“What happens now?” I asked, my voice barely audible over the drumming of my heart.Michael sighed deeply, the sound filled with years of silent suffering. “We live our lives as best as we can. The villa is yours, as promised. You’re free to live there, to find solace away from all this… charade. I know this isn’t what you wanted, and you deserve so much more.”

His words were sincere, yet they offered little comfort. “And you?” I asked hesitantly. “What about you, Michael?”He leaned back, staring at the ceiling as if seeking answers among invisible constellations. “I will continue my role in the family business, keep up appearances. Perhaps someday, things will change. But for now, we must play our parts.”