A gentle knock on my door rouses me from sleep, and I groggily check the time—it's already past 10 in the morning."Come in," I call out.Giovanni steps in, concern etched on his face."Everything alright?" he inquires."Yes, why do you ask?""You didn't return until midnight last night, and you missed breakfast this morning already. Just wanted to make sure you're okay.""I'm fine, Giovanni. I simply overslept. I would have come down for breakfast.""Flora just came by. She's preparing something she thinks will brighten your day," he adds, his tone lightening with a hint of optimism.If only Giovanni knew that my day, in fact, my week had already been brightened. Seeing Valentina yesterday brought me immense joy. I opened up to her about everything—from the morning of the accident to my return, even my nightmares and my plans to start up my own business afresh with the money I saved in another name. I'm glad she promised to keep in touch. It's clear I still have an effect on her, and
As I approach the living room, I catch the hushed tones of Giovanni and Flora, their murmurs barely audible. They speak in measured tones, discussing whether I am truly ready for the event after all I’ve gone through, and if my delay in getting ready signals a change of heart. Their concern is obvious, yet they reassure themselves that this is the best course of action. Just as I enter, they shuffle, Flora adjusting Giovanni’s tie.“You look good, brother,” Giovanni compliments.“I agree,” Flora says.“Thanks. You don't look bad yourself, Giovanni, and Flora, you look great as always.”“We should get going; we are already behind. Marco, are you ready?”“Yes, I think I am.”“You'll be fine, Marco,” Flora assures.“Here, drink this. It will calm you down,” Giovanni says stretching a mug towards me.“What's that?”“Chamomile drink. It will calm your nerves.”“Thanks,” I say, downing it.I glance at my phone once more, still hoping for a response from Valentina. Despite knowing that she’s
"This situation appears rather grim. The captured expressions on both of your faces raise concerns, and despite my desire to trust your words over a mere photograph, how do we address the perceptions of others?" Chiara inquires."You know what, Chiara? Can I call you back on this?""Of course."As I pace around the room, I reassure myself that this decision is for the best. Blocking him was necessary after discovering that he was unharmed. I toss a heap of magazines into the bin, each one with ridiculous headlines from the art exhibition event. One headline stands out among the rest: "Marco, Surviving a Series of Mishaps, is Stung by the Sight of his Ex with New Lover, James Williams," with a picture of him looking at James with disdain.If I knew he was going to show up, I wouldn't have come. Just as I start to process the headlines, James walks through the door, startling me."James? You didn't mention you were coming over," I say, surprised."I was in the neighborhood and thought I
"Marco, do you have a moment?""Sure, come on in. What's on your mind?""With the wedding approaching, I've been thinking about your situation. I don't want you to be alone here while we're away on our honeymoon. Have you thought about getting back on your feet? I'm willing to provide some financial support if needed.""Actually, I've been in touch with my accountant. It turns out the money I saved under a different name is still accessible. Since my father was listed as my next of kin and hasn't claimed it, it's just been sitting there. I should have enough to get myself back on track, I hope. I don't have any specific plans yet, but I'll figure something out before the wedding.""That's good to hear.""By the way, have you heard about Valentina and James? They've split up," I mention."After those photos, I'm not surprised. It's probably for the best. Anyway, I'll let you get back to what you were doing. It's great to see you and Beverly catching up.""Just as friends, though. I kno
"Hey girl, are we seriously going to watch Giovanni and Flora's wedding?" Chiara asks, her eyes widening in disbelief."Love is a beautiful thing and everyone's going to think I've got some ancient curse or something. Is the universe trying to send me a message?" I sigh, chucking popcorn into my mouth with abandon."Enough of this pity party," Chiara declares, snatching the remote and shutting off the TV."Hey, give that back!" I protest, lunging for the remote."Valentina Luca, listen up! You are not cursed! Marco didn't bail because he wanted to, but because his parents made him. You said it yourself. And trust me, God's got bigger things to deal with than your love life," Chiara reassures me, her tone firm but loving."After seeing that text, I don't know what to believe anymore. It's like every word out of Marco's mouth was a lie," I confess, feeling a surge of frustration."About that text, you said he didn't reply. You need to talk to Marco about this, Valentina. Clear the air,"
"Loosen up a bit, we're out for a friend," Alessandro nudges, a mischievous glint in his eye."Is it that obvious?" I ask, glancing around the crowded dance floor."What do you think?" he says, stretching out a glass of wine.I grab it and gulp everything down at once, feeling the burn of the alcohol."Slow down, that thing is strong," Alessandro warns, chuckling."You should have said that before handing it to me. I do not take alcohol anymore," I say through gritted teeth, trying to ignore the warmth spreading through my body.Just then, Beverly approaches with a radiant smile. "Marco, would you like to dance?" she asks, extending her hand.I hesitate for a moment, but then, I nod and take her hand, allowing her to lead me onto the dance floor. As we sway to the music, I can't help but notice how effortlessly we move together.After the dance, Beverly suggests, "Let's go up to the rooftop and get some air since the couple have bailed on us and the night is still young."I hesitate f
I walk through the grand hall, immediately enveloped in a world of luxury and grandeur. The space is adorned with striking hues of black and gold, interspersed with vibrant touches of green. In the midst of the bustling activity, tables are adorned with sleek black linens accented with gold trim, complemented by centerpieces featuring fresh green foliage and delicate gold accents. Candles in ornate gold holders add a romantic ambiance to each table.Workers in black attire move about, meticulously adjusting lighting fixtures and sound equipment. The open floor space for dancing gleams under the shimmering lights above. The dance floor itself is expansive, bordered by elegant gold railings adorned with cascading greenery, promising a fantastic night tomorrow.I notice Adanna and the event planner, Hannah, deep in conversation at the alcove of the ballroom. Approaching them, I clear my throat to announce my presence."Hannah, Adanna, how are the preparations for the ball coming along?"
"Are you sure this is going to work?" I inquire nervously, glancing at Beverly for reassurance."Trust me. No one can ignore the cry of a pregnant woman in distress," she says, pointing to the pregnancy prosthetic she has on."Beverly, I'm scared for your safety. What if they find out you aren't pregnant?""I'm quite experienced at handling situations like this. All I need to do is feign a kick from the baby, casually mention that it's a regular occurrence, and gracefully excuse myself to head home in time for my flight. Clad in a mask and an elegant dress simply means I came for the party, but given the circumstances, proceeding further is out of the question. The ball is already in full swing, and by now, guests should have stopped arriving. Only the men outside will witness the scene. Once you make it through the door, the rest is history. Don't forget, she's wearing a silver mask and an emerald dress with gemstones," Beverly explains confidently.I'm puzzled by how she knows all t
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.