**Stefano’s POV**

The silence between us was so heavy that the only sound was the clinking of our forks against our plates.

Elena sat across the table, her shoulders tightly curved as if she wanted to disappear. She hadn't said a word since they sat down, fiddling with her eggs, moving them around in circles without taking a bite.

I set my fork down, leaned back in my chair, and broke the silence. “You’re quiet this morning.”

She shrugged, eyes glued to her plate. "Just ...