"Liam," Mother says as she walks in, her voice smooth and commanding. "We need to talk."I look up from my desk, trying to mask my irritation. "What is it, Mother?"She sits down gracefully, a practiced smile on her face that doesn't quite reach her eyes. "I had a little chat with Emma last night."My interest piques, but I keep my tone neutral. "Oh?""Yes," she continues, her eyes narrowing just slightly. "She was out admiring the estate. It's amusing to see someone so fascinated by our world. I suppose it's charming in a way, though I doubt she fully understands the significance of it all."Her words sting, but I keep my composure. "What exactly did you discuss with her?"Mother's smile tightens. "Oh, nothing of consequence. Just observing how she seems so... enthralled. I do hope she realizes that there are expectations that come with being part of this family."There's a subtle edge in her voice, a hint that Emma might have been put in her place. I don't like the way Mother talks
It's the morning after that almost-kiss, and I'm trying to keep my mind off of it. I spent most of breakfast convincing myself that it didn't matter, that the tension between Liam and me wasn't going to change anything. But the way he defended me yesterday... It's hard to just ignore that.I'm finishing up my coffee, trying not to think too hard about anything, when Liam suddenly appears at the doorway. There's something in his eyes that I can't quite read, but it makes my heart skip a beat."Emma," he says, his tone a bit softer than usual. "Come with me."I look up at him, surprised. "Where are we going?"He just gives me a small, almost mysterious smile. "Just sit back and relax. You'll see."Curiosity piqued, and I followed him outside to the car. The morning sun is warm, and there's a light breeze that makes everything feel fresh. I try to keep my cool, but being around Liam has me all jittery inside. What's he up to?He drives us through the estate, taking turns down familiar pa
The car hums softly as we drive through the winding roads of Tuscany. The vineyard's rows of grapevines slowly give way to open fields and rolling hills. I glance at Emma, who's sitting quietly beside me, her gaze fixed on the passing landscape. The tension that was there when we first started this day seems to have eased, replaced by a comfortable silence that I'm not used to sharing with anyone. She looks relaxed, her hair catching the sunlight as it filters through the car windows. It's hard not to notice the way the light plays on her skin, and I quickly shift my focus back to the road.She's curious, I can tell, but she doesn't ask where we're going. Maybe she trusts me enough to just enjoy the ride, or maybe she's lost in her thoughts. Either way, I'm glad for the quiet. It gives me time to think, to sort through the jumble of emotions I've been trying to ignore since the moment I met her.When we pull into a small village, I see her eyebrows raise slightly in surprise. The stre
"There you both are," Isabella sighs once she sees us.I turn to give Liam a perplexed look. Could there be anything of importance that we missed? Anything from the boring, suffocating schedule we skipped out on?"Evening Mother," Liam greets curtly."Save your greetings, where have you been? I called your line a few times," she explains quite furiously.She eyes me and Liam.I turn to look at him, is that true? Great. Another reason for her to hate me even more."I saw your calls, Mother. Please, let's get some rest, Emma and I are both tired after a long day--""Tired indeed. I wonder what she dragged you to, to make you miss out on this crucial meeting," she throws the blame my way."Leave Emma out of this," Liam steps forward, blocking me out of her gaze.His heroic act makes me swoon internally, I almost want to kiss him."What's all this about?" I finally muster the courage to ask, he can only speak for me long enough, at the end of the day, I have to stand up for myself."Oh dr
The night air is cool as I step out into the garden, looking for some space to clear my head. It's quiet out here, just the sound of crickets in the distance and the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze. The sky is clear, the stars scattered like a million tiny lights above. It's a night that begs for contemplation, but my thoughts are too jumbled for that right now.I walk further down the path, the gravel crunching softly under my feet. The estate is beautiful at night, the soft glow from the lights along the pathway casting shadows that make everything feel almost magical. But tonight, something's pulling me toward the garden, a quiet instinct I can't ignore. Maybe it's just the need to escape the weight of the day, or maybe it's something else.As I approach the stone bench nestled between two large rose bushes, I see a figure sitting there. It's Emma, her silhouette illuminated by the soft light from the moon. She's in her nightgown, the fabric delicate and flowing around he
Brunch in Rimini is exactly what I need after everything that's happened. We're at our favorite café, the kind with checkered tablecloths and the smell of fresh bread wafting through the air. The sea breeze drifts in from the open windows, carrying the saltiness of the Adriatic with it. Seated outside under a striped umbrella, our table is a colorful mess of pastries, cappuccinos, and fresh fruit. The sun casts a warm, golden light, but all I can think about is the last few days in Tuscany."So, spill," Gia says, leaning forward with her big, dark eyes wide with anticipation. She's perched on the edge of her seat, her petite frame almost bouncing with energy. "What happened with Mr. Brooding and Handsome?"I can't help but smile at the nickname. "It was... intense," I start, my voice a bit unsure as I stir my coffee. "He kissed me."Natasha, who's been twirling one of her blonde coils absentmindedly, suddenly perks up. "Wait, what? You and Liam kissed? Where? When?"Odette, ever compo
The day drags on in my office. Papers cover my desk, but my mind isn't on them. It keeps drifting to Emma. Ever since we returned from Tuscany, she's been on my mind constantly. It's annoying, frustrating even. She's different from anyone I've ever known, and that kiss… Damn, that kiss.A sharp knock on the door pulls me out of my thoughts. I glance at my watch—almost noon. My assistant pokes her head in."Mr. Giovanni is here to see you," she says, her voice tight.Of course, he's back. I knew this was coming sooner or later. I straighten up in my chair, waving her in."Send him in."Marco Giovanni strides in like he owns the place, which, of course, he doesn't. Not anymore. He looks better than last time—cleaner, his suit crisp, and that infuriating smirk on his face like he's got a secret he can't wait to share.I don't stand, just motion for him to sit. He doesn't, hovering by the chair instead, his eyes scanning the room like he's looking for something to criticize."Liam," he sa
The city hums around me as I make my way to the art studio, a place I haven't visited in far too long. It's early, the streets are still quiet, and a sense of anticipation bubbles inside me. The studio was supposed to be my sanctuary, a place where I could pour my energy into investigating my father's disappearance. But now, it's become more than that—a reminder of how much my life has changed since Liam entered it.The studio is tucked away in a quiet part of Rimini, a little haven I'd once thought would be my retreat from the world. But as I approach the door, a strange unease settles over me. The feeling only intensifies as I unlock the door and step inside. The familiar scent of paint and canvas greets me, comforting, but there's something off. Something I can't quite put my finger on.I flick the lights on, eager to get lost in my work again, but as the room floods with light, my breath catches in my throat.Someone is here.Standing by the window, as if she owns the place, is Se
I glance at the clock and my heart starts racing. I'm late."Okay, stop fussing!" I scold my bridesmaids, but I can't help the nervous laugh that escapes my lips as Gia fluffs my veil for the third time. Natasha is running around, making sure every single detail is perfect, while Odette is already dressed and helping the makeup artist add the final touches to my lips.And then there's Rob. He's pacing back and forth, muttering under his breath, "You're going to be late for your wedding, Emma. Of course, you are. I knew it. I knew this would happen!""Rob," I groan, rolling my eyes. "You're not helping!"He stops pacing and dramatically places his hands on his hips, his eyes full of fake indignation. "Excuse me, darling. Who has been by your side through every single dress fitting, cake tasting, and meltdown?"I chuckled despite myself, the tension easing just a little. "I love you, Rob.""Yeah, yeah, yeah," he mutters, coming over to adjust my gown. "But seriously, we need to get movi
The darkness is heavy, but slowly, painfully, it starts to lift. I feel a strange tug in my chest, and I'm aware of the beeping sounds, the sterile scent of the hospital filling the air around me. My eyes flutter open, and the brightness of the room stings my vision. It takes a few moments for everything to come into focus.Where… where am I?"Liam?" A soft voice calls out to me, and when I blink again, I see Lilian, Emma's mother, standing by my bedside, her eyes wet with tears. "Oh my God, you're awake."I try to speak, but my throat feels like it's on fire. Instead, I groan, my hand instinctively reaching out to grasp hers. Lilian smiles through her tears, gently squeezing my hand."You've been in a coma, sweetheart," she says softly. "For a while now. But don't worry, you're okay. You're going to be okay." Her smile wavers for a moment before she adds, "Emma… she's at the station with your mother, confronting Serena. But she's fine. She's been by your side every day."My mind race
The silence in the room is deafening. Isabella stands before us, her posture rigid, her hands clasped together tightly as if she's holding on to a secret too heavy to bear. My mom and I sit across from her, the tension thick between us, suffocating."There's something you both need to know," Isabella begins, her voice wavering slightly. I glance at my mom, who looks pale, her fingers tightly gripping the arms of the chair. "I've held onto this for years, but it's time you hear the truth. About Enzo."At the mention of my father's name, my heart skips a beat. I feel my stomach churn as I wait for her to continue. Isabella takes a deep breath, then says the words that make my world tilt off its axis."I knew him."The words hang in the air like a weight, pressing down on me. My mom's face pales even more, her lips trembling as she absorbs the shock of the revelation. Isabella presses on, her eyes filled with a mixture of shame and regret."Enzo and I… we had an affair."The room goes co
The beeping of the heart monitor is the first thing I hear, steady and rhythmic, pulling me from the darkness that has consumed me. My body feels heavy like I'm being held down by invisible weights, and there's a dull ache spreading across my chest and limbs. The sterile smell of the hospital fills my nostrils, and it takes a moment for me to remember where I am.I blinked, squinting against the harsh fluorescent light above, trying to make sense of my surroundings. As my vision clears, I notice my mom, slumped over in a chair next to me, her head resting on her crossed arms, fast asleep. Her face looks worn, more tired than I've ever seen her.I try to sit up, but a sharp pain shoots through my ribs, forcing me to wince. The memories hit me all at once—the truck, the crash, Liam's bloodied face. Panic rises in my chest, and I gasp, "Liam."My voice is weak, barely more than a croak, but it's enough to wake my mom. Her head snaps up, her eyes widening as she sees me. "Emma!" she cries
We're curled up on the couch, the flicker of the fireplace casting warm shadows on the walls. Liam has been quiet all evening, his usual playful mood replaced by a somberness I haven't seen before. I know something's wrong. The weight of his silence presses down on me, but I don't want to push him, not yet.Eventually, he breaks the silence."Emma," he says quietly, his voice strained. His eyes are red and teary, and my heart aches just seeing him like this. "We need to talk."I sit up, my chest tightening. "Liam, what's going on? You're scaring me."He doesn't look at me, his gaze fixed on the fire. His hands tremble, and I gently place mine over his, trying to calm him, to let him know I'm here, whatever it is."I'm a monster," he whispers, his voice breaking. "I've done terrible things, Emma. Things I can't undo."I freeze, my heart hammering in my chest. "Liam, what are you talking about? You're not a monster."He shakes his head, his eyes squeezed shut as if the memories are too
I lean back in my office chair, glancing out of the large windows that overlook the city humming with life. It's been a perfect week, just me and Emma, no distractions, no obligations. We've spent our days exploring the city, enjoying quiet dinners by candlelight, and getting lost in each other's company. For the first time in a long while, I felt completely at peace.But now, it's back to reality. Back to work. And as much as I hate to admit it, the tension in the air is thick. I've barely been at my desk for half an hour when my mother storms into the office, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floors. Right behind her, Serena follows with a face full of barely contained rage. Great. Just the pair I didn't want to see today."Liam!" my mother snaps, her voice slicing through the silence of the room. "We need to talk."I sit up, bracing myself. I knew this was coming. Ever since Emma returned, I've been waiting for the inevitable confrontation. My mother never approved of E
I step off the plane, my heart racing with excitement and nerves. It's been months since I last set foot in Italy, and the anticipation of seeing Liam again has my stomach in knots. He thinks I'm arriving tomorrow, but I can't wait. My internship is officially over, and now I'm here, ready to surprise him.Odette is waiting for me just outside baggage claim, her signature oversized sunglasses perched on her head, and a wide grin stretching across her face. Beside her, Natasha and Gia are waving excitedly, their energy contagious. The second I step through the doors, I'm swept into a whirlwind of hugs, laughter, and excited chatter."Girl, you look amazing!" Gia says, her eyes sparkling as she gives me a once-over. "Internship did wonders for you.""I agree," Natasha adds, her arm looped through mine as we start walking toward the car. "Liam is going to lose his mind when he sees you."Odette, always the ringleader of the group, claps her hands together. "Alright, ladies. Time to make
The phone rings, and Emma's name lights up the screen. My heart skips a beat. I pick up, trying to keep my voice steady, but as soon as I hear her voice, soft and warm, I feel a smile tugging at my lips."Hey," she says, and I can hear the smile in her voice too. "I just got the flowers. A hundred roses, Liam? Really?"I chuckle, leaning back in my chair. "Too much?""No," she says quickly, a slight laugh in her tone. "It was perfect. You know, everyone at work is completely jealous. Rob hasn't stopped squealing since they arrived.""I'm glad you liked them," I say, feeling the tension in my chest loosen a little. "I wasn't sure if a hundred was over the top, but... I needed you to know how serious I am.""I know," she says softly. "And I love them. They're beautiful."There's a pause, a comfortable silence settling between us. I close my eyes, just listening to her breathe on the other end of the line. Even through the phone, the connection between us feels so strong, so real. It's h
Monday hits me like a freight train. After a long, emotionally charged weekend, the idea of being back at work feels surreal. I sit at my desk, staring blankly at the computer screen in front of me, barely registering the flurry of emails that have piled up in my inbox. My body is here, but my mind is still somewhere else—somewhere between the memory of Liam's arms wrapped around me and the question that's been gnawing at me since we parted: 'Should I go with him?'Italy. Home. The idea stirs something deep inside me. I miss it—the warm cobblestone streets, the smell of my mom's hair, the laughter of my friends. But this internship is my dream. It's everything I've worked for, and it's not over yet. This is my life now. But, God, it's hard not to wonder what it would be like to be with Liam every day, no distance, no uncertainties. Just us."Okay, spill."Rob's voice breaks through my thoughts, snapping me back to reality. He's leaning against my desk, arms crossed, his eyes alight wi