Page 62 of The Seventh Circle
I chose my words carefully, aware of ears everywhere. "It reaffirms my commitment to family obligations."
She studied me for a long moment, then nodded almost imperceptibly. "I understand completely."
As we joined the gathering, I caught Father watching us with approval. I had reasserted my position as heir, temporarily neutralized Paolo's interference, and presented the perfect image of an engaged man. Father was satisfied. The path ahead remained treacherous, but at least now Antonio and I had room to maneuver.
I accepted a glass of prosecco, smiling at Sophia with practiced charm. For tonight, I would play my role perfectly. Tomorrow, Antonio and I would begin plotting our true escape—more carefully this time, with the knowledge that Paolo's eyes were everywhere.
For now, I had won a battle. But the war for our freedom had only just begun.
15
LORENZO
The Vitelli dinner concluded with the clink of crystal and a pronouncement that struck like a funeral bell.
"A toast," Father declared, raising his glass. "To the formal celebration of Lorenzo and Sophia's engagement, to be held at our estate in three days' time."
Three days. Not the weeks or months I'd expected.
My smile remained fixed as glasses rose around me. Sophia's fingers tightened almost imperceptibly on my arm, her face a perfect mask of demure pleasure that revealed nothing of her thoughts.
"We're honoured by your enthusiasm, Salvatore," Don Vitelli responded, his pleasure evident. "Such a swift celebration speaks to the importance of this union."
"When something is right, why delay?" Father's gaze settled on me with unmistakable meaning. "Lorenzo agrees, don't you, son?"
I lifted my glass. "To new beginnings," I said, the wordstasting like ash. Sophia's eyes found mine for a fleeting moment before she sipped her champagne, her expression unreadable.
The rest of the evening passed in a blur of congratulations and plans. Don Vitelli spoke of business opportunities while his wife discussed guest lists with Father. I played my part mechanically, aware that with each passing minute, the noose around my neck tightened.
Later, as we departed, Father clasped my shoulder with rare affection. "You've made me proud today, Lorenzo. This is the beginning of your true inheritance—family, respect, legacy."
I nodded, unable to form words around the knot in my throat. In the car returning home, Father outlined his vision for the celebration, speaking of prominent families to invite and the message our union would send across all of Rome. Paolo remained conspicuously absent, handling "business" that I knew with cold certainty involved Antonio.
Three days. Seventy-two hours to salvage what remained of our escape plans.
Morning found me at Santa Maria degli Angeli before the first mass. The church stood empty save for an elderly woman lighting candles at the Virgin's feet. I waited, watching dawn light filter through stained glass until Father Giuseppe emerged from the sacristy.
His eyes widened slightly at the sight of me, then narrowed with understanding. He approached, making the sign of the cross as though blessing a random parishioner.
"You look troubled, my son," he said, loud enough for theold woman to hear. Then, softer: "Follow me to the confession."
Inside the confessional's sheltering darkness, I wasted no time. "They've accelerated everything. The formal engagement celebration is in three days."
"I feared something like this might happen." His voice came calm through the screen. "Have you seen Antonio?"
"No. Paolo has him working in Ostia, kept deliberately away from me." The ache of Antonio's absence had become physical, a hollow pain beneath my ribs. "My accounts are accessible again, but I'm being watched too closely to withdraw significant funds."
"And your plans to leave?"
"In shambles. Without money or Antonio..." I pressed my palms against my eyes. "Father Giuseppe, I need your help. We both do."
A long silence followed, broken only by the distant sounds of the church coming to life. "What you ask could put me at considerable risk."
"I know. I wouldn't ask if—"
"I'll do what I can." His interruption surprised me. "Not just for you, Lorenzo. For what you and Antonio represent. Love in this brutal world of ours is too precious to surrender without a fight."
Relief washed through me. "Thank you."
