Vincenzo had just finished his breakfast, and Anna stepped forward to gather the empty plates. She carefully placed each plate onto the tray, balancing it steadily in her hands.

Just as she was preparing to leave the dining room, Vincenzo’s voice cut through the silence, stopping her in her tracks.

“I’m leaving for Italy today, so there will be no need for you to serve my meals, do my laundry, or clean my room for now,” he said, his voice low and calm.

Anna hesitated for a moment ...