Vincenzo led her to the master suite, where they shared a long, soothing bath, the water washing away the intensity of their earlier conversation.Afterward, they dressed slowly, preparing for Vincenzo to fulfill his promise: to show Vittoria every corner of the city that held a piece of his story.“Tell me our first stop is the Roman Baths,” Vittoria said, her excitement evident as she bent to tie her sneaker laces.“I’m at your service to take you wherever you wish, my lady. The Roman Baths are just the beginning—today, Bath exists for you.”“You’re getting awfully romantic,” she teased, standing and wrapping her arms around his neck, a playful smile dancing on her lips. “Should I be worried?”“You should, bella, because every day I spend with you only convinces me of one thing: I’ll never let you slip out of my life again.”Vittoria flashed a brief smile, as if ready to retort, but her words faded when Vincenzo gripped her waist and pulled her close.The kiss came unexpectedly, dee
Vittoria leaned in and kissed him, wholly surrendered to the love that bound them, her heart swelling with gratitude for these fleeting moments of serenity and joy after such intense, turbulent days.“I can’t wait to travel with you again,” she whispered, her lips grazing his in a caress that blended tenderness with desire.Instantly, breakfast became a forgotten detail, and as always between them, the spark of desire flared without restraint, setting every inch of their bodies ablaze.Vincenzo pulled her onto his lap, the press of their bodies drawing a soft moan from her lips.Vittoria gave herself over completely, her fingers threading through his hair, pulling him closer, as if their nearness could never be enough.Heat spread across their skin, each touch igniting the surrounding air, until their breaths mingled in ragged sighs and murmured whispers.Days passed, and together, Vittoria and Vincenzo attended every funeral, offering solace to the families whose lives had been shatt
The rosebush before them swayed gently in the breeze, as if it too shared the sorrow of the moment, a silent witness to a love that endured even in absence.Vittoria wept softly, her body surrendered against Vincenzo’s chest, as if seeking refuge from the reality that cut so deeply.Vincenzo closed his eyes tightly, holding her firmly in his arms, and silently prayed to his son, a silent plea that wherever he was, he would feel the love they would always give him.“You’ll always be a part of me, and I’ll never stop loving you,” Vittoria whispered, her fingers gliding over a petal with a tender touch, as if it were a caress meant for their child.Then, with a heavy sigh laden with grief, Vittoria rose slowly, summoning the last of her strength to pull herself together.Vincenzo stood with her, unwavering, staying close and silently lacing his fingers with hers.Together, they walked back along the path, step by step, with the quiet resolve of those who knew pain didn’t vanish but could
For a moment, only the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves filled the silence, as if nature itself held its breath in reverence for their shared moment.“No matter what’s happened, no matter how much time we’ve lost, you’re here now, and that’s all that matters to me,” Vincenzo murmured, each word a solemn, eternal vow.In that instant, they understood with absolute clarity: nothing could tear them apart again.Whatever the world threw at them, every barrier had been shattered, every fear silenced.All that remained was the two of them, whole in each other, their heartbeats a living testament that, above all else, their love was all that existed.Vittoria turned slowly in his arms, her eyes still glistening but now lit with a serene smile.“Vince, can we go to him?” she whispered, her words heavy with a sorrow that hung in the air.“We can,” Vincenzo replied softly, understanding exactly what she meant.He laced his fingers with hers, and together they walked in silence alon
Vincenzo pulled her into a tight embrace, as if letting go might mean losing her forever, and pressed a lingering kiss to the crown of her head, feeling the soft strands of her hair against his lips.Vittoria dissolved into silent tears, burying her face against his chest, and he stroked her gently, as if his touch could shield her from the world and mend her sorrow with his strength.“I know it’s not fair to ask this of you,” Vittoria murmured, her voice breaking under the weight of her guilt. “But…”“Shh, bella,” Vincenzo hushed her, holding her even closer. “I could never bear being the cause of your pain,” he confessed, his hand gliding tenderly down her back.He closed his eyes for a moment, breathing in her sweet, unmistakable scent, mingling with the fresh air of the hills.“I promise,” he said at last, cradling her face gently between his hands, his thumbs brushing away the tears that streaked her cheeks.He leaned down, pressing a slow kiss to her forehead, then another to th
Vincenzo rose, adjusting his suit jacket with the commanding presence that defined him, his eyes noting Fabrizio’s more restrained imitation, as if the gesture were a subtle test of strength between them.“I have other matters to attend to. Make sure everything stays under control,” Vincenzo declared, his voice thick with authority that left no room for questions.Without waiting for a response, he strode out of the room, his presence as commanding as his words.Fabrizio sank into the chair behind the desk, his fingers trailing along the armrests as a satisfied smile curled his lips, as if he believed he’d seized control of the conversation.“Fool, so easy to play,” Fabrizio muttered, pulling his phone from his pocket and typing a message with an ironic smirk, relishing the venom of his scheming.Meanwhile, in a quiet café tucked away from the city center, Vittoria cradled her coffee cup, letting the warmth seep into her delicate fingers, savoring a rare moment of peace.“So that’s it