A LOVE THAT KILLS

s different. There's a slight chill in the air that tells me fall is s

fee as I sit by the small round table in the co

ues for future weddings. The day stretches out ahead of me, a jumble of tasks that I'v

f planning and designing weddings, turn

n email that catches my attention. The subject line is si

heard of them, of course-who hasn't? Their name is often ment

y's elite circles. What exactly they do, though-I have no idea. People whis

tand up straighter when you hear it, e

y and open the email, t

rtley, the m

ntly planning a high-profile event and are looking for a wedding planner with your particular expertise to help organize and

tion. We would be happy to discuss further details and

reg

. H

to the C

email as I lean back in my chair. Th

who seem to know more than they let on. They're wealthy. Powerful. Untouchable. But that's

stake. Maybe they're reaching out to the wrong weddin

al. This i

art. They must be expecting something extraordinary. They alwa

on this level. I don't know much about them-just that they're high up in society, untouchable, with connecti

e for myself. I've carved out a space in Italy, away from th

overwhelming. The pressure to succeed in such circles is somethin

I should respond. I should at least hear them out, get more

ly type

Mrs.

with the Costa family on this event. I'm available for a consultation at your earliest

reg

e Ha

ng Pl

second-guess myself. The

ertainty mixed with excitement. This could change everything for me. Bu

ntrol. I'm just a woman who moved to Italy to e

ump slightly, startled by the interruption. I stand up,

an. He's a quiet man in his late thirties, tall and built with

ds, my curiosity piqued. "Thank you, Marco." I sa

ss, no note. I place it on the kitchen counter and open it carefully.

ld the letter. The handwriting is neat and prec

iss Ha

a family. We have reviewed your portfolio and would be pleased to discuss the specifics of our upcom

ard to heari

ino

lone carries weight, and now he's inviting me to meet with hi

houlders. This is no longer just an inquiry. This is serious. And it could be

at the email f

ime to decide w