CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY SIX - A CHOICE MUST BE MADE

Rebecca remained silent, unable to find the words to defend her marriage or deny Antonio's observations. Taking her silence as encouragement, Antonio leaned in closer. "I'm offering you a choice, Rebecca. A chance at a new life, away from the Castelli family and all the darkness that comes with it. We could leave Florence, start fresh somewhere new. Just you and me." Rebecca's mind reeled at his words. The idea of escaping the constant fear and tension that came with being a Castelli was tempting. And yet... "What about Helena?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Antonio squeezed her hand gently. "We'll figure it out. We can make arrangements, ensure her safety. But you deserve a chance at happiness, Rebecca. Real, unburdened happiness." Rebecca's heart raced as she considered Antonio's words. She couldn't deny the attraction she felt towards him, the way her pulse quickened when he was near. But was it enough to abandon the life she had built with Luca? "I... I need ti