Seven weeks had passed since the trip, and Y/N and Elizabeth's marriage had evolved into something more like a partnership. They still talked, still kissed, and acted normal around Nate and Amelia, but the warmth between them had faded.
Y/N had been spending more nights away, slipping out for weekends, her time with Behati becoming more frequent.
Though Y/N tried to be discreet, Elizabeth noticed. Each time Y/N returned from a date with Behati, she seemed lighter, happier, more playful with the kids. She'd spend whole days doting on them, making up for her absence with laughter and games.
One evening, Y/N sat at the kitchen table, buried under a pile of contracts and documents, the soft glow of her MacBook her only company. Elizabeth wandered in, a glass of wine in hand, she placed the glass down before She stepped behind Y/N and started massaging her shoulders gently
"You're still working? It's almost midnight," Elizabeth said softly.
"I need to finish this. I've got meetings all day tomorrow and then a flight to Italy. No time to spare," Y/N replied, kissing Elizabeth's cheek briefly before returning to the papers.
Elizabeth sat down beside her. "You're going to Italy? Why?"
"Business meeting."
"How long will you be there?"
"Four to five days," Y/N replied. "I already talked to the kids. Nate said he's going golfing with Damien, so he doesn't want to come. Everything's arranged. The nannies will be here, so you don't need to worry about anything."
Elizabeth nodded, then hesitated. "I wanted to ask you something. I have an event in two weeks. Would you like to come?"
Y/N smiled, looking up from her papers. "I'd love to. When is it?"
"Saturday, the 17th."
Y/N pulled out her phone, scanning her calendar. "I've got something, but I can move it around. I'll be there. We'll make it a date."
Elizabeth smiled softly. "A date it is... I really need you to dress up and I need that Falcone Charm... it's a very important gala."
Y/N smiled. " I will be the perfect date."
Y/N went back to work, and Elizabeth lingered, sipping her wine. They made small talk, filling the silence with easy conversation until Elizabeth's voice shifted, more hesitant.
"Is she going?"
Y/N frowned, glancing up. "I beg your pardon?"
"Is Behati going with you to Italy?"
Y/N sighed, setting her laptop aside. "We don't need to do this."
Elizabeth's voice was calm but pointed. "So she is. How many trips have you been taking her on?"
Y/N took a deep breath, leaning back in her chair. "This is the first time she's coming on a trip with me. And I asked you to come first, then the kids. After everyone said no, I invited her."
Elizabeth stood, grabbing a bottle of wine and pouring herself another glass. "So, you're going on a romantic trip with your mistress?"
Y/N exhaled slowly. "I'm going on a work trip, and someone's tagging along. That's all."
Elizabeth took a sip of her wine, her expression unreadable. "So she's going."
Y/N nodded. "She is. Do you want me to cancel? I can go alone."
Elizabeth shook her head, her voice measured. "I don't care if your mistress goes with you, Y/N. I was just curious..."
Y/N stood up and approached her, gently grabbing Elizabeth's hips. "Do you want to come with me? I can cancel everything. We can have dinners, go on dates. You can explore Bologna while I'm in meetings." Y/N went to kiss Lizzie neck but she moved away and brushed a strand of Y/N's hair behind her ear, her touch soft.
"I don't want to go with you. I don't want to make a date out of it.... I don't care about what you do or who you do, as long as you show up for me when I need you to."
Y/N stepped back, her eyes searching Elizabeth's. "I'll be there.... I'll be there for you on the 17th. I'm always fucking there for you." Y/N said stepping away before she grabbed her stuff and went upstairs.
Elizabeth let out a deep breath " FUCK!" She said throwing the wine glass into the sink.
