Leaving Valentina's place, a heavy burden of guilt settles on my chest, dragging me down with every mile I drive. I can't shake the feeling that I've overstepped the boundaries of our friendship and the memory of her tear-stained face steadily haunts me with each passing moment.Seeking a distraction from my inner restlessness, I drive along the familiar streets to my father's house. With every turn of the wheel, questions flood my mind, especially about how he managed to return the money he borrowed from work at once.Arriving at my father's house, I park the car and steel myself for the confrontation that lies ahead. Approaching the front door, I feel uncertain, but I push aside my doubts and ring the doorbell, determined to find the answers I need."Marco, you're home early," my father remarks, looking up from his book as I enter the living room."Yeah, just felt like dropping by," I reply, trying to sound nonchalant.Before I can say anything else, my mother's voice cuts through t
"Valentina Luca, come see," my mother's voice echoes through the house, its urgency pulling me away from my thoughts and into the present moment. With a sinking feeling in my chest, I hurry to where she stands, bracing myself for whatever news awaits."What is it, mother?" I ask, my voice tinged with apprehension as I approach her."Look," she gestures towards the television, her expression grave.I turn my gaze to the screen, my heart pounding in my chest as I take in the unfolding scene. A picture of Marco and Leonardo flashes across the screen, accompanied by law enforcement officials. It's a sight that sends a chill down my spine, one that I never expected to witness.The scene changes, and a reporter's voice fills the room, delivering the devastating news with a sense of solemnity."Tragedy strikes the Lorenzos. First, their arrest for involvement in the sales of illicit drugs. Then the revelation that Marco Lorenzo is an adopted child. And now, Marco's involvement in a car accid
In Marco's embrace, I spin with joy, his arms wrapping around me securely. Suddenly, he pauses, dropping to one knee with a grace that takes my breath away. From the depths of his tuxedo pocket, he produces a small box, its significance palpable in the air."Valentina Luca, from the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you were the woman I wanted to spend eternity with. I may not be the best at expressing love, but I promise to give it my all. Anything you desire, even if it's the universe itself, I'll strive to make it yours. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?""Marco, yes! A thousand times yes!" I exclaim, tears of joy streaming down my cheeks as he slides the ring onto my trembling finger.His smile lights up the room, filling me with a warmth that I never want to lose. But just as quickly as our happiness blooms, a darkness descends. From nowhere, a sinister black smoke materializes, engulfing Marco in its grasp before my very eyes."Marco!" I scream, my heart shattering into
"Some people are after my life," Mr. Pierre says, his tone disturbingly composed. I glare at him, barely able to contain my fury. "You dare to show your face in my home? Releasing that garbage without my consent was beyond unprofessional. Whatever consequences come your way, they are entirely your burden to bear. Report to the authorities, or keep running for all I care. Just keep me out of your mess!" "Marco hurt my daughter," he declares. "Marco?" I seethe, my fists clenching at my sides. "Explain." "He…" Mr. Pierre hesitates, then continues. "He slept with her and discarded her like a piece of trash." My heart pounds in my chest, a mixture of anger and disbelief coursing through me. "Ma’am Valentina, Mr. Giovanni is causing a scene at the gate," one of the security men interjects, breaking our conversation. I sigh heavily, my patience wearing thin. "Giovanni? What could be the problem? Let him in, please," I instruct the man. "As for you, Mr. Pierre," I continue, turning my
One year later…Ever since I heard the news about Marco’s accident, it's like my heart froze. How do I explain to anyone that what I feel for James is stronger than the term 'like' but not enough to be called 'love'? Does this even make sense? Since Marco’s disappearance, we became so close as he was there for me all through.James thinks I’m seeing a therapist for my general well-being. He also has no idea that I started seeing Marco after our divorce or that I did all of the mean things I did. In this one year, I’ve experienced a love like no other. I’m trying so hard to reciprocate even if it’s one-third of the type of love James shows me. I’m hiding so much from him and I don’t know where to start. Secrecy can be such a heavy burden to bear.“Miss Valentina, your progress in recovery is crucial. We’ve been at this for a year now, and it seems like we’re not making much headway,” my therapist says, drawing back my attention to him.“I’m doing my best, Preacher.”“And your best is c
I find myself entwined in Valentina’s embrace, her presence a source of comfort and joy. As we dance together, her laughter fills the air, and I’m overwhelmed by a sense of contentment that I’ve never known before. But then, everything shifts.Suddenly, I see myself dropping to one knee, a ring in hand, professing my love to Valentina in a moment that feels both surreal and intensely real. Her tearful acceptance fills me with elation, but just as quickly, a shadow descends, enveloping me in darkness.I hear Valentina’s desperate cry as she reaches out for me, but I’m powerless to escape the suffocating grip of the void. It swallows me whole, tearing me away from her.I jolt awake, my heart pounding furiously against my chest. Sweat coats my brow, and my breath comes in ragged gasps. It takes me a moment to orient myself.In the dimness of my room, I sit up, running a trembling hand through my dishevelled hair as I flick on the bedside lamp. It’s the same dream, the same vivid scenes p
Preparing to leave Menton for Tuscany, a sense of nervousness envelops me. Becca's words of encouragement offer some solace, but they do little to ease the restlessness stirring within me. With each item I pack, realisation hits me like a ton of bricks-I’m really going back. After shaving off my scruff and tidying up, a sense of renewal gradually washes over me. Looking into the mirror, I see a clearer version of myself.The drive to Tuscany is quiet, the road stretching out like an ocean. The winding roads trigger a sudden flashback to the accident that changed everything, causing me to pull over and collect myself before continuing towards Giovanni’s home.Arriving at Val d’Orcia region, where Giovanni’s spare house is located, I take a moment to settle in after the six-hour ride, glad I didn’t come across any border checks. It would have been the quickest way to announce my arrival.With my belongings unpacked and my mind restless, I'm drawn to the window. The view of the rolling h
Today is just fantastic! Started off with the exhilarating news of one of our perfume lines selling out, and then Chiara called, inviting me for dinner at her place later tonight. I could really use some friend time.With Giovanni's wedding buzz all over Italy, it's quite the spectacle. I'm genuinely happy for him; it's surprising to see him settle down considering his aversion to commitment. While I'd love to send a gift, I know better than to. Our paths cross from time to time at art functions but the look of detest he gives me every single time makes me want to beg for a chance to explain myself.“Valentina, Mr. Brooks would like to see you,” Adanna’s voice rings over the phone.“Sure, Adanna. Please let him know he can come in.”"Good morning, Valentina," Mr. Brooks greets warmly as he enters my office."Good morning, Mr. Brooks," I respond, promptly. "Please, have a seat."He settles into the chair across from me, and his expression softens into a smile. "Valentina, I must commen
6 years later………I roll up my hair, tying it into a bun as I prepare what the children will eat on their way to Mother’s place after Gabriella’s ballerina performance. Since the twins came along, our lives have been overwhelmed with intense joy.“Drop that floss, Gabriella!” I yell, running after her.“Daddy said I can have them,” she squeals, running outside with it.“I’ll go get her, Mama,” Gabriel says, running after her.“Thanks, baby.”Just then, Marco strolls into the kitchen.“Why are you giving me that look?”“We agreed on no sugar today, but you went behind my back and gave Gabriella permission to have cotton candy.”“What cotton candy?” he asks, trying to feign ignorance.“Marco, don’t play dumb.”“Okay, babe I’m sorry. When she asked, I intended to say no, but those big eyes got to me. It won't happen again,” he says, wrapping his arms around my waist.I gently push his hands away and reach for the children's food pack.“Baby, I said I'm sorry.”“Marco, this has to stop. Yo
As we gradually shift from autumn to winter, the smell of fallen leaves fills the air. The crisp, cool November breeze gently brushes against my bare skin as I stand outside our home, taking one final look at it before we move to our new place. I gather my last bag, smiling as many special memories here with Marco begin to play in my head.“I'm going to miss this house. We have so many good memories here.”“Me too,” Marco says staring at the house.“I know Becca is going to care for this place just like we did.”“I know she would.”“Look how far she has come. Buying her own cars and house.”“Business has been good and also, she suggested it was time to show my face.”“I agree with her. I know this isn't goodbye goodbye because we will obviously come and visit but it feels like it.”“Don’t worry, you will fall in love with this new place.”Marco drives us to our new place in Florence with our things already in place. With this new place, He went over the top. In this new home, it is l
Since Nonna learned about my bleeding, she has stopped me from going to work and instructed Mr. Thomas to step in until I give birth, which he agreed to without hesitation.Everyone went wild about the news, especially Mother and Nonna, and we all can't wait to find out their gender next month. Now that I'm showing, the general public now knows.With Mother’s wedding coming up, everyone aside from me has been super busy preparing for the big day, which is tomorrow.The only duty I’ve been given is to pick up Chiara’s dress because she wasn't around to take her measurements when we did. Once I pick it up, I drive down to the resort Nonna booked for the wedding.Nonna insisted she sponsor the wedding, and knowing Nonna, no one could argue with her. If you didn't know about our family history, you would mistake Alberto and Mother for her children.“That took you forever, sexy preggy,” Chiara says, opening the door.“Is this the thank you I get from crossing the Mediterranean Sea to get t
I pace up and down Giovanni’s corridor, seething with anger at what I witnessed hours ago. I had planned to surprise Valentina by picking her up from Nonna’s place for dinner, but I got surprised instead. I was so confused about whether to reveal myself or not. In the end, I turned around and headed for Giovanni’s place.Just a few nights ago, I was appreciating how well our marriage has been going and how open we are with each other, but what I saw today casts doubt on that belief.“So you saw her with James and?”“I didn’t like the way he was all over her. To make matters worse, she told me she was going to greet Nonna and Mother but didn't mention James would be there too.”“Okay? What if she didn’t tell you because she knew you would react like this?”“You are supposed to be on my side.”“Marco, tell me what you want me to say or do. Beat him up? Besides, you knew about his connections with the Matteos before you went in. Why do you have a problem with him all of a sudden? If you
Maintaining my pregnancy a secret till I start to show ended the moment I walked into Nonna’s place. Mother and Nonna simultaneously chorused it the second I stepped foot inside the house. Ever since Marco, Nonna, and mother found out about my pregnancy, I've been treated like an egg. With Marco, it's even worse. This man won't let me do anything at home. Mother and Nonna have made it their sole mission to stock up my house with food. Now all I do is go to work, peruse documents with my legs crossed and eat junk.It's a miracle that my clothes still fit. Preparing for the Pure Beauty Award global ceremony tonight, I put final finishing touches to my look before I slip on my heels. I wish father was here to see to witness this moment. His beauty and skin products were nominated for the Pure Beauty Award ceremony. “How do I look?” Marco asks stepping out of his closet.“Handsome as always.”“You look ravishing my love and I know you will bring home all the awards. You've shown nothin
I'm amazed at how much progress my parents and I have made. Visiting them frequently and vice versa without anyone bickering. Valentina and mother's laughter erupts from the kitchen filling the entire place as they organize lunch. “Marco, how has business been going?” Father asks, stretching a plate towards me.“It's been good, and how are you adjusting to your new line of business?”“Adjusting fine. Never knew I could do so well in supervising building projects. I'm taking that class you recommended.”“That's beautiful.”“Enough of business talks,” Mother announces, walking in with Valentina as they set the rest of the food on the table.“This smells so heavenly,” Father compliments, and I nod in agreement.“I can't take all the credit, your wife also assisted.”“Thank you both.”As we dish our food, I notice Valentina dishing a smaller portion of what she would normally eat, an occurrence that's been consistent for the past two weeks now. Also, lately, she has been easily irritated
“See that glow, you weren't this good-looking before you stepped on that plane last week. Despite the workload you came to handle after you got back, you are still looking flawless. Hmm, must be the marriage glow and the other reason why women glow,” Chiara gushes, offering me a plate of cake.“Your place just keeps getting better. I love what you did to the wall.”“Thanks, it is sad no man is surprising me with an aquarium in my home simply because I can’t get over moments from my trip.”I flush, remembering how I came home from Bora Bora to a gigantic aquarium nestled in a corner of our living room. A gift from Marco because I couldn't stop talking about our glass-bottom boat tour.“Stop being dramatic.”“I want my man too. Is there something I'm not doing right?”“Soon, you'll find your perfect match.”“I know, I just need to know how soon. I may have noticed you’re overly bubbly these days? Are you pregnant?”“What? No. Chiara, you are way too observant for my liking. You used to
These past few days in Bora Bora have been some of the best moments in my life so far. I can’t get over the beauty of the underwater world. The beautiful, colorful fishes and the coral reefs were breathtaking. I took so many pictures to last a lifetime.The thrill, fear, romance—everything—we experienced it on this trip, and I hate that we have to leave tomorrow. I don’t want it to end. My highlight has to be seeing Marco scream like a child when we went skydiving. Who ever knew that a day would come when I would see Marco Lorenzo scared of something?The lingerie Chiara and I shopped for has been nothing short of a game-changer. Chiara was right when she said they had the power to make a man lose his senses.Can the world just pause for another week so Marco and I can continue having so much fun without coming back to a truckload of work on our desks? I shudder at the thought of the workload piled on my desk right now.Cristos! Yesterday was Mother's date with Alberto, and I forgot t
Surrounded by lush greenery and the stunning beauty of the coastal waters, I feel completely refreshed and renewed. The peace here is unmatched, providing a perfect escape from the usual hustle and bustle of Tuscany. I’m still yet to get over the Mahi Mahi and rice from yesterday—so divine.After our long flight yesterday, we chose to relax and unwind for the rest of the day. I place a gentle kiss on Valentina, who is still sleeping soundly.I connect to the resort’s Wi-Fi and just as I'm about to start preparing for the day, Giovanni’s call comes in.“I’ve been away for how many days and you suddenly can’t breathe?”“Good day to you too, and last I checked, you are not Flora. Unlike you, I’m a good brother always wanting to check up on you and you, on the other hand, forget your brother once you are lost in love. How’s the honeymoon going?”“Wonderful, it’s such a beautiful place to be.”“I’ve been told. How’s your wife?”“Sleeping soundly. Yesterday’s flight was a bit overwhelming.