REINA

He took my hand gently in his and led me into the living room. Our fingers intertwined naturally, like they had missed each other too. How much I had missed him... even though I hadn’t realised I missed him this much.

Elisa followed behind us, practically glowing.

"You two are so adorable," she said. "The way you look at each other makes me emotional."

"You are emotional about everything," Paolo smirked as he brushed his thumb against the back of my hand.

"That is because I have depth."

He laughed under his breath and guided me onto the couch beside him.

Elisa dropped dramatically into the armchair across from us and clapped her hands.

"Okay. Important matters. Tomorrow is your wedding anniversary, isn’t it? I remember that much because I’d never forget the day daddy dearest banished me to hell."

The mere mentioned of Domenico made my heart clenched tightly in my chest. God, no no no. Don’t say anything about your father, please.

Elisa pointed at both of us. "So, what’s the plan?"

I sneaked a glance at Paolo, swallowing thickly. I can’t believe other than the gift Domenico had helped me pick for him, I hadn’t planned anything for our anniversary.

Elisa grumbled impatiently . "What do you prefer? Fancy dinner? Romantic night in? Flowers? Candles? Slow dancing? Matching outfits? I need details, pleaseeeeee. I’ve been looking forward to this."

Paolo squeezed my hand.

"Anything you want, baby," he said softly, turning to me. "Tell me what would make you happy. I want to make it special."

My mouth parted, but no words came.

Calestino slipped quietly out of the apartment, leaving us alone.

The room suddenly felt smaller.

More intimate.

And a reckless thought began to form.

Tonight.

Maybe tonight I could make Paolo have sex with me.

Maybe if he touched me, if I let myself sink into something familiar that’s him, it would wash away the stain of Domenico’s hands off my body. And maybe, maybe I wouldn’t have to be scared of the possibility of being pregnant then.

Maybe it would make me feel less ruined.

Less like a traitor.

I stared ahead, barely seeing anything.

How would I do it?

How would I get him into bed without raising suspicion?

Would he notice how desperate I was?

"Reina?"

Elisa’s voice cut through my thoughts.

I blinked.

She was leaning forward in the chair, smiling brightly.

"Hello? Earth to Reina. Do you already have plans for the anniversary, or should I plan everything for you two instead? Because I’m free, talented, and deeply invested, so?"

Paolo was still holding my hand with so much affection.

Still watching me with that quiet concern and affection.

My cheeks burned hotter.

The test kit was hidden in my bag.

My mind was full of lies.

And all I could think about was getting my husband to touch me before everything collapsed.

I had no idea what to say.

"Sorry, I wasn’t following." I said, slowing down nothing.

Elisa was still bouncing on her toes on her seat, her eyes shining with excitement as she looked between Paolo and me.

She clapped her hands once. "I was asking you how you two are going to celebrate? Are you going somewhere fancy? Or staying in and having a cozy night? I brought gifts. Well, I helped pick them out. Paolo has the actual presents in his bag, he made me promise not to run my mouth and tell you what the actual gifts are because God help me I can’t stop talking. So I’m not going to tell you, okay? Tell me your plans. I want to help make it perfect."

Paolo laughed softly beside me, the sound warm and familiar. He reached for my hand and laced our fingers together.

"Elisa, breathe," he said. "You’re going to pass out before we even answer."

"I am breathing," she said dramatically, pressing a hand to her chest. "I’m just invested in your love story, it’s the only good thing in this family right now."

"You are invested in everybody’s business," Paolo replied.

She gasped. "Rude."

I found myself smiling for real this time.

Paolo glanced at me, and the softness in his expression deepened when he noticed. He lifted our joined hands and kissed my knuckles absentmindedly.

"There," Elisa said, pointing at him. "That. That is exactly what I mean. Disgustingly sweet."

Paolo rolled his eyes. "You love it."

"I do," she admitted cheerfully. Then her face changed, turning more serious as she looked at him.

"Speaking of love. You promised me something on the drive here." Paolo pointed out.

Elisa’s jaw tightened slightly. "Yeah. I did."

He looked directly at her now, all teasing gone.

"You promised me you’re done with Benito and all those idiots he runs around with. I meant it, Elisa. I don’t want you anywhere near him. I don’t want you anywhere near drugs again. I don’t want you to do anything that’d serve as an excuse for dad to drag you away and lock you up again."

The room grew quieter.

Even the playful energy she had brought with her seemed to dim. Elisa sighed and dropped onto the armchair dramatically, though there was less performance in it this time.

"I know." 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

"No, listen to me," Paolo said, voice calm but firm. "I’m serious. Benito is trash. His friends are trash. They’ll drag you down with them and smile while they do it. That fucking bastard didn’t even come looking for you, it’s been three years since you’ve gone, he doesn’t care about you. So don’t go near him again or I’m going to have to kill him for real."

She folded her arms. "You always make everything sound so dramatic."

"Because it is dramatic."

She looked away for a moment, jaw tight, then back at him.

"I’m clean," she said quietly. "I told you already. I’ve been clean. And I’m not going to see Benito. I’m not going to do drugs again. I’m not going to plan with people to kill dad again, I promise you."