Where does that maid get that attitude from? Luna thought, frowning. I haven't been strict enough with them—that's why she dared ask questions like that.
Shaking her head, she hurried upstairs. I need to get to my room fast.
She scanned the hallway as she entered. Where's the gown I threw this morning? Her eyes landed on the chair—it was neatly draped. Did the maid put it there… or did I?
She didn't dwell. Grabbing the gown, she rushed into her bedroom.
Outside the mansion, Matteo's car finally approached.
"Almost home," he muttered as the Mercedes slowed at the gate.
The driver honked. The gateman quickly recognized the car and swung the gate open.
Matteo stepped out, rolling his shoulders with a sigh. "I'm so stressed out." He climbed the front steps and entered the house, scanning the area.
"Where's my wife?" he asked a passing guard. "Did she go out, or has she been in her room?"
"I haven't seen her today, sir," the guard replied. "Looks like she's been in her room all day."
Matteo nodded and headed upstairs.
Luna's heart thumped. He's coming!
She shoved the gown aside, changed into her nightgown and pajamas, and leapt into bed, pulling the covers over herself. She pretended to be asleep.
The bedroom door opened.
Matteo's eyes fell on her immediately. She looked serene, peaceful—like she'd been sleeping for hours.
He sighed, removing his shoes, and stepped closer. He bent down, kissing her forehead gently.
Luna fought the urge to flinch.
He straightened, then crouched again to remove the shoes she was still wearing. Why am I shaking? she thought. It's just my husband… he can't do anything to me… right?
But deep inside, fear gnawed at her. What if he finds out? Would he…? No, he wouldn't. But if he did… all my plans would be ruined.
She focused on steadying her breathing.
Matteo changed out of his suit into pajamas and slid into bed beside her. Then, he tapped her leg gently.
"Oh, sorry," Luna said, masking her panic. "You know how business is—sometimes it takes longer than expected. Next time, I'll be back on time. Did you miss me?"
Matteo sighed. "Yes, I did. I was waiting for you. You said noon, but now it's almost evening."
"I told you, don't worry about that," Luna replied. "Next time, I'll try to come earlier. I know you were worried."
He studied her for a long moment. "So, why didn't you go shopping? One of the guards said he didn't see you leave the house all day—not even into the compound."
"I did go out," Luna said quickly. "I wanted to buy something, so I stepped out briefly. I didn't tell the guards. You know I don't like bodyguards following me everywhere. But I didn't find what I wanted."
Matteo frowned. "Without a bodyguard? That's not acceptable. They should know where you are at all times. It's their job. If they fail, I'll deal with it."
Luna forced a calm smile, heart pounding. It doesn't matter. This excuse is enough. Even if the maid mentions something, Matteo trusts me.
He exhaled and softened. "Just have someone escort you next time. Buy whatever you want anytime. Before, you rushed to the shops whenever I gave you my card. But now… you seem different. Are you feeling unwell? If something's wrong, tell me."
"I told you—I didn't find what I was looking for. Maybe I'll check another time," Luna replied.
"Oh, I almost forgot," Matteo said, tone shifting. "My friend Lorenzo will be coming. He's going to use my office—the locked one—while I might be away. He'll be here for a while."
"Okay, I know him. No problem," Luna said, masking her racing thoughts.
"By the way," Matteo added, rubbing his stomach, "I'm starving. I need something to eat."
Starving? He just had a huge steak at the restaurant… Luna thought, raising an eyebrow.
"I don't mind cooking," she said. "Maybe rice with stew and some sauce?"
"Anything you make is perfect. Your hands are magic in the kitchen," he said with a small smile.
"Okay," Luna replied, standing and heading downstairs, though her mind wasn't on cooking. Lorenzo is coming… Matteo won't be around… this might be my chance. I've never been in that locked office. If Lorenzo is inside, maybe I can get in too.
She washed the rice, set it to boil, and began preparing the stew, adding warm fried meat and letting it simmer. As she plated the food and picked up a spoon, her mind raced. I need to document everything. Pictures, videos, proof… I need undeniable evidence. I already know about the killings, but I need more.
Her thoughts snapped back as she realized she'd stopped walking midway on the staircase. Shaking herself, she continued to the bedroom and handed Matteo his plate.
"Wow, this smells amazing," Matteo said, inhaling deeply.
"Thank you. Try it and tell me how it tastes," Luna said, smiling.
He took a bite and nodded. "Delicious… but not as sweet as you."
Luna laughed. "Why do you always flatter me? Is it on purpose?"
Matteo smirked. "Doesn't matter. You look as good as the food tastes."
"No, that one was creepy," Luna teased, laughing.
"Where are you going tomorrow? You said Lorenzo will use your office," she asked.
"I have a business purchase—maybe a poker table and other stuff. Another casino," Matteo explained.
"Oh, that's amazing. I've been to your other casino—huge," Luna said.
"It's not just casinos. I have other businesses, too. That's why I'm always busy."
"No need to explain. I understand," she said, masking the excitement and tension building in her chest.