Page 59 of Luca

Direct confrontation and a bold strategy.

"You’re letting suspicion cloud your judgment." She settles into the chair across from my desk, but doesn't relax into it the way she has been lately. "I understand that I've been different since our marriage. More confident, more willing toexpress my opinions. But that's what happens when people feel safe enough to be themselves."

"Is that what you're doing? Being yourself?"

"Yes."

"And who is that, exactly?"

For a moment, something flickers across her face, uncertainty, maybe, or fear. Then the mask slips back into place.

"I'm a woman who is trying to be a good wife. I might be failing, but I’m trying and that is the honest truth."

It's a good performance. Convincing, even.

Then I remember what the detective told me about Sofia having psychological problems with anxiety and depression.

What if I’ve been judging her unfairly? What if she’s trying to be a good wife to me and I’m pushing her straight over the edge with my suspicions and questions?

"You're right," I say, watching her carefully. "Marriage is an adjustment for both of us."

She tries to hide the relief on her face. "I'm glad you understand."

"I do. In fact, I think we should do something to celebrate properly. Maybe take a trip together, just the two of us."

"A trip? Where?"

"A honeymoon. We never had one, and I think it might be good for us to get away from all the family pressures and business obligations."

Her face lights up with what looks like genuine excitement. "Really? I would love that! Where were you thinking?"

"I was hoping you might have some ideas. Somewhere you've always wanted to go."

She's quiet. Then she leans forward, her face animated with excitement.

"I've always dreamed of seeing Europe properly," she says. "Not just business trips or family obligations, but actually experiencing different cultures, different cities."

"What did you have in mind?"

"Well..." She gets up and moves to the window, looking out at the gardens with a wistful expression. "You might think this is silly, because it’s not the first honeymoon destination that comes to mind. I've always wanted to visit Prague. I've heard the architecture there is incredible, all those medieval buildings and bridges. It sounds almost magical."

"Prague?” I can’t help questioning the destination. “You’re right, that’s an unusual choice."

"I know it sounds random, but I saw some photos in a travel magazine once and it just looked like something out of a fairy tale." She turns back to me with a smile. "Unless you have somewhere else in mind?"

I shake my head. “Not at all. If you want to go to Prague, then we will."

"Are you sure?" She looks suddenly uncertain. "I don’t want to drag you away from work."

"No, I like the idea. You've been patient with all the business demands on my time. You deserve to see the world. Especially since we didn’t do a formal honeymoon."

She crosses back to me and leans down to kiss my cheek. "Thank you. This means more to me than you know."

There's something in her voice, gratitude, but also something else. Relief, maybe? Or anticipation?

"When would we leave?" she asks.

"Soon. I'll have Paolo make the arrangements."