Chapter 48 Taking Back Her Life

The day after returning from the hotel, a small, elegant velvet box was delivered to Lucia's room. It was from Alessandro. She opened it to find a diamond necklace resting inside. The design was outrageous and over-the-top luxurious. The center stone was massive, catching the light and scattering it like fireworks. Surrounding it were smaller diamonds, twinkling like a constellation, the whole piece dazzling and priceless. There was no card and no explanation, but Lucia knew exactly what it meant. It was Alessandro's way of making up for humiliating her at the ball the night before. He was the same as ever, trying to make up for his wrongs with expensive gifts, soothing the guilt he thought he owed. He believed a necklace could erase the shame of being humiliated before everyone and compel her to obediently play the role of the "gracious, understanding wife". Lucia stared at the necklace, a bitter laugh curling on her lips. A few months ago, he had given her a necklace called Sta