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
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
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
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
Golden light covers the hills, casting long shadows over the olive trees surrounding the studio signalling the day was far gone. I gather my paintbrushes and head out of the studio."So fast?" asks James Williams, my newfound friend, with a warm sentiment in his voice."Yes. I'm done for the day.""And you wanted to head out without biding me goodbye? Come on, I thought we are friends now?""I'm sorry. Didn't know time had gone by so fast hence my reason for rushing out.""No need to fret, you're forgiven. By the way, I really liked your painting today.""Coming from someone as skilled as you, I appreciate that.""It's nothing. Goodbye, Vee," bid James."Bye James and it's Valentina." I correct gently trying not to sound rude."I like Vee better. A domani?" he inquires, prompting a smile to grace my lips—a rare occurrence."I see, the American boy is learning fast.""What can I say? Learning the language of a country is the key that unlocks its culture's treasures. Plus I have a brill
I struggle with the mystery of Marco's betrayal, locked up in this room with little or no food, wondering what misstep of mine caused him to serve me with divorce papers.Maybe, without these traits, he could’ve seen the depth of my love. As I look at my reflection, damaged, I grab the scissors from my vanity. I've given my everything to this man, loved him unconditionally, endured the scorn from his family, and yet, I'm repaid with this?"Cristos!" exclaims Mother, bewildered, as she walks in on me cutting my hair.I pay no heed to her, my focus locked on cutting my hair. She forcibly takes the scissors, gathering the strands on the floor, as if she could somehow fix the damage already done."Mia bambina, what have you done?" she asks, tears streaming down her face."My red hair, blue eyes, pointed nose, and this so-called hourglass shape – these are the reasons Marco noticed me in the first place. He mentioned all that to me the first time we met at an art exhibition," I say, tears
Sébastien, James' head of security, instantly removes his glasses upon seeing me and then puts them on immediately. Why the expression? I didn't cut off a part of my head; I merely shaved a section of my hair. It's not that bad. Okay, maybe a tiny bit, but that's the least of my worries."Holy Mary! You look..you look .." he stammers."Terrible? James what are you doing here? How did you find my house address and why do you have your security men hovering all over my mother's house?""Good evening miss Luca." Sebastien greets."James? You haven't answered my question?""Can I come in? I'd rather avoid someone seeing us and giving the press more fodder.""Alright," I respond, motioning for him to enter while Mother excuses us."Glad you are in one piece. I was beginning to lose my mind.""That doesn't answer my question James. What are all those men doing in my house? How did you find me and what do you want?""Vee, a question at a time.""And time is what I don't have!"Mother strolls
As the sun blazed down relentlessly, everything shimmered in a golden haze, kissed by its unrelenting heat. While driving down Santo Spirito's streets, the negative stories told about these walls resurface in my mind, but my determination triumphs over any lingering apprehension. With precision, I scan the lively and diverse atmosphere, informed by a little birdie that Valentina often takes this route around this time.'Remind me why we're in Florence, especially in Santo Spirito of all places?'" Giovanni whines.I look at him frustrated.“Don’t answer that. How are we going to find her if we keep roaming around in circles?” he inquires.“Quit the questions, Giovanni! I'm trying to concentrate.”“I'm out here simply because you are a friend. If I get killed in the quest to find a woman you claim not to love, let it be known that I laid my life for a brother!”“No one is dying.”“I hope so.”Stressed out, I sigh, "She must be around here somewhere."“You haven’t told me why you are lo