Page 27

“Because of my reputation?” she asks.

I nod. “The fact that Roman passed on you for me… the younger sister. I’m scared what this might do to you.”

Audrey shakes her head. “Nah, I’m not worried. I’m sure by the time this wedding is over, Papa will already have a line of suitors waiting. I’ve never cared much about what people think anyway.”

She gives me a small, sad smile. “I’m more worried about you.”

I hesitate, then confess, “I didn’t tell you this before, but the last time we met with the wedding planner, I made a request. I asked Roma for an art studio in his house.”

Her eyes widen. “And?”

“He agreed.”

Audrey looks shocked. “Really?”

“Yeah. I was shocked too.” I pause, doubt creeping in. What if he only said that to get me to eat? What if when I get there, he goes back on his word?

Growing up, I’ve always wanted my own art studio. Papa never allowed it and considered it a waste of time. He believed my only purpose was to get married and be useful.

Every painting I ever created was done in secret, in my bedroom. Every piece I sold or exhibited, I had to sneak out with help from Audrey and Dante.

Art is the only thing that has kept me sane. Under my father's suffocating control, this was the only outlet I had to express myself.

I’ve already lost Luca. I’m about to lose my sister by moving far away from Rome. If I lose art too, I don’t know if I’ll survive.

“Hopefully he keeps to his word,” Audrey says.

I try to sound hopeful. “Roman might not be as bad as we think.”

Just then, a knock sounds on the bedroom door. It opens and one of the maids peeks her head inside before lowering it respectfully.

"Miss Aurora, your Papa is waiting. He says you should begin making your way to the church."

For a moment, neither Audrey nor I move. Then Audrey gives my hands one last reassuring squeeze.

"We'd better go."

I let out a quiet breath. She moves behind me, carefully gathering the long train of my gown before straightening my veil one final time.

"There." Her voice is soft. "You look beautiful."

I force a smile. "Thank you."

Together, we leave my bedroom. Every step through the Moretti estate feels surreal.

The halls I've walked my entire life suddenly feel foreign, as though I no longer belong here. Perhaps I don't. Not anymore.

Outside, a convoy of black luxury cars waits in the circular driveway, surrounded by armed guards.

Papa is already seated inside one of the vehicles. He doesn't even glance in my direction.

Audrey and I climb into the second car, and moments later, the convoy pulls away from the estate.

I stare out the window as familiar streets pass by in a blur. Will Roman allow me to come visit my sister? Or once I relocate to Chicago with him, that would be it?

My leg won't stop bouncing. Audrey gently places her hand over my knee.

"Aurora."