FIORELLA’S POV I understood what it meant to have no choice or hope. I stepped forward and held my hand out to the girl. Fear swirled in her eyes, but she took my hand and stood up. “Come ti chiami?” I asked. She looked at Celeste before answering. “Ornella.” Before I could say another word, the door pushed open and a woman with thick black liner on her lower lash and a red scarf over her head stepped in. She bowed her head at me then turned to the girl. “È ora di andare, Ornella.” Ornella stepped closer to me and shook her head. “No.” The woman frowned and grabbed her hand, pulling her to her side. “Non hai scelta.” “She’s an adult,” I cut in, pulling her back and standing in front of her. “And she said she doesn’t want to.” The woman hesitated. “Mi dispiace, Donna. Questa è la nostra tradizione. È il nostro pane e burro. Lei non sopravviverà se non lavora.” “Non mi interessa la tua tradizione,” I returned. “She’s not joining your business if she doesn’t w
Last Updated : 2026-07-26 Read more