Marcello stared at the letter for what felt like an eternity, his chest tightening as though an invisible weight had settled over him, pressing the air from his lungs. The ink was blurred in places, streaked by tears. She had cried while writing this.

Dragging his fingers through his hair, he drew in a sharp breath, his mind reeling. He had known Giuditta liked him admired him, perhaps even desired him but this… this was obsession. He had never realized she was consumed by him to such a ...