“Amy, can we postpone the wedding date to a month? I’m sure Brooklyn will want to marry me once she gives birth. Nikolas had forgotten her and she would want a father figure for the twins,” said Ryder, and Amelia nodded, not at all keen to marry him. Something inside her prompted her not to go ahead with the wedding, yet she couldn’t back out because of their family’s involvement. “I’m in no hurry to marry you, Ryder. You’re free to opt out completely and save me the trouble.” “I can’t. My uncle, aunt, and your parents are going overboard with this wedding. I don’t have any say in the matter now.” “It’s better to opt out now than when the preparations are through.” “How can I opt out now when I’m not sure about Brooklyn’s decision? What if she declines to marry me? What if she reunites with Nikolas? I would need to move on, Amy.” Upset, he stormed out of the cafeteria without having his lunch. This has been going on for the last few months. They argued whenever they were together.
Amelia didn’t know if she did the right thing in agreeing to Ryder’s plea. While everyone around her busied themselves with the wedding preparations, she was in a state of shock. Would marrying Ryder mean she would have to forget her first and only love? She looked up to see her mom enter the room. “Don’t look so dejected! You will start a new life with Ryder after two weeks. Cheer up and start packing up.” Amelia nodded, not sharing her mom’s enthusiasm. “Can’t I continue living here? I don’t want to go, mom. Why can’t Ryder move in with us?” Her mom shook her head with a sigh. “It’s the norm, Amy. You have to move in with him after the wedding. There’s no use fighting over it. Try to accept what God has blessed you with,” said her mom, but Amelia shook her head vehemently. She didn’t consider this a blessing at all. “It’s not a blessing, mom. I can’t ever forget Matteo. He lives in my heart, in every cell of my body. This marriage will end in disaster!” Her mom sighed and pulle
Selling the last car off, Matteo reached home to see his family packed up and ready to leave. He would join them in a few days after selling the office space they owned. For the last thirty-five years, his father had run his car rental business from here, but now Matteo had no other option but to sell it. It had been almost a year since he returned home, taking a break from Di Salvo’s work. It had been the worst year of his life. Two weeks after he returned, his father suffered a brain stroke and had to be hospitalized for almost a fortnight. They brought him home, but he was bedridden for almost ten months until he passed away in his sleep. Ever since he had been busy selling off the business and their cars since his mom didn’t want to stay here any longer. They wanted to go to Genoa, where Marco and Viola lived. Di Salvo had sent his men once in this span but didn’t pressurize him to return. Matteo had almost forgotten about him, helping his family in their time of need. “Have yo
All the men dropped their weapons while Matteo waited for their next move. One of them had unlocked his cell to give him food, but the commotion was enough to divert his attention to his boss. Matteo just hoped they would forget and he could use the opportunity to escape.Costello shoved Luigi towards the exit while everyone yelled abuses at him and rushed after them to save their boss. There was chaos all around. Matteo slipped out of his cell unnoticed and followed them out as discreetly as he could. He hid behind a pillar outside the exit to the dungeon, waiting for a chance, when Costello fired at another of Luigi’s men. He pushed Luigi at gunpoint all the way to the main gates, where a car screeched to a halt. Matteo saw his chance and scooted towards the back gates. He hastily climbed, eager to jump to the other side and get away before they detected him.A gun shot echoed in the air and Matteo froze, a bullet piercing into his shoulder blade. Excruciating pain made his entire
Amelia unpacked the last box and arranged the contents around the apartment. It had been two days since she had shifted into this apartment, leaving Ryder’s house. It belonged to her family and had been lying vacant for a while. After Brooklyn left with Nikolas, Ryder had become unbearable. He considered her responsible for Brooklyn’s departure and yelled at her for every little thing. Finally, she had to set her foot down and walk out of the marriage. For two days she stayed at her parents’ house, explaining to them about her predicament. Her dad wanted her to join his business and Amelia agreed but she wanted her personal space for a few days. She was tired of Ryder coming over to apologize and convince her parents to send her back. “Gosh, how could I forget my backpack?” she gasped, picking up the keys and going out. She had to drive all the way to her parents’ house to get her backpack. It had her essentials and couldn’t wait! Gingerly, she climbed into her car and drove over t
Matteo stood in front of Mitchell Mansion in Brentwood Park for ten minutes, unable to decide what to do. He hadn’t expected Emilia to live in a palace fit for a princess. It was the grandest house in the entire neighborhood, and he glanced at himself ruefully. With bruises all over his body, the bandages still intact since he had to undertake a strenuous flight, he didn’t at all look his best. In fact, he looked like a mobster, with his tattooed and disheveled appearance. What if they threw him out? After a few minutes, the gates opened, and a young girl of around sixteen emerged. She hastened towards the departmental store around the corner and Matteo followed her. He could ask her about Emilia.He followed her into the store and stood beside her while she shopped in the skincare section. Suddenly, her glance fell upon him and she did a double take. Seeing his chance, Matteo smiled at her. “Hi! I’m sorry for following you here, but I’m completely harmless.” Her eyes widened with s
Matteo caught her with his uninjured hand to stop from falling to the floor. He helped her to the sofa, a frown of worry marring his features at seeing her reaction to his presence. He hadn’t at all expected her to react in this manner to him. It was obvious she was shocked beyond words.He leaned in closer to revive her, patting her cheek in a feather soft touch. His heart ached at seeing her again. He hadn’t thought he would live to see her again after Luigi shot him. It was a miracle that he was alive. His eyes took in the dark circles beneath her eyes, the hollow cheekbones, the dull look on her face. Why did she look so devastated? Why wasn’t she happy like she was when he saw her last? He watched her hungrily, as if committing every inch to his memory to last him a lifetime. He didn’t know how she would react when she gained consciousness, but at least he could hope to revive the magic they shared. With his fingers stroking her cheek absent-mindedly, Amelia stirred and opened h
Matteo gaped at her wordlessly, his food forgotten, his face pale with shock. His worst nightmare had come true. How had he not noticed the delicate ring on her finger? His world crashed around him! At that moment, he just wanted to end his wretched life. Of course, she had moved on, fallen in love, and married the one she loved. How could he have hoped for something else? “I see! What’s his name?” It was all he could choke out without breaking down. He wanted to pick up his luggage and drag his wretched body away from her presence. “Ryder Drayton O’Connell!” Amelia couldn’t meet his hurt gaze anymore. She wanted to tell him her reason for marrying Ryder, but Matteo just nodded, picked up his plate, and walked over to the kitchen. Amelia frowned at the strained look on his face. In a minute, he walked over to his room without glancing at her. “I’ll just rest a bit if you don’t mind.” Amelia nodded, but he had already closed his door. She rinsed the rest of the dishes, but all the
A Month Later“Emilia, start packing up. We’re going to Sicily next week. Marcello just called to announce his wedding.”Amelia gaped at her husband in shock. “When is the wedding? I don’t have a dress to wear!” “Mama will arrange for a seamstress for you. The wedding is three weeks later but I have to help her out.”“Okay, Mila and I will start packing up. Have you informed Marie's school?” “I will today.” Amelia wondered why he looked so excited today. Was it because of Marcello’s wedding? “Will we celebrate our wedding anniversary there, or will we celebrate it here before we leave?” She needed to know to make the preparations. Matteo smiled, his eyes glinting with secrecy. What was he hiding from her? “We’ll celebrate it there. I’ve invited your siblings and their families. Even Brooklyn is coming over with hers.” “Oh, are you making any gala plans? I’m not prepared at all!” she protested helplessly, but he just winked and left. What did it mean? For the next few days, Ameli
After Six Months“Mmmmamaa!” said Aurelio and Mariella clapped with delight. “Mama, Leo said his first word. I taught him!” Amelia smiled at her firstborn with pride. She has been an angel in their lives, helping them in every way just like a grown-up would. “Yes, good job, Marie! I’m proud of you,” said Matteo, watching her interact with the little ones in the nursery. He had just come home after dropping his Mama and Marcello at the airport. His Mama had helped them for the last six months, although Marcello had returned two days after the twins were born. He just came over to escort their Mama back home. “Papàaaap,” said Armano, and Mariella’s little heart swelled with pride. “Yay! Even Armie has learned his first word!” Amelia fed the twins and tucked them for the night, but they didn’t at all look sleepy. “Marie, have you completed your home assignments?” Amelia asked as she went to the dining room. “Yes, Mama.” “Fine, have your dinner and sleep. Mila, please, can you hel
Amelia could feel the contractions rocking her body after every few minutes. Matteo stayed by her side all the time, stroking her hair, and holding onto her hands with concern. It relieved her a lot this time, unlike the last time when she was all alone. Matteo’s family had arrived much later, and she had missed him like a sore thumb then. “Nurse, when will you take her to the birthing room?” asked Matteo agitatedly. “There’s time. It’s still early labor! When the contractions increase in frequency and last longer, we will take her to the birthing room.”Unable to see her in pain, Matteo called his Mama.“Can you come over, Mama? I’m feeling so lost with Emilia in labor pain.”“Are you in the hospital? Where’s Mariella?” asked his Mama in a state of panic. “Yes, Amelia started her contractions and we are in the labor room. Mariella is at my friend’s house.” “Why didn’t you inform me before?” said his clueless Mama. “The delivery date was two weeks later. I thought of informing yo
The next morning, Matteo received the biggest shock of his life! Lucas’s blog post and his social media post went viral overnight. His shop became the go-to place for people with expensive cars to repair. The space in front of his shop was teeming with cars left behind by the customers. The men were struggling with work. Matteo employed extra hands to help. He became a star mechanic overnight! “Mama, look! Papà is on TV!” squealed Mariella as she browsed through the channels. Amelia emerged from the kitchen and sat down to watch the talk show. Her eyes popped out to see her husband with Lucas Donnelly! They discussed cars and the cars he designed, repaired, and remodeled at affordable prices. Tears pricked at Amelia’s eyes while her heart swelled with pride for him. He had gone through a lot and truly deserved some happiness now. “What’s your inspiration, Mr. Ricci? Apart from your love for cars,” asked the host.“This shop is a dream project of mine, but I don’t give up only becau
With so much work to do, Matteo didn’t get a moment's respite to go home. Freddie and his team worked on the Ferrari, since their fate depended on it. They had to please Lucas Donnelly. It was, after all, his favorite car! It was late when Matteo returned home to find Amelia fast asleep with Mariella. He felt worried about her since she always waited up for him. He had to talk to her and convince her to see the doctor. The next morning he sat down to breakfast, but Amelia wasn’t present at the table with them. Mariella gave him a sad look as she ate her breakfast alone. “What happened to your Mama, Marie?” “She’s sick, Papà. Last night she threw up her dinner. Even today she threw up twice already. Can you make her better? I hate it when she’s sick!” “Don’t worry. Have your breakfast. I’ll check up with your Mama.” He went into their bedroom to see his Emilia lying down. “Emilia? What happened to you? I’ll take you to the doctor right away,” he insisted. “Who will drop Marie at
Matteo went to see his lawyer to take an update on his health. Mr. Berkeley had stood by him in his time of need, and he was indebted to the man. He wasn’t in great shape and Matteo found him resting on his bed, which was odd. He was the most hardworking person on earth and in all these years, Matteo had always found him in his office, working. “Matteo! I’m so glad to see you, son!” he said, getting up to embrace him.“I’m happy to be back too, Mr. Berkeley. How are you now? Freddie told me about your health issues.” “I’m much better now. I’m sorry I let you down. We didn’t have another option before us. The mafia Don would have burned the entire shop down or killed all of us if we didn’t pay.” “I understand Mr. Berkeley. I’ll figure it out somehow.” He spent some time with the lawyer and then returned home to help Amelia. It was evening and she would be worried about him. “Matteo! What happened? Did you find out anything? Is the shop still there? Marie and I were about to go dow
The customer care representative showed him the figures in their database. Matteo realized the money was withdrawn from the Brooklyn, New York, branch of the bank. It was too hefty a sum to withdraw from an ATM. What was going on? He had given Mr. Berkeley the sole authority to handle his account. It was alright that he shared it with his wife, but why did he confiscate so much money for himself?“Thank you for your cooperation. I’m not carrying money right now. I’ll deposit it later on.” They left the bank in a state of shock. “We have to go to New York right away, Emilia. I don’t know what’s going on. Apart from you, only one person had access to my account. That was Mr. Berkeley. How could he confiscate my hard-earned money?” Amelia looked at him with concern, wondering if he believed her. “You know, I withdrew very little, Matteo. I can show you all the ATM slips.” “I wouldn’t have minded if you used the money in my absence for your and Mariella’s needs. But it was a hefty sum
The next day, Evita visited them with her son, Riccardo. Not once did she mention Rafael during the entire time she stayed in their house. Amelia felt bad for her. She was quite nice and didn’t deserve a man like Rafael who destroyed her life. “You should move on, my dear. You can’t live alone all your life,” said Matteo’s Mama. “I’m working in a multinational company now as a PA to the CEO. I’ve moved on, Aunt Bianca.” “I meant it on a personal front. Rafael didn’t marry you despite everything. I think you should marry a nice young man and settle down.” “I am marrying my boss next month, Aunt Bianca. He loves me and Riccardo. No one has ever loved me the way he does. I’m glad I met someone like him,” said Evita, and they felt relieved that she found the happiness she deserved. “What’s his name?” asked Marco with avid interest. “Leonardo Bernardi.” “Ah, Leo? He’s a gem of a guy!” said Marco with a satisfied grin. “Do you know him?” asked Evita with surprise. “Yes, he’s Viola’
“Why not? Don’t you want to start Synergist?” asked Amelia in surprise. “Not yet. I want to concentrate on my children. I have three,” said Genelia proudly. “I too have three. I’ll bring them the next time we meet,” said Brooklyn. Matteo, Marco, Marcello, and their Mama joined them soon. “You can keep Dad’s money, Amy. I will shift to South Africa near Brandon’s place soon. I’ve applied for a senior position in a prestigious hospital there,” said Ryan. “Are you both sure? I’ll divide the money and transfer your shares to you.” Viola brought the girls into the room and Amelia introduced them to her guests. “So, when are you shifting to Sicily?” asked Carlos. “In a couple of days. We still haven’t booked the flight tickets,” said Marco. “I could drop you on our way back home. I have my private jet. We’re returning to Napa Valley, California, a day later,” said Nikolas. “That would be great, Nikolas. I don’t want to stay here for so many days. We’ll go with you,” said their Mama.