Chapter 3

Elvira stayed under observation for four more days.

Her allergic symptoms faded, but the chill in her heart grew heavier.

Her tablet buzzed constantly with encrypted social media updates from Chloe Viti, like a carefully curated exhibition:

['The view from the new place isn't bad. Grateful to a certain gentleman and little princess for helping me 'settle in'.' (Photos: Chloe on a balcony overlooking a golden sea; Lucas in the background on a call; Sophia sitting on Chloe's lap, Chloe's arm draped possessively around her.)]

Comments from sycophantic underbosses littered the post.

So, 'tying up loose ends' meant securing Chloe's territory, even involving Sophia, calling it 'learning'.

The three of them looked like a new 'core family', while she, the legal wife, lay in a hospital bed.

The day she was discharged, the sun was harsh.

Elvira handled the paperwork herself, refused the bodyguard escort, and stood alone at the hospital entrance.

A black armored Maybach glided silently to a stop.

The window lowered, revealing Lucas's sharp profile. He wore sunglasses, emotions unreadable.

Sophia was in the back, fiddling with a new smartwatch—a recent gift from Chloe.

Lucas got out, took her small bag.

"The situation has been... complex these past few days. Required my presence," he said, then added, "Chloe's position is still unstable. Some matters... only I can resolve for her."

"Understood. Let's go home."

Lucas glanced at her through the rearview mirror, seemingly surprised by her calm. He probably wrote it off as post-illness fatigue. He never was good at, or interested in, reading subtle emotions.

The drive to the estate was oppressive.

Elvira pretended to rest, but felt a blatant stare. She opened her eyes, meeting Sophia's deep grey eyes, so like Lucas's.

The little girl instantly put on a careful expression. "Mama, are you all better? The swelling's gone."

"Yes," Elvira answered shortly.

The car pulled through the estate gates and stopped.

Elvira got out first, hearing Sophia's mutter from behind:

"Such a pity... If Mama had to stay in the hospital longer, maybe Aunt Chloe could have moved in to help Papa more..."

Elvira's feet froze to the spot.

This was the daughter she carried for nine months and raised for six years.

No fear, no guilt for nearly killing her. Only regret!

How ironic!

She swallowed the bitter taste rising in her throat, didn't look back, and walked straight into the main house.

Sophia, your wish will be granted soon, in a way you least expect.

Late at night, the master bedroom was vast and cold.

Lucas was still in his study handling 'business'.

Elvira lay alone in the large bed, sleepless.

Sometime later, the door opened quietly. Lucas, smelling of soap, slid in beside her.

Habitually, he reached out, pulling her into his arms, his warm breath fanning her ear.

Elvira stiffened, forced her eyes open.

In the dim light of the bedside lamp, she clearly saw the mark on the inside of his robe's collar.

Chloe Viti's signature.

A wave of intense nausea hit her. Elvira shoved him away forcefully.

Lucas jolted awake, his grey eyes sharp in the dark, annoyed. "Still not feeling well?"

Elvira almost laughed. He might still carry another woman's scent, and he asked if she was unwell?

"Lucas," her voice was cold as ice in the night, "I realize now you're not even as honest as Sophia."

At least Sophia was blatant about her admiration for Chloe and her rejection of Elvira.

He still maintained this facade of a marriage.

Lucas's brow furrowed. "What are you talking about?"

Elvira just gave a light, cold laugh, turned her back to him, and said no more.

Silence behind her, then the sound of him getting up. Clearly out of patience, Lucas left the bedroom.

Next morning, Elvira woke and checked her encrypted email. The draft agreement from Alberto was there.

[Signora, the agreement is prepared per your instructions. All is ready.]

[Thank you.] Elvira replied, downloading and saving the file.

Just as she closed the email, a knock came. Sophia stood there in a silk nightgown like a little princess, but her eyes held a demanding expectation.

"Mama, my seventh birthday party must be the grandest in Sicily! I told Papa already, I want Aunt Chloe as my guest of honor!"

She stared intently at Elvira. "You will prepare everything for me."

Elvira was silent for a few seconds, then replied calmly, "Fine."

Satisfied, Sophia turned and skipped away.

Watching her disappear, Elvira picked up another encrypted phone,opening an anonymous airline booking site.

Destination: Siena.

Flight: Three days from now. Night. The peak of Sophia's birthday celebration.

Sophia, my dear daughter. This will be my final birthday gift to you.

A future without your 'obstacle'.