Chapter 17. Vendetta Vs Love.

Elena paced around the room, checking her phone for any missed calls or messages from Luca. It was close to midnight, and he still hadn't returned. She wondered if he was still angry with her after their argument earlier that day.

Finally, she couldn't take it anymore. She picked up her phone and dialed Luca's number, half-expecting him not to answer. To her surprise, he picked up.

"Hey," she said.

There was a long pause before he replied. "What do you want?"

"I was just wondering where you are," she said tentatively.

"At the study," he replied curtly.

"The study? You're still in the same house as me?" Elena said with disbelief.

"Yeah," he said.

Without another word, Elena hung up and headed to the study. When she arrived, she found the room dimly lit, and Luca sitting in a chair, staring into space.

"Luca?" she called out softly, approaching him.

He didn't move or even look at her.

"What's going on?" Elena asked, her voice rising with frustration. "Why are you avoiding me?"

Luca stoo