6
Lago di Como, 2010
“You’ve actually bought this place?” Ariana wrinkled her nose at the musty smell as she followed Ruby and Matteo into the dilapidated villa in Bellagio.
A chiseled stone marker read, Villa Fiori. Sure, the view on the drive was spectacular, Ariana thought. Yet, the grounds and interior were filthy and neglected—even with richly veined marble floors and ornate columns that looked like they belonged on a film set. It seemed more like a hotel than a residence.
Was her aunt losing her mind? Or at least, her judgment? Ariana couldn’t imagine why Ruby had acted so impulsively in buying this property. She could’ve stayed at the best hotel here for the rest of her life with what she’d probably spent on this monstrosity.
What was it about Lake Como that was drawing her aun
