The End of a Marriage (Colette and Matheo) novel Chapter 126

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Ambey barely had time to register the silence of the house before the saw her: Carlotta Fiorentino, standing in the entryway, waiting for them The woman looked nothing like her usual pristine, composed self. Her eye red and swollen, gave the impression she’d spent hours crying, ber hair falling messily over one thoulder in haphazard waves. Carlotta, who never allowed so much as a strand to escaper her careful styling, appeared utterly undone. A rawness hung around her like a shadow, at odds with her usual perfection.

As Amber entered with Nico balanced on her hip, Carlotta’s expression twisted, her face a mix of anger and anguish. Her mouth opened, and it looked as though she was about to blurt something out, but her gaze flickered to Luca. He made a small gesture with his hand–something subtle yet clear enough to signal restraint–and Carlotta’s mouth snapped shut, her jaw tightening with frustration. The silent exchange was thick with unspoken words, and Amber couldn’t shake the unsettling sense that she’d walked into the middle of something private and deeply

charged.

The tension between Luca and Carlotta was palpable, like a storm that had been brewing long before she’d entered the room. Amber felt Nico’s little hands clutch her shoulder, his sleepy gaze unfazed by the silent standoff happening below. Before Amber reminded her, that this was none of her business. The two of them would probably like some privacy, so..

Without a word, Amber tightened her grip around Nico and nodded, a polite acknowledgment before she turned and headed toward the

staircase.

Carlotta’s voice trembled as she began, “What you said this morning, Luca. Her eyes filled again, brimming with tears she could barely hold back. “I thought about it, really thought about it, and I finally understand. Nico is…he’s your son, and it’s your responsibility to care for him.” Her breaths were uneven, as though each word cost her dearly. “Mamma says that if your ex–wife has left him with you, of course you’d have to

take him in.”

She looked away, struggling to compose herself. “I spent hours thinking it over, trying to figure out how we could…how we could make it work without it becoming a problem.” Her voice was fragile, a whisper of hope and defeat combined. “Only a few more months, and we could…we could have him enrolled in St. Joseph’s Boarding School in Sicily. I hear it’s one of the best schools in the country. He’d be here only for the holidays, and it would be better…better for everyone.”

Luca’s face shifted, his eyes darkening with an unreadable expression as he stepped forward. He moved closer until they were almost touching, and he searched her face, taking in every nuance of her pain, her confusion, and the sadness that lingered in her gaze. Finally, he closed the distance and pulled her into his arms, gently cradling her head against his chest. He could feel her body shudder as the tears she’d been holding back fell freely, her sobs muffled against him.

“Carlotta, he murmured softly, letting her settle into his embrace, “come here, Itty…now tell me.” He held her a little tighter. “Who was it?”

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11:09 Tue, Feb 10 00

Chapter 126

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Carlotta siiffened, hot lip quiveling, and he saw the thin Facade she’d been widing together track, ey eyes filled with fresh teart tud het wice was a broken whisper. It was Paps. He was furious with me when to hear i was second–guessing the marriage really furious 1 dider realize how much he wanted this until today. He said things, Luca, things that terrified me. Her voice wavered, and she seemed to collapse into hersell, her shoulders trembling. I… I can’t make him angry. I really n’t-

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