I closed the folder gently, trying to still my hands, and excused myself from the dining table. My father didn’t look up or acknowledge me as I left the room. His indifference stung, but I pushed it aside. I couldn’t deal with everything right now.

In my room, I dropped the folder onto my desk, not bothering to look at it again. Changing into something comfortable, I sat on the edge of my bed, my mind racing. Tomorrow… I had to meet him again. Luca Caruso.

I pulled the blanket over my ...