The next morning felt different. I woke up earlier than usual, sunlight already pouring into my room, when it hit me: today was the last full day I'd spend in this house as Valentina De Luca—just myself. Tomorrow, I’d be Valentina Caruso. The thought made me pause for a second, sitting at the edge of my bed as I rubbed my eyes. I had no choice but to go through with it, so I might as well start preparing.

After breakfast, I walked back upstairs to start the long process of packing my ...