Chapter 40

Elena's POV

Magnus recovered faster than anyone expected. The doctors called it remarkable, especially for a man his age.

But I wasn't surprised. There was something about Magnus Lucchesi that defied ordinary expectations. A vitality that seemed almost... supernatural.

I visited him daily, arriving each morning with fresh flowers or books I thought he might enjoy. Though I told myself I was doing it for Dominic, the truth was simpler: I genuinely liked the old man. His warmth filled a void I hadn't realized existed—the absence of a grandparent's unconditional love.

"There she is, my guardian angel," Magnus greeted me, "These doctors say I might be discharged tomorrow."

"That's wonderful news." I smiled, taking my usual seat beside him. "Dominic will be relieved."

"Dominic worries too much. Always has." He patted my hand. "Now tell me, how are your studies progressing? Psychology, wasn't it?"

I nodded, surprised he remembered such a detail from our first meeting months ago. "Yes, though with everything that's happened lately, I've fallen behind."

"Nonsense. Life experience is the best education for a psychologist." His eyes twinkled with mischief. "Besides, observing my grandson must provide fascinating case material."

I couldn't help but laugh. "He would hate to hear you say that."

"Which is precisely why I said it." Magnus shifted, adjusting his pillows. "Have you considered what specialty you'll pursue after graduation?"

The question caught me off guard. No one had ever asked about my long-term plans before, not with any genuine interest. "I... haven't thought that far ahead."

"You should. With your natural empathy and insight, you'd make an excellent therapist. Our family foundation funds several mental health initiatives. Perhaps an internship could be arranged."

"That's incredibly generous, but—"

"But nothing," he interrupted gently. "Talent deserves opportunity. And you, my dear, have talent in abundance."

A warm feeling spread through my chest, unfamiliar but pleasant. For the first time in years, someone besides my father believed in my potential. For the first time in forever, I could see a future beyond immediate survival.

But with that hope came an uncomfortable twist of guilt. Magnus spoke of "our family foundation," including me in a future I had no right to claim. Our relationship with Dominic was temporary, contractual—a fact Magnus didn't know.

"You're troubled," Magnus observed, "What weighs on your mind?"

I forced a smile. "Just worried about your recovery."

He didn't believe me, that much was clear from his expression, but he kindly changed the subject. "Did Dominic ever tell you about the time he tried to tame a wild fox when he was seven?"

For the next hour, Magnus shared stories of Dominic's childhood that painted a picture so different from the cold, controlled man I knew. A sensitive boy who rescued injured animals. A serious student who once stayed up three nights straight to build a perfect model of the solar system. A protective grandson who learned to cook because Magnus had fallen ill one winter.

Each story was a puzzle piece, gradually revealing the complicated truth of Dominic Lucchesi.

---

The following day, Magnus was discharged. Dominic insisted on personally overseeing every detail of his grandfather's return home.

"Make sure the windows remain closed," he instructed the household staff. "And check his temperature every four hours."

"I'm not an invalid, Dominic," Magnus protested as he settled into his favorite armchair. "Stop treating me like one."

Dominic said nothing, simply adjusting the blanket over his grandfather's legs.

I touched his arm lightly. "Why don't you take a break? I can sit with him for a while."

After a moment's hesitation, Dominic nodded and left the room.

"He's always been like this," Magnus said once we were alone. "Trying to control everything, especially when he's afraid."

"He cares about you."

"He does. Too much, perhaps. Elena, before you leave today, would you visit me in my study? There's something I'd like to discuss privately."

Hours later, after ensuring Magnus was comfortable and had taken his medication, Dominic announced it was time to depart. I hesitated, remembering Magnus's request.

"I need to see your grandfather for a moment before we go," I told Dominic. "He asked me to stop by his study."

Dominic frowned. "What for?"

"He didn't say. It will only take a minute."

Magnus's study was exactly as I remembered it—warm, filled with books and memories.

"Close the door, please," he said, opening a drawer. "What I'm about to give you is special—sacred, even, to our family."

He removed a small velvet box and placed it on the desk between us. With careful fingers, he opened it to reveal a necklace unlike anything I'd ever seen, a deep red carnelian pendant suspended on a delicate gold chain, the stone carved with intricate symbols I didn't recognize.

My heart began to pound. "Magnus, I don't understand."

"I think you do." His smile was gentle but knowing. "This belonged to Dominic's grandmother. Before her, it was mine. Now I want you to have it."

"I can't possibly—"

"You can, and you will." He lifted the necklace from its box, "Please. It would bring me great peace to see this worn again. My health is more precarious than I let on. Grant an old man this comfort."

How could I refuse? With trembling hands, I accepted the necklace.

"Thank you," I whispered, tears threatening.

"No, my dear. Thank you for bringing light back into my grandson's life."

When I emerged from the study, the carnelian pendant resting against my collarbone, Dominic was waiting in the hall. His eyes immediately fixed on the necklace, widening with shock that quickly transformed into fury.

His hand shot out, fingers gripping my jaw, "Where did you get that?" he demanded, voice low and dangerous.

Before I could answer, Magnus called from inside the study. "Dominic! Come here."

Dominic released me abruptly, his expression unreadable as he entered the study, closing the door firmly behind him.

I stood frozen in the hallway. What had just happened? Why would a simple necklace provoke such rage?

Ten minutes later, Dominic emerged, every line of his body radiating tension. Without a word, he grasped my wrist and pulled me toward the exit.

The drive home was suffocating with silence until we were halfway to the penthouse.

"What did you do?" Dominic finally spoke, his voice deadly quiet. "What game are you playing?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." My fingers instinctively touched the pendant. "Your grandfather gave me this. I tried to refuse, but—"

"But you couldn't resist, could you?" His knuckles whitened on the steering wheel. "Couldn't resist sinking your claws deeper into my family?"

"That's not fair. He insisted—"

"Do you have any idea what you've done?" Dominic cut me off.

"I didn't ask for it! "

"Did you think you could manipulate a dying old man into forcing my hand? Was that your plan all along?"

"There is no plan!" I shouted, finally losing my temper. "I've never wanted anything from you except what we agreed to in our contract."

"Our contract," he repeated coldly. "Yes, let's remember exactly what this is between us. You spread your legs, I pay your bills. Don't delude yourself that it's anything more."

His crude reminder hit like a slap. "If that's all it is, why are you so angry about a necklace? Why does it matter what your grandfather thinks of me?"

Dominic's jaw worked as he stared straight ahead. "Because now he's demanding I marry you."