For years, I had been overwhelmed with gratitude toward him. It never once crossed my mind that all of it, every single piece, had been his doing from the start.
Nora Bianchi's voice came from outside the door. "My lady, your meal is ready."
"Leave it. I'm not hungry."
The food laced with poison. I didn't dare touch it.
When the Family doctor had last checked my pulse, he told me my body was weak, my womb cold and depleted. I needed to rest and take care of myself. If I miscarried again, I would never be able to bear children.
I wanted this child desperately. Before, it had been for Omero.
Now it was for the people of Millhaven who had died because of me.
I couldn't bring them back. Other than ensuring the body collector's legacy carried on, I didn't know what else I could do to make amends.
A long while later, heavy footsteps sounded in the courtyard.
"Boss, you're back. The lady refuses to eat."
"I'll handle it."
I wiped my tears in a rush, but my swollen, red-rimmed eyes gave me away.
Omero crouched in front of me and reached up to brush his thumb beneath my eyes, his voice aching with tenderness. "Crying and refusing to eat. Who's been bullying my Penny?"