"I have a lot to think about," she said quietly. "I need to reassess my priorities," she continued, her voice steadying as she spoke. "I have a sister. I have a nephew or a niece on the way. We will talk when I am ready."
The boundary was clear.
"Fine. I'll go. I'll come by in the morning," Luca said at last.
"Don't."
Luca paused. He considered arguing. But something about the way she stood there—arms wrapped around herself, eyes no longer burning but distant instead—told him this wasn't a battle he could win by force. He exhaled quietly. Then nodded once.
"Alright," he said and walked out.
Marco was already waiting by the car, leaning casually against it. One look at his boss's face was enough to read the situation. "Let me guess," Marco said as Luca got closer. "She is still mad?"
Luca let out a short chuckle as he opened the car door. "Mad?" he repeated, sliding into the passenger seat. "What's the word that means I'll be kissing her ass for a decade?"
