Not a single full eye contact. Not a single "I love you" without him avoiding my gaze.

Four days had passed since we returned from the Rossi's family mansion, and everything felt... normal on the surface.

Except Mateo.

He was barely home. Always in his study, always on calls, always disappearing with Rafiq or his father. When he did come to bed, it was late, and he held me like he was scared I'd vanish. Something was wrong. I could feel it in my bones, but every time I asked, he kissed my forehead and said, "Just work, baby. Nothing you need to worry about."

I hated that answer.

With...