Elena
My throat burned, not just from his grip but from the anger clawing its way out.
I clenched my hands into fucking fists, my nails digging into my palms, grounding myself.
“You’re really a shocker, Lorenzo, I’ve cleaned up your messes, lied to the authorities, and covered for you more times than I can count. Don’t you dare make me feel like I'm not good enough to be your wife!.”
He smirked, a cruel twist of his lips.
“You should understand Katherine is more than just an old friend. She’s leverage, a symbol. Her father controls the northern territories, and his loyalty doesn’t come cheap. You’re the one who always talks about strategy. Well, this is strategy.”
My chest heaved, and I fought the urge to slap the smug expression off his face.
So he was keeping her close for a power grab?
Before I could respond, a knock echoed through the room.
“Are you expecting-”
My words hung in the air as the door creaked open, revealing Katherine.
She wore a tight white dress, the kind designed to seduce any man she met.
Ignoring me, she strode into the house and ran into Lorenzo’s arms like he was a fucking single man.
“Lorenzo!” Katherine exclaimed.
My mouth twitched in irritation but what came next felt like a hot slap to my face.
Lorenzo hugged her back, his hands resting on her waist as he murmured something I couldn’t hear.
But what I could hear loud and clear was the sound of my own heart breaking, followed closely by the quiet fury rising in my chest.
Katherine pulled back slightly, her arms still looped around Lorenzo’s neck, and finally turned her gaze to face Me.
Her smile widened, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Oh, Elena. I didn’t see you there. It’s so sweet of you to let me join the trip. I know how much Lorenzo wanted this to be special.”
There are certain times when you think through your decision and conclude murder isn't such a bad thing after all.
But I had more to lose, so I forced a tight smile, my nails digging into my palms so hard I nearly drew blood.
“Of course,” I said, my voice as calm as a storm about to unleash its wrath.
“Anything for Lorenzo.”
“You’re such a good wife,” she said, turning her attention back to Lorenzo. “I don’t know how you found someone so understanding.”
“She is, isn't she?” Lorenzo smiled back and I felt suffocated.
Katherine glanced around the room with the air of someone who already owned it.
Her fingers trailed lazily across the back of the couch as if staking her claim, and then she turned to Lorenzo with a pout that made my stomach churn.
“I’m starving,” she said with a little laugh like it was some sort of joke. “I didn’t have time to eat before coming over.”
Lorenzo’s gaze softened instantly.
“You should’ve said something earlier, Tesoro. Elena can make you something quick.”
I blinked, certain I’d misheard him.
My nails dug deeper into my palms as I bit the inside of my cheek. “Excuse me?”
He barely glanced my way, his attention still fixed on Katherine.
“You know the kitchen better than anyone, Elena. Just whip something up for her. She needs to eat. Her body’s fragile.”
Fragile.
That damn word hung in the air, acidic and cruel.
I laughed bitterly, the sound sharp enough to slice through the tension in the room.
“Of course. Nothing screams a romantic getaway like me cooking for your guest while you two relax. Shall I fetch her a warm blanket too? Maybe some herbal tea for her fragile body?”
Lorenzo’s jaw tightened, his dark eyes flashing with anger, but he said nothing.
Instead, he turned back to Katherine, his voice gentle in a way it never was with me.
“Forget it. We’ll eat out tonight. You shouldn’t have to wait.”
My breath hitched, but I forced my expression to remain neutral.
Eating out? He’d never taken me out for dinner unless it was a public event meant to display our ‘perfect’ marriage to the world. The sharp sting of betrayal was almost unbearable, but I swallowed it down.
Katherine beamed, clasping her hands together like she’d just won some prize. “You’re so thoughtful, Lorenzo. I knew I could count on you.”
“Pack my clothes. And hers too,” he said, gesturing toward Katherine. “Make sure everything is perfect for the trip.”
I didn’t respond, how could I?
“Oh, and Elena?” Lorenzo added, his voice lower, more cutting. “You can book an extra room for the vacation.”
My mouth opened and closed like a damn fish.
Surely he didn't mean he'd sleep with Katherine in the room I booked while I slept in another room.
Right?
