The two of them walked into the private consultation room together, faces glowing with the warmth he had never once shown me.
It was the middle of July. The summer heat pressed against the windows like a living thing.
But I had never felt so cold.
Cold enough that my legs refused to hold me.
Cold enough that sweat beaded on my back and forehead despite the chill spreading through my veins.
So that was it.
The one being discarded—the one who had always been disposable—had been me all along.
"Signora Volpe, your husband, Don Nico Volpe, has not responded to any summons regarding this dissolution. We reached his line—the connection held, but there was only silence. Per the protocols of this court, his silence will be recorded as default consent to the breaking of your blood-bound union."
"Therefore, your petition has been processed. You have thirty days from the date of filing to withdraw your claim. Should you choose not to withdraw, the marriage will be dissolved, and the blood oath severed."