Chapter 19: Susanna

Present

I have tried to avoid Zefiro, and I have failed. I am in every meeting, every fitting, every formal dinner or breakfast, all according to Adrianna’s orders. He doesn’t ever acknowledge me, though. We haven’t spoken to each other since that night, and if it weren’t for our gazes occasionally clashing whenever I serve him, or my fingertips mistakenly brushing against his knuckles, I’d think I might have become a ghost.

I haven’t gotten close enough to ask him if my papers are ready, and I doubt I ever will. With the wedding drawing closer, the chores and events are crazy and choked up. Adriana barely has time for my antics, and I don't have a moment of rest either, with Valentina and Mrs. Visconti trying their best to murder me with chores. They can't have me thrown out--the former's argument with Zefiro on the matter was loud enough to make the topic of gossip the entire week--so they'll make my time here more difficult than a worker's should be.

It doesn’t help that