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    • Chapter 36 — American Society in Italy Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 36 – American Society in Italy explores the myth and eventual unraveling of a unified American social circle in Italy, particularly in cultural hubs like Rome and Florence. Once imagined as a thriving expatriate community, it is instead revealed as fragmented, fluid, and more aspirational than substantial. The author recalls a distant past—roughly forty to fifty years earlier—when Rome harbored a quiet colony of American creatives and intellectuals, people who sought inspiration in the ruins…
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      Chapter 36

      Chapter 36 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 36 begins with the narrator reflecting on the difficult and often strained relationship they have with Campbell, characterized by frequent emotional tension and a lack of open communication. One significant aspect of their interactions is Campbell’s tendency to demand complete silence when he is upset, a habit that only increases the distance between them. The narrator has, over time, developed a subtle skill for provoking Campbell’s anger, often finding the perfect words to escalate his mild…
    • Chapter 35 — Living on your Friends Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 35 – Living on Your Friends begins by examining the timeless concept of enjoying a luxurious life without actually possessing the wealth to fund it. Drawing inspiration from Vanity Fair, it reflects on how, even in modern society, there are those who thrive through the generosity of others, skillfully positioning themselves in the lives of the wealthy. These individuals may not own a single estate or fortune of their own, yet their days are filled with opulence, thanks to well-connected…
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      Chapter 35

      Chapter 35 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 35 opens with Leighton feeling emotionally overwhelmed after a disturbing encounter with her father the previous night. Seeking solace, she hurries to Liam’s car, rain pouring down around her, adding to the weight of her distress. As she settles into the car, Liam greets her casually with a “Good morning, beautiful,” a simple phrase that triggers a flood of tears. Despite her best efforts to keep her emotions in check, the pain that has been building up inside her bursts free, leaving her…
    • Chapter 34 — A Question and an Answer Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 34 - A Question and an Answer opens with the author considering a letter that stands out from his usual correspondence—a sincere inquiry asking what is truly required for someone to succeed socially. The note doesn’t come from a sycophant or a critic, but from someone genuinely curious, prompting the author to reflect deeply. He acknowledges the puzzling paradox that in many circles, those with obvious talent or intellect often remain unrecognized, while others, seemingly ordinary, ascend with…
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      Chapter 34

      Chapter 34 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 34 opens with the narrator hastily descending the stairs, deliberately avoiding the sight of the recently repaired window. Instead, their attention is diverted to the coffee table, where the vase has been placed back at its center, provoking a complex swirl of emotions. They instinctively reach for the vase and head outside to discard it in the garbage bin, feeling the rain drench them as they bury the broken vase in the bag that holds its shattered pieces from the previous night. This simple…
    • Chapter 33 — The Introducer Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 33 - The Introducer focuses on the overly eager character who insists on connecting people regardless of interest, relevance, or social setting. These Introducers often see themselves as indispensable facilitators of friendship, acting from what they believe is a place of generosity or sociability. Yet their actions frequently result in awkward silences, forced smiles, and discomfort for the people they are so keen to bring together. The author points out that what may begin as an innocent desire…
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      Chapter 33

      Chapter 33 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 33 delves deeply into the enduring impact of words, particularly those spoken in moments of anger or malice. The narrative focuses on how certain words can resonate far beyond the moment they are spoken, leaving emotional scars that last long after the initial hurt. Words like "ice queen" are described as carrying an invisible weight, creating a burden that lingers with the person being insulted. This metaphor suggests a sense of being tethered, unable to fully move on or escape the sting of the…
    • Chapter 32 — An Ideal Hostess Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 32 - An Ideal Hostess opens with a quiet observation of social contrast, as the narrator recounts a refined luncheon hosted by a retired stage performer in Paris. Her home, nestled just off the Rue Royale, commands a view of the Madeleine, exuding both the elegance of its location and the personality of its owner. Every detail in her apartment, from the velvet-trimmed furnishings to the soft lighting, speaks not of wealth, but of cultivated taste and a life once lived under the spotlight now…
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      Chapter 32

      Chapter 32 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 32 begins with Leighton abruptly waking up to the sound of a door slamming against the wall, followed by the harsh voice of a man in her home. Her dream of lightning splitting the tree in their front yard is shattered by this sudden, jarring disruption, dragging her from a peaceful slumber into the chaos that defines her reality. The man’s voice, harsh and commanding, insists that the household chores need to be corrected immediately, disrupting her younger sisters, Juniper and Campbell, and…
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