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The intensity of his words hung in the air, thick and heavy. For a moment, Vittoria felt the pull of his plea, the weight of his desperation—yet, deep down, she knew there was no turning back.

“I’m not your solution,” she said firmly, her voice unwavering. “You made your choices, and I made mine. I won’t be part of this.”

Leonardo’s expression darkened, the anger flickering in his eyes like a storm ready to break. “You’re making a huge mistake.”

With a final glance, he straightened, stepping back from the car and giving her one last, lingering look. Then, without another word, he turned and stalked away, his footsteps echoing in the stillness of the night.

Enzo didn’t say anything as he guided the car back onto the road, the tension still thick in the air. Vittoria sat back in her seat, her jaw clenched, feeling the weight of her decision settle in.

When Vittoria arrived home, she was greeted by the familiar silence of the large villa. Enzo, ever the dutiful servant, opened the car door for her, but she waved him off with a simple gesture. She felt an odd weight in her chest, an uneasy knot she couldn't shake.

Inside, she found her husband, Alessandro, sitting at the grand dining table, a glass of wine in hand. He was deep in thought, but his eyes lit up when he saw her.

“Ah, cara mia,” he said, smiling warmly. “You’re home early. Ready to go to that wine-tasting event together tonight?”

Vittoria’s mood darkened as she removed her coat, hanging it up with sharp, deliberate movements. “I told you, I’m not interested in those things. You know that.”

Alessandro's smile faltered, and he sat up a little straighter. “But you agreed, Vittoria. You promised me you’d come tonight. It's important.”

“Important?” she snapped, turning to face him. “You’ve always treated my feelings as secondary. When was the last time you asked what I wanted? You don’t even care that the restaurant is struggling, do you?”