The days dragged on, with Luca throwing himself into his work and Ariana blissfully unaware of his internal turmoil. Her shopping sprees grew more frequent, her voice high and demanding as she racked up debts on his credit cards. It was a vicious cycle that only served to push him further into Nicole’s arms.

When the opportunity finally presented itself, Luca didn’t hesitate. He sent Ariana and her friends on a one-week vacation to Switzerland, the perfect alibi for the rendezvous he had planned. The thought of her spending his money while he indulged in the sweet release he craved brought a dark smile to his lips. With Ariana’s departure, he felt a sense of relief wash over him, as if he had been holding his breath for years. He was free, if only for a week, to explore the desires that had been buried beneath layers of lies and obligation.