"What?" he asked.
Vee finally turned to him fully, her eyes searching his face now. "Would you have pulled that shit?" she clarified. "If we had a kid waiting at home."
"Yes."
The answer came easily. He didn't know how to lie to her. Had never lied to her. And wasn't about to start now.
"If I doubted something that could destroy everything I've built… everything we've built," he added, "I would still need to know the truth."
She looked away.
"Come on," Luca said after a beat. "Eat up and finish up with Nonnina."
The rest of the meal passed without incident. No more arguments. Later, Vee and Nonnina moved into the living room, spreading out catalogues and fabric samples across the table, their voices blending into soft discussions about cake tiers, colors, and guest lists.
Luca stayed back for a while, lingering in the dining room before stepping outside. He pulled out a cigar, lighting it slowly, watching the flame flicker before taking a long drag.
