Chapter 11 - Bianca Finally Admitted She Wanted Livia Out of the Main House
The admission came during a meeting between attorneys.
Bianca initially insisted the floor-plan changes were temporary.
Then said they were practical.
Then finally said what she meant.
“Livia cannot remain the emotional center of Alessandro’s life forever.”
Nobody spoke for several seconds.
Bianca continued.
“Marriage changes priorities.”
Alessandro’s attorney asked:
“Are you saying a three-year-old child should become secondary after marriage?”
Bianca looked irritated.
“I’m saying there has to be room for a wife.”
There had always been room.
What Bianca wanted was hierarchy.
Her first.
Livia afterward.
The management-company proposal would have given that hierarchy architectural form.
Control the estate.
Control staff.
Control rooms.
Control routines.
Make Livia physically and emotionally peripheral.
The haircut had been the same impulse in miniature.
May you like
Remove what reminded everyone the child already belonged there.
---
