Chapter 13 Elena
E LENA
When they arrive back at Il Cuore from Mamma’s apartment, the lobby is empty and the lights are dimmed, which makes the fairy lights twinkling on the big Christmas tree sparkle even brighter. Papà will never see another Christmas tree. The restaurant is closed but Elena can hear laughter coming from the kitchen. The sound of it grates on her stinging heart.
Christian’s unused to older-style lifts like the one here and refuses to take it. Every step up the carpeted stairway to the first floor is a mountain to climb as she holds on to the wooden banister. It’s only nine-thirty, but it feels like it’s past midnight.
In the suite, she unzips her stiletto boots. Her toes are screaming in pain. Slowly and carefully, she removes the layers of clothes. It’s a relief to peel off the stockings that felt harsh and scratchy on her legs all day. As gently as she can, she wipes off the make-up, revealing her raw self. She doesn’t look in the mirror.
When she emerges from the bathroom in only her knickers, she can feel Christian’s eyes on her, making the hair on her arms stand on end. She pulls a fresh nightgown from the open suitcase, turning herself away from him.
He clears his throat. ‘Want a coffee, babe? I know it’s late, but I’m making myself one anyway.’ He walks over to the small Nespresso machine by the minibar.
‘Thanks, that’d be good.’
‘I was thinking I might go out in a bit, get some air. I want to find those art installations that light up at night. Your cousins were saying it’s best to go after ten when it’s less crowded. You don’t have to come, it’s okay.’
‘I think I will stay here, as long as you’re sure you don’t mind? I’m so tired.’
‘Totally fine with me, babe, honestly.’
‘Thank you again for today,’ she says. ‘You were amazing.’
‘You don’t have to thank me. Always here for you, you know that.’ He lines up two small cups as the coffee machine hums into life. ‘Just one thing, babe.’ He keeps his eyes on the coffee coming out of the spout. ‘I didn’t want to have to say anything, especially today, but how about we be more careful with what we put in our mouths tomorrow, hey? You downed a shitload of food at your mum’s.’
She looks at him and wonders what it would feel like to wrap her hands around his throat. To watch the life drain from his eyes.
‘I know I did,’ she replies. ‘I hate myself for it.’
‘Don’t be too hard on yourself. I mean, it was understandable, given the circumstances. I get it. But I know how much you want to turn things around. Fresh start tomorrow, hey?’
She swallows the bile rising in her throat. ‘Yep.’
He brings her the coffee with a smile. ‘You’ve got this, babe.’
Twelve days. She has twelve days left in Venice to get herself out of this marriage.
And she’s going to make sure she does get out while she’s here, no matter what.
Because if she follows him back to Australia, there’s no question that she’s going to kill him.