Chapter 25 - FORBIDDEN FRUIT

Luca's POV

My steps were slow, almost hesitant, as I walked towards the bedroom. Nervousness, a feeling I rarely- never experienced, gnawed at me. I didn't want Lena's eyes to see me differently, to see the darkness I carried. The thought of her fear, of her pulling away, was a knife twisting in my gut.

I pushed open the door and saw Lena on the phone, the soft glow bathing her face as her brows furrowed in concentration. As soon as she looked up, her face lit up with relief. "You're back," she said, her voice laced with worry. "I was about to call you. You were gone for so long."

I smiled, a genuine smile that warmed the pit of my stomach. "Come here," I said, extending my arms.

She walked towards me, her gaze meeting mine. It was cute how short she was, her big blue eyes looking up at me. I imagined our kids, their eyes mirroring hers. They would be beautiful.

I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close. She hugged me even tighter, her scent, a mix of vanilla and sunshine,