Chapter 21

• The dinner was going on as usual. Interestingly, Eleonora had changed seats and ended up sitting next to Antonietta, engaged in an animated conversation with her ex-daughter-in-law. However, that didn't catch Vittorio's attention. None of the topics discussed by his guests did. He remained seated with them for a while, but eventually excused himself, claiming he was tired, and retired to his quarters. He undressed and lay naked on his bed, allowing his thoughts to consume him. His thoughts wandered back to the outside, to Ellis' eyes, lips, and how she stared at him...
• The frightened look on her face when she saw her brother in the office. Whenever he recalled that moment, he felt immense regret. He didn't want things to escalate to that point, but what choice had she given him? Perhaps he wouldn't have reached that breaking point if she had been more flexible. But no, she always had to be stubborn... Why couldn't she be more amiable? Why wouldn't she obey him? Everyone else used common sense around him, but she... She always pushed him to his limits. And he ended up showing his worst side. Even though he didn't want to, he found himself becoming like Don Vittorio for her, and she kept distancing herself. But why did he desire to impress Ellis? She owed him, so she should impress him, right?
• "Vittorio?" Antonietta called before entering her son's room. "Are you awake?"