Chapter 6 Bomb ticking

The Romano estate was a palace of marble, gilded edges, and suffocating silence.

It had always felt cold to Katherine. But today, that cold settled deep into her bones.

Because today - she would finally say the words.

The staff moved quietly as the family gathered at Don Emilio's private dining room.

It was always the same arrangement:

Don Emilio at the head, eyes sharp.

Luciana, the queen of passive-aggression, seated at his right.

Sofia, her shadow, always eager to snip at Katherine whenever an opportunity arose.

Giovanni, distant and neutral, poured himself wine and pretended to care about nothing.

Alessio, as always, distant - ice in a custom-tailored suit, gaze unreadable.

And at the far end, Katherine - alone but composed.

The first course arrived - a light seafood salad flown in from the coast that morning.

Small talk hummed across the table.

Don Emilio spoke briefly about Romano International's recent deal with the Aerenthal shipping.

Giovanni grunted in agreement while Luciana nodded, her voice as smooth as silk.

"Alessio handled that negotiation with great precision," Luciana praised.

"As expected."

Katherine smiled faintly.

"Alessio has always been efficient."

Alessio said nothing, taking a slow sip of his wine.

It didn't take long.

Luciana's lips curved into her usual sharp smile.

"Of course, efficiency isn't everything in marriage. It requires... endurance. Strength of character."

"Some people crumble far too easily."

Sofia chimed in immediately, her voice sweet but slicing.

"Not everyone can handle the pressure of being a Romano wife."

Katherine placed her wine glass down gently.

"No, not everyone can," she replied softly, her eyes flicking toward Sofia.

"Some women never make it to that position at all."

Sofia's smile froze for just a fraction of a second, and Don Emilio's sharp gaze briefly glinted with quiet amusement.

Luciana's voice lowered slightly, tilting her head.

"Well, at least some women understand loyalty. Bianca, for instance, has always remained... loyal to this family."

The air tightened.

"Bianca understands her role," Sofia added, glancing briefly at Alessio, whose expression didn't shift.

Katherine kept her smile steady.

"Yes, loyalty."

"It's fascinating how often loyalty is confused with submission."

Don Emilio shifted now, his voice calm but heavy.

"Enough."

"This family has always held itself above public spectacle."

Luciana straightened her back but offered no apology.

"We're simply discussing what's already apparent."

Katherine inhaled softly, her voice smooth as glass.

"Well, since we're being so candid today..."

"I believe it's time to formally inform the family: Alessio and I are divorcing."

The room froze.

Even the soft clinking of forks stopped instantly.

Giovanni finally looked up, blinking in surprise.

Sofia let out a small, breathy laugh - thrilled.

Luciana's smile widened in triumph.

"Well," Luciana exhaled softly.

"At least you finally realized your limitations."

"Not limitations, Luciana. Freedom," Katherine corrected.

"Freedom," Sofia echoed mockingly.

"Is that what you're calling failure now?"

Alessio finally spoke, his voice calm but cold.

"This isn't final yet."

Katherine glanced at him, voice steady.

"There's a legal process, yes. But my decision has already been made."

Giovanni stirred his wine quietly.

"You're both adults. If this is the choice, then let it be."

Always neutral. Always detached.

Don Emilio's face was unreadable. But his voice carried weight.

"I am disappointed, Katherine."

"I chose you for this family because you were not like the others."

Katherine's tone softened - just for him.

"And I have great respect for you, Don Emilio. But I won't remain where I'm not valued."

Luciana pounced again.

"No one asked you to leave. You simply were never... suitable. Not truly."

"Bianca always understood what it meant to support Alessio's future."

Sofia smiled sharply.

"Bianca wouldn't have embarrassed this family."

Katherine's smile remained deadly sweet.

"No. She simply embarrassed herself behind closed doors instead."

The table fell into a heavy silence.

Only Don Emilio allowed the faintest breath of humor to slip through his lips.

"Still sharp, Katherine."

Alessio's Arrogance Holds

"You're reacting emotionally," Alessio said flatly.

"This isn't irreversible."

His voice was controlled, superior - as if her choice meant little.

Sofia couldn't resist one final stab.

"You'll regret walking away from him."

Katherine turned her gaze directly on Sofia - a slow, dangerous smile curving her lips.

"The only thing I regret is not walking sooner."

With that, she stood, her movements graceful and slow - deliberate.

Her heels echoed sharply against the marble floor as she glided out of the room, leaving them all in stunned silence.