still thinking of you. Can’t you show her some consideration for once?”

“She heard me say no.”

“At least try to get to know Lorenzo! Or are you not interested in anyone else because you’re still fixated on your sister’s husband?”

I looked at Mother, tightening my grip on my handbag.

“Was I ruining their marriage during the three years I wasn’t here, too?”

She didn’t answer.

Camilla caught her sleeve.

“Mom, please stop.”

“Back then, you asked me to accept Nicholas marrying Camilla. I left. I didn’t bother him again. Now you’re asking me to accept another marriage.”

I kept my eyes on Mother.

“How many times do I have to accept what you’ve decided before you ask whether it’s what I want?”

Mother looked at me for a long time. The anger slowly faded from her face, and she sighed.

“Have you always believed your grandfather forced him to marry Camilla?”

“Nicholas chose his own marriage,” Mother said. “Your grandfather suggested you. He asked for Camilla instead.”

I looked toward the doorway. Nicholas stood there, silent.

“Is that true?”

“Yes, but—”

“Then why did you keep telling me it was because you were my guardian?”