4. GIULIANNA

The sound of frying eggs and little cute laughs are what makes my morning so productive.

“Sofia, don't exhaust yourself.” I warned smilingly after hearing her giggle while playing.

Sofia has always been so full of life despite her heart condition. Always trying to live her life like the other children

I turned the stove on low heat and let the eggs cook gently. I looked over my shoulder and saw Sofia sitting on the floor in her pajama set. She's playing with our mutt, bruno.

Sofia giggled louder as the dog barked happily who’s now trying to climb over her little legs. She raised her hands in defense and bruno stck her tongue out to lick her.

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Alright, alright.” I wiped my hands quickly and walked over. “Come here, sweetie.” I said and carried her up to my arms.

Sofia laughed as I carry her up. “He can’t reach me now." she teased at bruno. The dog barked as if offended.

I kissed the side of her head and brought her with me back to the stove. “Alright, sweetie. Time to finish breakfast.”

Her little body rested on my hip while I cooked the eggs gently with my free hand. Sofia looked amazed while I cook. As if it's her first time to see me make breakfast.

When I finished cooking, I sat Sofia on the chair and carefully prepared the table. I turned my head toward Bruno who is now lying by the kitchen door. He wagged his tail like he's waiting for his own share.

I laughed, but then the doorbell rang. Before I could even gl to it, Sofia stood up and said, “I'll open it.”

“Don't run, Sofia.” I shouted as she ran to open the door. Silly, girl.

One of these days, she's gonna give me a heart attack. “Mommy, someone's looking for you!”

I set the plates aside on the table and made my way to her. My heart panicked when I saw her standing near the gate and talking to his father. Matteo Ricci.

My feet walked faster. I nearly slipped on the tiles just so I could reach her

He kneeled and looked up at her with a soft expression. "Hey there, princess,” he said gently. “What’s your name?”

Before Sofia could open her mouth to answer, I stepped between them, yanking her gently toward me. “Sofia!”

She flinched when she heard my tone. I brushed her hair and she softened. “Sweetheart, go inside. Mommy just needs to talk to the stranger for a bit.”

Matteo stared at me like he hadn’t seen the sun in three years.

I forced a smile for Sofia's sake, “Go now, baby. I’ll be right in.”

She hesitated for a minute but then turned her back away and walked toward the house, the screen door closing behind her.

And then it was just us. Just me and the man I never wanted to see again. Yet never stopped dreaming about.

“How did you know where I live?” I asked sharply

Matteo stood up slowly. His body was undeniably well built. "I used my connections,” he said, not even trying to lie. “People owed me favors.”

I let out a bitter laugh. “Unbelievable.”

“Giuli—”

“No.” I cut him off. “You don’t get to say my name like that. Like nothing happened. And just forget how you three everything because of a lie?”

He took a step closer. “I know I messed up but I didn’t come here to fight.”

“Then what? You thought you’d just show up and all’s forgiven?”

He shook his head. “Giuli, I just want to make it up to you and to my kid.”

“To make it up to her?” I sneered.

“I’m asking for a chance on you. And to also know my daughter.” He said sincerely.

I stared at him for a long second. And for a terrifying moment, I sighed, arms crossed. “Fine. You want to introduce yourself? Meet me at my shop later.”

He looked relieved when I finally agreed.

“But hear me,” I added coldly. “If you do anything dangerous or hurt her in any way. I swear to make sure you regret ever trying to find us.”

He nodded solemnly. “I wouldn’t dare, dolcezza.”

“Good,” I said. “Then we’ll see.” and with that, I turned around and walked back into the house.

A couple of hours went by, and while giving Sofia a bath. I asked her a question. “Baby, what would you feel if you're about to meet Daddy?”

I nearly vomited when I called his father ‘Daddy’. Sofia looked at me, “Daddy's bad. He left us.” she said with a frown on her face.

“Does daddy love me? If no, I don't want to meet him. I don't want my heart to be hurt.”

Oh, dear. Mommy don't want your heart to be hurt too.

“Sweetie, I'm sure your Daddy loves you. And I'm sure your dad…had reasons why he had to leave.”

Of course I lied. My kid is too young to understand any of what's going on.

I gave Sofia a light bath before dressing her up in her favorite soft sunflower dress. Then, I took a moment to also prepare myself. I stared at my reflection, I looked tired eyes. I chose to wear my casual fit–black sleeveless shirt, denim jeans, and my usual work boots.

Still… I can't help think that what if he looked at me and thought I let myself go? That the woman he once loved was gone?

I took a deep sigh and shaked the thought away. Who cares what Matteo Ricci thinks. I'm not doing this for myself. This is for Sofia.

We arrived at the shop a little past ten. I pulled the old pickup into the gravel lot and parked. As soon as I turned off the engine, I saw Matteo inside the shop talking to Lucia.

He was leaning on the counter with his arms crossed. But as soon as the truck door opened his gaze went to us like a magnet.

I went down first and went to the backseat door to open it. Matteo couldn't move, he just stares at his daughter as I carried her out of the truck.

He stared at her like she was a miracle. Like he didn’t know if he should drop to his knees and beg her to be a father to him.

Sofia whispered to Bruno, “That’s him. That’s Daddy.”