Chapter 52. With a Weight and a Smile

BELLADONNA 

“He’s appearing in my dreams often these days,” I muttered, any sign of a joke gone, and that stupid, fucking weight was back on my chest again. I didn't need to tell her who, because she knew everything, from A to Z. 

“Did any major change happen lately?” she asked, her voice sharp and professional. “Or even a minor change is acceptable.”

I raised my right hand and showed her my ring finger. Her eyes widened when she saw my ring, but I just waved that look away. “We got married for business. Our fathers arranged this marriage. None of us had a choice.” I paused, swallowing. “But…”

My words trailed off, hanging in the air, heavy and suffocating. 

“But?” Lucia pressed, an eyebrow raised. 

I swallowed again, scratching my fingers. Why the fuck was it so hard to voice out? 

“Take your time, Belladonna,” Lucia said, her voice soft and reassuring and I nodded, drawing in a deep breath before I continued.