Julian stared at the ultrasound photograph, the edges of the glossy paper trembling violently against his thumbs. The air in the penthouse had turned to lead, pressing into his lungs, suffocating him.

*Gestational Age: 12 Weeks.*

Twelve weeks. Three months. Elara was three months pregnant.

"No,

Three years later.

The mid-morning sun spilled across the Piazza del Duomo, casting a warm, golden glow over the intricate marble spires of the cathedral. The air smelled of roasted espresso, fresh pastries, and the faint, crisp scent of the approaching Italian autumn.

Elara Vance sat at a small