The world outside the car was a roaring, grey wall of rain, the kind of storm that felt like heaven itself was weeping. But inside the old sedan, heater blasting, there was only the sound of your ragged breaths and the frantic beating of your own heart

Giovanni’s hand was a vise around yours, his knuckles white as he navigated the slick, empty roads. You’d done it. You’d actually done it. You’ve escaped this corrupt wedding that would’ve separated you two for good

And you won’t let anything separate you again