We had no family crests or lavish alliance ceremonies, but we had each other. He worked odd jobs while I kept the house, and we were happy.
Now the cottage was destroyed, and I was locked away in a side wing of the Delgado estate.
The only glimpse of the outside world I could steal was through a crack in the wall.
A few women passing by were whispering about the Delgado wedding.
"Did you hear? The young heir petitioned Don Valente himself for the union. He traded his service commendations for the diamond tiara reserved for the Don's own daughters."
"Well, his bride is the Counselor's legitimate daughter. She deserves that kind of ceremony."
"They're perfectly matched in standing. What a handsome couple they'll make."
The tiara they spoke of had been my favorite treasure in the compound. I'd never worn it only because I hadn't yet come of age to marry, so my father never bestowed it on me.
On my own wedding night with Cesare, the only thing on my head had been a wreath of wildflowers he'd woven with his own hands.
He'd said to me then: "My Serafina deserves the finest things in this world. Even a princess's crown wouldn't be too good for you."
And now he had traded his service commendations to give that very tiara to Sienna Marchetti.
That evening, Cesare came carrying a whole box of my favorite pastries.
He sat across from me, his expression perfectly composed. "Eat something. The baby must be hungry."
Only then did I pick up a piece and take small, careful bites.
But watching him act as though nothing had happened filled my mouth with bitterness no pastry could mask.
"When did it happen?"
Cesare froze. He poured me a cup of espresso to cover his discomfort, then said in a flat voice, "On your birthday."
The ground dropped out from under me. A month ago, on my birthday, Cesare had vanished without a word. I searched for him the entire night, up the mountain and down, calling his name until my voice gave out.
He didn't come back until the next morning, dusty and disheveled, claiming he'd gotten lost looking for a birthday gift for me.
Then, like a boy presenting a treasure, he pulled a snow lotus from behind his back.
I hadn't slept all night, but seeing the effort he'd gone through, I couldn't bring myself to scold him. I took the flower and carefully potted it.