Chapter 214

• Giovanni's Perspective
• I sat in my study, my eyes gazing out the window, filled with mixed emotions. I already knew that the distance between Diana—no, Fern—and me had been growing, but after seeing the news of my marriage to Elena today, the guilt and unease that had been building in my heart felt like they had been set ablaze by a small spark, exploding relentlessly. Elena, the woman with whom I had never truly shared my heart and soul, whose coldness and calculating nature sickened me, had become part of a marriage contract based on power and profit, forcing me to compromise.
• Despite my inner reluctance, I had come to realize that this was the only decision I could make. But as I replayed this hypocritical union in my mind, a sharp knock suddenly came at the door.