The room smelled of cigar smoke and expensive wine. Behind thick velvet curtains, the world outside was nothing but silence. A single lantern on the oak table flickered, casting shadows that danced across the stone walls.
David Armani leaned back in his chair, boots kicked casually onto the table. His high-pitched laugh rang sharp in the air, slicing through the quiet.
"So, father," he drawled, swirling the crimson liquid in his glass, "the village is trembling at the whisper of a thief. A thief in red cloak, no less. And the sweetest part?" He tilted his head, eyes gleaming. "They believe it's a woman."
Across from him, Mr. Armani—broad, cold-eyed, with grey streaks in his hair—chuckled darkly. He puffed his cigar and exhaled slow. "A woman. The very idea disgusts them. The villagers will rage. They'll turn on her like wolves."
David's smile widened, feline and cruel. "Exactly as planned. One simple rumor, planted at the right ears… one bribed drunk to claim he saw her near the library." He tapped the side of his glass. "The mighty Daniel's perfect little bride now walks the edge of the blade without even realizing it."
Mr. Armani grunted, amusement curling his lips. "What's the use of knowledge anyway? Books won't save her. That girl's nothing more than a foolish little dove trying to fight storms."
David leaned forward, voice low, venomous. "A foolish little dove… yes. But she'll break. And not by her dear, powerful husband." His tone turned mocking, almost sing-song. "No, no… she'll shatter by my hand. I'll pluck her wings myself. Slowly."
His father raised a brow. "You sound almost obsessed."
David's laugh burst out, sharp and unhinged. "Obsessed? No. Amused. That's all. It's a game, father. And Daniel—" he slammed his glass down hard enough to make the wine spill "—isn't even aware that his board has changed. He thinks he's king of the night, but I've already put his queen in play."
For a moment, silence stretched, only the hiss of the cigar filling the space. Then Mr. Armani nodded approvingly.
"Keep playing your game, son. Just remember—when you topple a lion, make sure you take his heart. Otherwise, he will rise again."
David's smirk returned, dark and confident. He raised his glass like a toast, his voice silk over steel.
"Oh, I intend to, father. Daniel's heart will crumble the day he learns his rebellious little wife trusts me more than him."
He drained the glass, the flickering lantern throwing shadows over his satisfied grin.
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Meanwhile Linda was increasingly frustrated about the female thief gossips going through village .. her thoughts snapped when Linda noticed a maid entering her chamber. The girl's eyes darted nervously to the corners of the room before she bent over Linda's trunk of dresses. With an oddly careful gesture, she slid something between the folded fabric, then stepped back as if nothing had happened.
Linda's heartbeat quickened. She waited until the maid left before she slipped her hand inside the pile of silks. Her fingers brushed against crisp parchment.
A note.
She unfolded it slowly, the breath catching in her throat as she read the words written in a smooth, deliberate hand:
"Hi Linda, I'm David Armani. I've heard the gossips about the female thief. I know they must've caught you when you enter or exit the library. Don't come to the library tonight — villagers are increasing the protection. You'll get caught. But if you want to read books, I've got some history texts from the nearby village. We can meet at the riverbank at night. I won't let your fire slow down."
The handwriting carried no malice. Every stroke felt… tender. Concern bled through each line, wrapping around her like an embrace she never asked for. For a moment, it felt as though someone had seen her truest hunger — the passion for knowledge — and vowed to protect it.
But even as warmth flickered in her chest, a chill followed. Why would he help her? Why risk so much for someone whispered to be a thief?
Linda's lips trembled as she held the letter closer, staring at the signature: David Armani.
The name itself coiled like smoke.
She wanted to believe in the concern dripping from the words. She wanted to believe in the promise that someone cared about her fire, her secret, her dangerous longing for books.
PLEASE SUPPORT,
LOVE FROM,
♡LINDA AND DANIEL ♡