**Stefano’s POV**

The curtains in my study were drawn tight to block out every bit of the sun. I sat in complete darkness, surrounded by the smell of old paper. I could still smell the faint scent of Elena’s perfume on a shawl she had left behind on the chair. It made my chest ache. I had a bottle of whiskey on the desk, half-empty, but the burning liquid did nothing to help me forget.

The alcohol couldn't wash away the memory of what happened in this house days ago. I still saw Armando’s ...