Page 58

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“Ridiculous question,” Biancascoffs.

“But it’s one they’re going to ask,” I sigh.

This entire exercise has been less than fruitful. Given all the surprises that Bianca has sprung on me thus far, prepping for our first day in court seemed prudent. Getting caught off guard in mediation is one thing; having egg on my face in front of a judge is quite another.

“I don’t see why it is so important to talk about something from so long ago,” Bianca says stubbornly.

I frown. “You filed for divorce before, Bianca. A judge is going to be curious why you didn’t follow through. Especially given the inconvenient timing with the issue of your trust fund taking such a hit.”

She takes a slow sip of her tea, looking thoughtful. So far when we’ve talked about this, she’s been less than forthcoming. I’ve gotten nothing but vague answers and brush-offs regarding her first filing and withdrawal so many years ago. I know that “I changed my mind” is not going to satisfy Ezra or anyone else in the courtroom, I just need to drive that home to the stubborn woman sitting in front of me.

“I believe you when you say that withdrawing your petition had nothing to do with your trust,” I go on. “I really do. But you have to understand, the opposing counsel is going to paint a very specific picture. One that does not cast you in a flattering light. It won’t look good to a judge.”

“What is the point of having all Lorenzo’s disgusting emails if I still have to broadcast my business for strangers?”

“Because asdisgustingas those emails are, they’re going to sayit’s circumstantial, because unfortunately, it is. At least in the eyes of a judge. We can’t prove without a doubt that someonedidn’tuse Lorenzo’s computer to send them, even if you and I know it’s ridiculous to even consider.”

“No one will believe such nonsense,” she snorts.

“Again, unfortunately, it’s not what you believe, it’s what you can prove in court.” I lean to set my saucer and cup on the patio table between us, giving her a sympathetic expression. “I don’t want to lie to you, so I won’t. They’re going to say this is all about the money. Yes, we know that your trust is fine, but with a preestablished history of it being in jeopardy in the past, they’re going to say that you’re just trying to make sure you’re taken care of. Maybe even that you’re vindictive. That you and Lorenzo had grown apart, and this is your way of taking your revenge. Honestly, there are a dozen ridiculous things they could say to sway things to their side. I want to make sure we’re prepared for all of them. Starting with therealreason you filed for divorce and then changed your mind shortly after.”

Bianca turns her head to stare out across her yard, eyeing the flower beds that line the tiled space we’re currently lounging in. There is an array of white tulips swaying gently in the breeze, and Bianca’s gaze is far away as she regards them.

“Do you know what white tulips symbolize?”

I flick my gaze to where she’s still watching them, shaking my head. “I don’t.”

“They mean ‘I’m sorry,’ ” she tells me. “Lorenzo gave me such a large bouquet when he first broke my heart.”

“Bianca, I—”

She holds up a hand, meeting my gaze. “I will tell you everything, but you must promise me that you will find a way to keepit from the courtroom, yes? I will not be shamed further. Promise me, Danica.”

“I…” I don’t know if it’s something I can or should promise her, but it’s the first time I’ve seen this strong, confident woman look vulnerable, and the crack in her normally solid demeanor makes me want to try. “I’ll do my best.”

She nods, taking another slow sip from her cup, thinking. “I can’t have children.”

“You can’t?”

“No.” She shakes her head. “I found out only two years into our marriage.”

I sense there’s more to the story, but I want to be patient. To let her tell it in her own time.

“When we were younger, Lorenzo was…different. Before the money, he was doting. He was kind. I was smitten after our first meeting. My father did not approve; Lorenzo was not the sort of man he saw me marrying. Lorenzo came from a family with nothing to their name, and where I come from, your name is everything.”

“But you married him.”

There’s a flash of that same wistful smile. “I have always been stubborn. We married in secret. My family almost shunned me for what I did, but eventually, they came around. Lorenzo was charming, after all. They saw the drive in him. It was always known Lorenzo would be successful.”

“This was in Italy?”

She nods. “We moved here in 1992. Lorenzo always said our future was here, and I always believed everything Lorenzo said. When we first came here, we lived in a tiny house with almost no money. My trust was not to be touched until I was twenty-five,since my father wanted to make sure Lorenzo was not with me only for the money.”

“How old were you then?”

“Only twenty-two,” she says. “Too young to be in a strange, new place, but I believed Lorenzo when he said he would take care of me.” She looks thoughtful then. “He did for a while.”