"I didn't know that was what I was doing," she said quickly. "Julian used me, Father. You have to believe me!"
"Julian used you," he repeated, one brow rising with deadly contempt. "And you allowed yourself to be used."
Bianca's chin trembled. "Father," she said, "I was taken from you—"
"You were married," Enzo cut in coldly.
"I was taken from you," she insisted, louder this time, the hurt finally pushing against the fear. "From Ma. To a family where I had no friends."
His wife looked up at that, eyes filling.
"My husband wouldn't talk to me," Bianca went on. "He would not look at me. He would not let me in. I took the only lifeline I was given. Julian was the only companion I had," Bianca said. "The only one who spoke to me."
Even Enzo knew what kind of cruelty neglect could become inside an arranged marriage.
