ELENA

I knew better than to question him, the way he spoke, the tone of his voice, he terrified me. I had no choice but to obey.

I sat in the car, silent, my knees pressed tightly together as I gripped my phone.

What has Papà done this time?.

I quickly sent a text to Alessia:

“What’s happening”

Her reply came almost instantly:

“I don’t understand.”

Confusion clawed at me. isn’t she aware? My eyes met Alessandro’s at the rearview mirror. but I quickly looked away. he said nothing, his gaze fixed in the road, his jaw clenched.

I typed again:

“What has Papà done this time that has Alessandro...