Chapter 4

Seven years of marriage, and our anniversary still made my heart flutter with anticipation. I'd spent the afternoon transforming our dining room into a romantic haven—candles arranged in crystal holders, rose petals scattered across the white tablecloth, and Luca's favorite Chilean wine breathing beside two crystal glasses. The beef Wellington, his favorite dish that I'd spent hours perfecting, waited in the oven.

I smoothed the silk dress I'd bought specially for tonight, the emerald green one he'd always said brought out the color of my eyes. The clock on the wall showed 7:15 PM. He'd promised to be home by…