A Cage of Gold
Evelina
(Sitting on the edge of the bed, staring at the heavy diamond ring on her finger)
Evelina
What have I gotten myself into…?
Maid (Anna)
(Steps in carefully)
Maid (Anna)
Mrs. De Luca, should I help you change?
Evelina
(Flinches at the name, her voice hesitant)
Evelina
I… No, it’s fine. I’ll do it myself.
Maid (Anna)
Very well, ma’am. If you need anything, just call
Evelina
(Sighs, rubbing her face)
Evelina
(Wakes up to the sound of knocking)
(From the other side of the door)
Dante (Lso PA)
Breakfast is ready.
Evelina
(Groggy, but sits up)
Evelina
(Gets dressed in a simple dress, takes a deep breath, and steps out)
Leonardo
(Sitting at the head of the long table, sipping coffee, eyes glued to his phone)
Evelina
(Hesitates before sitting across from him)
Maid (Anna)
Would you like coffee, Mrs. De Luca?
Leonardo
(Finally looks up)
Leonardo
You don’t drink coffee?
Evelina
(Meets his gaze, surprised he’s talking to her)
Leonardo
(Nods slightly, as if making a mental note, then looks away)
Leonardo
What do you mean?
Evelina
I mean… what am I supposed to do? Am I just supposed to stay locked in this house?
Leonardo
You’re free to do whatever you want. Just don’t cross me.
Evelina
You think I’d dare?
Leonardo
No. You don’t have it in you.
Evelina
(Exploring the mansion, feeling trapped despite its luxury
Evelina
A cage is still a cage, even if it’s made of gold.
Maid (Anna)
Mrs. De Luca, your friend is here to see you.
Maid (Anna)
She’s waiting in the sitting room.
Evelina
(Rushes toward the room, heart pounding)
Bella
(Jumps up from the couch) Eva!
Evelina
(Throws her arms around Isabella, relieved to see a familiar face) Bella…
Bella
(Pulls back, studying her face) Are you okay? You look—
Leonardo
(Steps into the room)
Leonardo
You must be the best friend.
Bella
And you must be the husband.
Leonardo
(Smirks slightly)
Evelina
(Glances between them, nervous about the tension)
Bella
Can I have a moment alone with her?
Leonardo
As long as she remembers where she belongs.
Leonardo
(Leaves the room)
Bella
Eva… what exactly did you get yourself into?
Evelina
(Takes a shaky breath, eyes filled with unsaid words)
Evelina
I don’t know… but I think I just married the devil.
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