Chapter 4

A New Life

Alessia's POV

I packed the little I could, dragging my luggage behind me. I was leaving everything behind. I booked a flight to the United States, far away from the chaos in my life.

In the U.S., I built a new life. During my first month serving as a waitress to raise some extra cash and keep a low profile.

I fainted while delivering a cup of coffee to a customer. Nothing could have prepared me, when the nurse told me I was pregnant.

Seven months after arriving, I have both my twins, a boy and a girl, Lorenzo and Elena.

They were my light in the dark, the reason I kept going when it seemed impossible. I worked hard to provide for them, juggling my studies and motherhood as best I could.

After a year, I graduated first in my class, and my cybersecurity skills were soon recognized, making me one of the most sought-after analysts in the field.

Companies vied for my services, and I felt like I finally had a handle on life. Lorenzo and Elena grew up to be intelligent, inquisitive children; Lorenzo loved solving puzzles, and Elena shared my fascination with computers. Seeing them flourish served as a daily reminder that leaving Italy had been the right decision.

Six Years Later:

When I checked my work email one morning, I saw a message that made my stomach turn. I was asked to move to Italy to finish a task.

“What in the world?” I muttered. Italy was the last place I wanted to ever go to.

I reread the email three times hoping I had misread it but I didn't. I quickly sent an email to my firm. As I considered turning around, my heart raced…the risk, the suffering, and the memories.

I sent my supervisor an email right away to request an alternative posting. I pleaded my case over the phone when that failed.

“Alessia,” my boss said, “it's a done deal. This client expressly asked for you, and you're the best we have. There is no escape from this situation.”

I hung up, feeling trapped. Why did it have to be Italy?

I picked my phone and dialed Ella's number. She was still my best friend and we had kept in touch over the years even after I left.

“Alessia, you can't avoid Italy forever. It's still your home. Don't you think this is a fight from the universe?” She asked, trying so hard to explain the situation.

“A sign?” I scoffed. “More like hell. It's my past coming back to haunt me.”

“Alessia, stop it. I don't see it that way. Maybe it's a sign for you to face your past. You can't keep running all your life,” she said gently. “You're not alone. Please, come back. I have missed my best friend and I want my twins to enjoy their home land.”

“Your twins?” I asked, chuckling.

“Yes, you might have given birth to them, but I'm still their godmother,” Ella chimed.

“Hey, just remember. I'll always be by your side. We'll figure it out together,” she cooed.

I wanted to argue, but couldn't. I exhaled and accepted my fate. “You do know how to sweet talk your way into everything.”

“It's one of my many talents,” Ella praised and hung up.

I thought about quitting my job, but the truth was I couldn't afford to at the moment. The firm had paid me double of what the other company would and raising twins wasn't cheap. The money allowed the twins and I to have a stable comfortable life.

I ran my hand through my hair and glanced at the email. I was stuck and I knew it. I took out my MacBook and signed the contract for the new job.

A few days later, I told Lorenzo and Elena about the move, and I was surprised they were excited.

“We’re going to Italy?” Lorenzo asked. “Where’s that?”

“It’s far away,” I said, forcing a smile. “It’s where Mommy grew up.”

“Will we see Grandma and Grandpa?” Elena asked.

I froze for a moment before shaking my head. “No, sweetheart. They’re… not around anymore.”

“Will aunt Ella be there?” Lorenzo asked. He was super cute when he got excited.

“Yeah, she'll be waiting for us,” I answered.

“Yaaay!” They cheered and I watched them happily. I felt a little sadness in my heart as I remembered my family. I couldn't tell the twins yet, they were too young to understand the world I had escaped from.

The hardest part was packing up. It was bittersweet as I had built so much here. The friends, career, and a sense of safety.

*******

It was a lengthy flight to Italy, and every hour made me more anxious. By the time we touched down, I thought my heart would crack open.

At the airport, Ella was there to greet us. She rushed over to embrace me tightly.

“Welcome home,” she replied, grinning.

With a worried glance around me, I whispered, “This doesn't feel like home.”

I loaded the twins and our bags into Ella's car with her assistance. She told me everything I had missed on the way to her place.

“There hasn't been any crazy activity in the city in years. And did I tell you my clothing business has been growing. I'll take you around for a tour later,” she remarked, looking at me.

“I can't wait,” I answered, smiling. The twins are their ice cream Ella had brought for them and argued endlessly as we drove. They stopped once we got to Ella's house and I finally had a moment of peace.

Settling into Ella’s apartment was chaotic but comforting. The twins adored her, and she spoiled them with gifts and toys.

******

I took in a deep breath and exhaled as I kept reciting to myself. “You’ve got this, Alessia.”

When I was sure I had convinced myself, I adjusted my white sleeves and stepped into the company, handling my paperwork to the receptionist with a bright smile.

She responded with a lovely smile and directed me to a conference room.

While I waited, I felt anxious. Something felt off, but I couldn't tell what it was. I tried to calm myself the best I could.

I shouldn't feel this way. It wasn't my first interview. I heard the door creak open, followed by the click of measured, deliberate footsteps.

My heartbeat rose and I counted silently. I slowly lifted my gaze and froze. My hands gripped the papers in my hand as I stared at the one person I had never hoped to see.

“Dominic,” I whispered, my heart pounding in my chest.

“Hello, Alessia,” he replied coldly.