Elena's pov

I had a dream last night.

In it, Leone kissed me. Slowly. Tenderly.

No… worshipped me.

He peeled off my apron like it was silk. Whispered my name like a vow. Told me I was the only one who ever understood him. The only one who never left. The only one who stayed.

Then I woke up.

Alone.

In my stiff, cold servant bed.

With my back aching and my dignity slowly decomposing next to my laundry basket.

And in the distance?

A laugh.

Her laugh.

I lay there, blinking up at ...