Luna sat quietly, her hands folded in her lap, her eyes fixed on the door her husband and Lorenzo had disappeared through. She wondered what they were talking about. What secrets were being traded behind closed doors.
She didn't dare move.
If she wandered, if she tried to listen, if she acted out of place—even for a second—they might grow suspicious.
Finally, Matteo returned.
"My love, it's getting late. We should go," he said gently.
She lifted her gaze and forced a smile. "Yes… let's leave."
They walked toward the car hand in hand. The driver opened the door, and they climbed inside. As the limousine pulled away from the estate, Luna leaned back against the seat, her thoughts spiraling.
Why didn't I realize he was in the mafia?
Her life replayed in fragments. A wealthy father who never showed her kindness. A childhood filled with fear and loneliness. A marriage that felt like salvation.
She had been so happy when she married Matteo. She had believed she was finally safe.
But now?
Drug smuggling. Kidnapping. Money laundering. Blood.
She loved him. She could feel his love for her. But how could she live beside a man who ruled such darkness?
She lowered her gaze to her hands.
I need to know everything before I confront him.
For six years, she had believed he was only a businessman. A casino owner with powerful connections. The guards, the security, the armored cars — she had accepted it all as part of his world.
But now she knew the truth.
And she would not stop until she uncovered every secret he had hidden from her.
⸻
"Why are you acting strange?" Matteo asked suddenly. "You've been quiet all evening. Is something wrong?"
Her heart skipped.
She turned to him quickly. "No, no. I'm fine, honey. I'm just a little tired."
He studied her face, then reached for her hand. "You'll be okay. Don't worry."
"Thank you, my husband," she replied softly.
But even as she spoke, her mind raced.
Is this all I'll ever think about now?
She wanted to ask him. To demand answers. But she held herself back.
Not yet.
Not until I know everything.
⸻
When they arrived home, the driver stopped the car. Matteo stepped out and stretched. Luna followed him, still lost in thought, and quietly went up to her room.
Why did he become a mafia boss? Was it before we married… or after?
She removed her dress slowly, her thoughts heavy. Her father's cruelty. Her longing for happiness. Her belief that marrying Matteo had saved her.
And now this.
He had told her the bodyguards were because of the casinos. Because angry gamblers might attack.
But that was a lie.
The real danger was his world.
And that world could swallow her too.
I have to be careful. He already suspects something.
She wiped off her makeup and stared at her reflection. The woman in the mirror looked calm. But her eyes were filled with fear.
She decided to cook.
Matteo loved her food. If she acted normal, he wouldn't grow suspicious.
She tied on her apron and walked downstairs, passing the guards.
So this is what you're really here for…
She shook the thought away and entered the kitchen.
⸻
She prepared his favorite meal — steak.
She moved carefully, her hands steady despite her racing heart. The meat sizzled in the pan. Butter melted. The aroma filled the kitchen.
When it was ready, she plated it and carried the tray to the living room, where Matteo sat.
She placed it in front of him.
He smiled. "You cooked today? I knew it would be delicious. You're my everything, you know that?"
"You're welcome," she said softly.
He cut into the steak. "Come and eat with me."
"I'm not really hungry."
"No. Sit with me. I love when we eat together."
She hesitated, then sat beside him.
"You're right," she said after tasting it. "It's delicious."
"You really are the best cook," Matteo said. "Since I married you, you've been my happiness."
Then, after a pause, he added casually, "What should we name our child someday?"
Her hand froze mid-bite.
"A child…?" she echoed softly.
"We'll decide when the time comes," she said gently.
He nodded, smiling.
⸻
Later, they went to bed.
Luna lay awake beside him, staring at the ceiling.
What will tomorrow bring?
She turned her head slightly, listening to his breathing.
I have to be ready.
I have to be strong.
I have to uncover the truth.
And whatever I find…
will change everything.