**Stefano’s POV**

I sat on the cold marble floor, the chill of the tiles seeping into my trousers, but I couldn’t feel the cold. I couldn't feel anything except the terrifying weight of Elena’s limp body in my lap. She was so light, so fragile.

"Elena," I whispered, my voice sounding like a dead man's. "Please, baby. Don't do this."

My hands shook so violently, I almost dropped my phone as I fished it from my pocket. My vision blurred with a mix of sweat and tears. When the screen lit up, ...