Vittorio and Ellis walked hand in hand, their steps light but their hearts heavy as they made their way back to their room in Pedesina. It was their first night together as husband and wife, but the weight of their contract marriage hung over them like a dark cloud. They entered the room, both feeling a mixture of nervousness and anxiety.

Vittorio looked at Ellis, his eyes betraying his restlessness. He knew this charade they had gotten themselves into was necessary to pay off his ...