Vee's smile faded just slightly as she looked down at the table, her fingers tracing the edge of her glass. "I am proud of my sister," she said quietly.
And she meant it. Valentina, despite everything, had followed her heart—even if it was messy, even if it was complicated.
"Of myself?" she added. "I'm not so sure." Her gaze drifted toward the dining room entrance without her meaning to, expecting him to walk in at any moment.
Part of her was already bracing for it. No matter how much she told herself she needed space—
Her awareness of Luca hadn't gone anywhere. It lingered. It hovered. It was constant. Nonnina followed her gaze for a brief second before looking back at her, a knowing look settling into her expression.
"Famiglia men do stupid things sometimes," she said gently. "But it's a tough world they live in," she continued. "It's even tougher to put yourself in their shoes because you will not understand it. They are difficult," she added with a faint, fond smile.
