But she knew Kevin far too well. His love had always been a kind of possession—deep, obsessive, and suffocating. He would never let her go easily.
If he suspected even once that she wanted to leave him again, he would lock her up without hesitation.
Her father was thousands of miles away. No one could protect her now.
So for the next seven days, she had to play her part perfectly—to remain the mute café owner trapped in the gilded cage Kevin had built for her.
Venice climbed back into bed, curling up with her little dog. Exhaustion finally pulled her under.
She didn't know how long she slept before a sharp noise downstairs jolted her awake.
When she opened her eyes, she saw a familiar silhouette standing at the doorway.
Stefanie.
The woman who had just been announced as Kevin's fiancée was now barking orders at the servants, pointing imperiously toward Venice's room.
"Move my things in here," Stefanie said with a proud tilt of her chin.
When she noticed Venice standing by the staircase, Stefanie sauntered over, her lips curving into a delicate smile.
"I'll be taking this room," she said sweetly.