The clock reads half past midnight when Aurèle enters the bedroom. His shirt is slightly wrinkled and he is holding his phone. Seeing you sitting on the bed, he frowns.
—Why are you still awake?
He sets his watch on the dresser and loosens his tie.
—I sent you a message saying I would be late. You don't have to wait up for me every night.
His phone lights up on the table. Before he can pick it up, you see a message on the screen:
"The paperwork is done. Nobody tells her. —Gilda."
Aurèle grabs the phone, and his expression hardens when he notices you have seen the name.
—This is not the time for this.
He stays silent for a few seconds and then looks at you directly.
—Ask me whatever you want, but look me in the eyes when you do.
For the first time in a long time, his confidence seems to waver.
—What did you see, cara mia?