Page 131 of Ruins
Pay attention.
Be helpful.
Never challenge. Never overshadow.
But with Santo, I had hoped for more.
I had hoped forkindness.
For patience.
For something that could, one day, becomelove.
But hope is a dangerous thing, and I fear mine is wasting away.
Because how long can I keep waiting for a man who holds me close only to push me away again?
How long before I become just another ghost in his life?
My stomach turns again, but this time from anger.
I never signed up to bebulliedby my own husband.
Our marriage was arranged for the sake of our families, but I am still a person. A woman with feelings. And I deserve respect.
I will demand it.
Tonight.
But for now, I force my focus elsewhere. I turn back to my painting, dragging my brush across the canvas, finishing the image of our first kiss. But there’s no joy in it. Not like there was before. I step back, my arms crossing tightly over my chest. And yet, despite the ache lodged deep in my ribs, I feel a sense of pride at its completion.
At leastthisversion of us is whole. At leastthisSanto doesn’t turn away from me.
The door to the library creaks open, and my heart stutters, tightening with anxiety.
For a split second, I think it’s him.
Ihopeit’s him.
But it’s not.
Instead, a familiar face appears.
Romeo.
“Hi, Mrs. Amato, I’m assigned to you while Luca is… away,” he says with a boyish grin, but his eyes flicker with something uncertain.
I still at his words. The reminder that SantosentLuca away burns through me, but I don’t let it show.
Instead, I force a polite smile and turn back to my brushes. “Call me Vasi, please. How are you, Romeo?”
“Tired, actually.” He stretches, rubbing the back of his neck. “Long night with the boss.”
My head snaps toward him. “You were with Santo?” My curiosity flares before I can contain it.
Romeo hesitates, caught. “Family business,” he answers sheepishly, clearly knowing he’s said too much.
I nod, understanding but unsatisfied. “Where is my husband today?” I ask, testing how much he’s willing to reveal.
