*Sophia’s POV*

The curling iron sizzled as I wrapped another section of my hair around the hot barrel. I winced as a wisp of hair singed, filling the air with an acrid smell. The red dress I was wearing was a gift from Jacopo. Something to wear after I left here as a reminder of how his hands had once caressed my body.

I stared at my reflection in the gilt-edged mirror as I applied a deep red lipstick. The color reminded me of the wine we shared on our first ...