The Edge of Discovery

Chapter Nine: The Edge of Discovery

**LILA**  

The soft hum of the sewing machine filled the room, a rhythm I had learned to find solace in over the years. The fabric beneath my fingers was smooth, a deep emerald green that reminded me of the gardens in Tuscany. My boutique wasn’t open yet, but I had plans—big ones. Plans that would make every tear, every sacrifice, worth it.  

I paused, staring at the delicate lace I was stitching into place. My reflection in the glass window caught my eye. I barely recognized the woman staring back. Stronger, sharper, but still haunted.  

The bell above the door chimed unexpectedly, pulling me out of my thoughts. My assistant, Maria, was supposed to lock up an hour ago. I turned, expecting her apologetic smile, but froze when I saw who stood there instead.  

"Olivia," I whispered.  

Her jet-black hair was pulled into a sleek ponytail, her usually warm brown eyes filled with urgency. She didn’t smile. She didn’t greet me. She just marched inside, shutting the door behind her with a snap.  

“Lila,” she said, her voice low but firm. “We have a problem.”  

My chest tightened. “What is it? Are the twins—”  

“They’re fine,” she interrupted, waving her hand. “But Lucien… he’s in Tuscany.”  

I blinked, her words taking a moment to sink in. “What?”  

“He’s here,” she repeated, leaning closer. “And from what I’ve heard, he’s asking questions. About you.”  

My stomach twisted into knots. After five years of carefully building a new life, keeping my identity hidden, and staying under the radar, it felt like the ground beneath me was starting to crack.  

I gripped the edge of the table, my knuckles turning white. “How does he even know to look here?”  

Olivia’s lips pressed into a thin line. “I don’t know. But he’s not leaving until he gets answers. And knowing him, he’ll find a way to get them.”  

The room felt smaller, the air heavier. Memories of him flashed through my mind—his icy blue eyes, the way his voice could both soothe and shatter me. I thought I had buried those feelings, but they clawed their way to the surface now, raw and painful.  

“He can’t know about the twins,” I said, my voice shaking. “Not yet.”  

Olivia nodded. “I agree. But we need to decide what to do. He’s staying at the Rivera Hotel, and from what I’ve gathered, he’s already spoken to a few locals.”  

The Rivera. Of course, he’d choose the most luxurious hotel in town. Lucien Hunter wasn’t a man to do anything halfway.  

I turned away, pressing a hand to my forehead. “What if he finds out? What if he…” My voice trailed off, the weight of the situation settling on my shoulders.  

“He won’t,” Olivia said firmly. “We’ll keep things under control. But you need to be careful. He’s already suspicious, and if he sees you…”  

I didn’t let her finish. “He won’t.”  

The bell above the door chimed again, and both of us tensed. My heart raced as I turned to face the newcomer, my hands instinctively clutching the fabric on the table.  

It wasn’t Lucien.  

“Delivery for Lila Vitale,” the young man said, holding up a package.  

I let out a shaky breath, forcing myself to relax. Olivia took the package from him, her gaze darting toward the door as it closed behind him.  

“You need to stay on high alert,” she said, placing the package on the counter. “If Lucien even suspects—”  

“I know,” I cut in, my voice sharper than I intended. “I know what’s at stake.”  

Olivia’s expression softened. “I’m just trying to help, Lila. You’ve worked too hard to let everything fall apart now.”  

I nodded, my throat tight. “I know. Thank you.”  

She gave me a small smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I’ll keep an ear to the ground. If anything changes, I’ll let you know.”  

As she left, the silence in the room felt deafening. I sank into the nearest chair, my mind racing. Lucien was here. In Tuscany. Looking for me.  

I reached for my phone, my fingers hovering over the screen. I wanted to call someone, anyone, but I knew it wouldn’t help. This was a storm I had to weather on my own.  

The door to the back room creaked open, and two small figures peeked out. Hazel and Luca.  

“Mommy?” Hazel asked, her voice soft. “Are you okay?”  

I forced a smile, beckoning them over. “Come here, my loves.”  

They ran to me, their little arms wrapping around my waist. Their warmth grounded me, reminding me of what truly mattered.  

“We heard voices,” Luca said, looking up at me with wide eyes. “Is everything okay?”  

I brushed a strand of hair from his forehead, nodding. “Everything’s fine, sweetheart. Mommy just had a visitor.”  

Hazel frowned, her small hand resting on my arm. “You’re worried.”  

I chuckled softly, amazed at how perceptive they were. “A little,” I admitted. “But nothing for you to worry about.”  

They exchanged a glance, their bond evident even at such a young age.  

“Do you want us to stay with you?” Hazel asked, her voice filled with concern far beyond her years.  

My heart swelled, and I pulled them closer. “No, baby. You two go back to your room. I’ll be up soon to tuck you in.”  

Reluctantly, they nodded and disappeared into the back room. I watched them go, a mixture of pride and fear swirling in my chest.  

I couldn’t let Lucien find out about them—not until I was ready. But as the clock ticked and the night deepened, I couldn’t shake the feeling that my time was running out.  

And that when he did find me, nothing would ever be the same.  

---  

**Cliffhanger:** A soft knock at the boutique door echoed through the quiet night. I froze, my heart leaping into my throat. It was far too late for customers. Slowly, I approached the door, peering through the glass.  

Lucien stood on the other side.