"Something smells good in here," Valentina sang as she strolled into the kitchen, her voice light and playful. A delighted smile stretched across her lips as she closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, savoring the rich sweetness that filled the air. "What are you making?"
"Chocolate cake," Delfina replied calmly, slipping on a pair of kitchen gloves as she bent slightly to open the oven.
The heat escaped immediately, carrying with it an even stronger wave of chocolatey goodness. Valentina's eyes widened dramatically, nearly bulging out of their sockets as the aroma hit her full force.
"Oh my God," she breathed. "That should be illegal."
Delfina chuckled softly as she carefully pulled the cake out and set it on the counter. Steam curled into the air, and the glossy surface of the cake glistened under the kitchen lights.
Valentina wasted no time. She grabbed a knife and practically shoved it into Delfina's hands, bouncing on the balls of her feet. "Cut it. Now."
"You're hopeless," Delfina muttered fondly, slicing generous pieces before placing them on small plates.
Valentina didn't even bother sitting down. She picked up her piece and inhaled it like she hadn't eaten in days, moaning softly as she chewed.
"As always." She hummed around a mouthful, "your baking skills never disappoint." She reached for another slice before she'd even finished the first.
Before she could continue her praise, her phone vibrated in her hand. She glanced at the screen, and her face lit up instantly.
"Naomi!!" Valentina screamed, startling Delfina so badly she nearly dropped the knife.
"I know you missed me," Naomi winked from the screen, sticking out her tongue and striking an exaggerated sultry pose. "But I didn't call for you. Where's that bitch?!"
Delfina felt goosebumps rise on her skin. She turned toward Valentina and shook her head slightly, signaling her not to pass the phone over.
Too late.
Valentina had already thrust the screen directly into Delfina's face.
"There you are," Naomi said, narrowing her eyes as she leaned closer to the camera, her expression exaggeratedly furious. "Why haven't you been picking up my calls?"
"I've been busy," Delfina replied, her voice low but steady.
"Doing what?" Naomi pressed, her lashes fluttering rapidly as if that alone would intimidate Delfina.
"She's been baking," Valentina chimed in helpfully, cutting herself yet another piece of cake. "You know Delfina makes the best pastries."
"Oh, I see," Naomi said slowly. "But that doesn't give you the right to ignore my calls. I only made a simple threat that I'm not sure I'm going to act on… yet."
Delfina arched an eyebrow. "A simple threat?"
Naomi grinned unapologetically.
Naomi was one of her closest friends — second only to Valentina. When she'd heard what Filippo and Navira had done, Naomi had been livid, swearing vengeance with a frightening level of sincerity.
"Just because I haven't acted yet doesn't mean I've forgotten," Naomi continued. The background shifted as she opened a window, sunlight pouring in and highlighting her rich, chocolate-dark skin. "But that's not why I called. I'm in Milan for the weekend."
Delfina stiffened slightly.
"And we're going to the club," Naomi went on brightly. "I already told Liora, so she's joining us. And before you even think about rejecting the invite, let me warn you—I'll come over there and drag you out myself if I have to."
Delfina glanced at Valentina, who only shrugged and continued eating like none of this concerned her.
"I don't know if I want to go to a club, Naomi," Delfina said honestly.
For the past month, she'd barely stepped outside the house. Not because she feared Filippo—he was already busy planning his wedding with Navira—but because everything outside felt heavy. Loud and overwhelming.
"Del," Naomi said softly, her tone shifting instantly. "You've been indoors for a month. I know what happened to you was huge. I know you need time. But I miss you." Her smile gentle. "I miss my friend."
Something warm stirred in Delfina's chest.
"Alright," she sighed. "Alright, I'll go."
Naomi squealed. "Yes!"
Hours later…
The club pulsed with life.
Music thundered through the air, bass vibrating through Delfina's bones as lights flashed in hypnotic patterns. The place was packed with bodies pressed together, laughter spilling over music, the scent of alcohol and perfume thick in the air.
Delfina hadn't realized how much she missed this.
She and Valentina spotted a hand waving wildly from one of the booths.
"That's them," Valentina said, grabbing Delfina's wrist.
Naomi stood as soon as she saw them, her smile radiant. "Delfina!" She pulled her into a tight hug.
Naomi was tall—at least six feet—while Delfina stood at five-seven, making her feel smaller, almost fragile in Naomi's arms.
"And Valentina," Naomi added, hugging her next.
Liora, already seated, sighed dramatically. "You three make me feel microscopic."
The girls burst out laughing.
"Aww," Valentina teased, pulling Liora into her arms. "My baby is all grown up. Are you sure you're old enough to be here?"
Liora glared. "You did not just—"
"I had to lie to her parents," Naomi added cheerfully. "Told them we were going to a quiet lounge."
Liora crossed her arms. "You're all terrible."
They settled into the booth, drinks arriving almost immediately.
Delfina scanned the room, nostalgia washing over her. Before her engagement to Filippo, she'd been free. Reckless. Alive. After the arrangement, everything changed.
Her gaze snagged on a man across the room.
Both men and women clustered around him, touching him, laughing too loudly. Something about him felt… dangerous.
"So," Naomi said, leaning in. "Since you're here, why not have fun?"
Delfina sighed. "What are you suggesting?"
Naomi winked. "You're single. Free. There are very attractive men here."
"I'm not into that anymore," Delfina said quietly.
Liora scoffed. "Wow. Filippo really did a number on you."
The words hit harder than Delfina expected.
Had he broken her?
She thought she'd moved on. But maybe some part of her still clung to what could have been. To the girl she used to be.
Without thinking, Delfina grabbed her drink and downed it in one go.
Then another.
"More," she told the waiter.
Her gaze drifted back to the man across the room.
This time, she didn't look away.
If she wanted to reclaim herself—even just for tonight—she knew exactly where to start.
And for the first time in a long while, determination burned in her eyes.