Shit… I jolt awake with my body covered in sweat. My breathing is erratically fast as I sit upright and place a hand over my racing heart, trying to elevate my escaping breath. I glance at Chrissy, who is still peacefully asleep, and let out a sigh of relief that I didn't disturb her slumber. As I emerge from the bed, I make my way to the bathroom and step into the steam-filled shower, allowing the scalding water to envelop me. I gratefully allow the water to wash away the perspiration that clings to my body as I attempt to make sense of the unclear vision… or haunting night terror. I'm still uncertain about what to label it. The conversation I shared with Celeste felt deeply authentic. Every word resonated with me and brought clarity to my thoughts. I gently rest my hand on my stomach, hoping for the courage to make the best decision for our future and raise this child with Luca. For a few more days, I will not know if I am pregnant. I am aware that I had impulsively informed Luca

A knock resonates through our hotel suite, and I glance up at the clock on the wall. Somehow, forty minutes have managed to pass by in what feels like twenty. I pull the door open, and I’m greeted by a man dressed in an all-black, expensive looking suit. “Miss. Maddison?” He asks me as he removes his sunglasses from his face and tucks them into the breast pocket of his jacket. “Let me guess. You're with Luca?” I ask, unimpressed, contemplating if all his men are dressed like they belong in the Mafia. Hmm… I wonder if they have to personally purchase their suits or if there is a one-time uniform allowance given to them. “That’s correct. My name is Anton.” He straightens his spine and puts his hands behind his back. “At ease soldier.” I lightly chuckle and open the door wider, gesturing for him to come in. “May I inquire who will be driving the car back?” I ask as I go to retrieve the keys on the dining room table. “Derry is waiting down bottom. He has strict instructions to brin

As promised, Luca arrived to pick me up two hours later. Right on time, neither a second early nor a minute late. He couldn't help but feel a sense of intrigue as he watched me climb into the Beast with the box that had dessert inside of it. I smirked and playfully teased him, letting him know that he would have to wait until dessert to uncover the surprise. I was captivated by one of his enchanting smiles that I seldom witnessed. Upon our arrival at his penthouse, I promptly placed the dessert in the refrigerator. Luca went to freshen up and change into something more relaxed. I notice a bottle of wine resting on the bench. I retrieve two wine glasses from the cupboard, uncork the bottle, and carefully pour the glasses halfway before taking them into the living room, delicately placing them on the coffee table. “Do you think you should be drinking, Vanessa?” I feel his breath on my nape. I slowly turn around and face him. “I’m sorry,” I say as I scrunch my nose up at him. “I saw th

I step into the kitchen and begin to rinse the dinner plates in the sink, carefully placing them into the dishwasher. My thoughts start to wander, and I find myself reflecting on Rosalias' words. Imagine how different life would be if Celeste were here. Would she and Giovanni have ended up getting married and having more children? Would I have a spouse by now, and what career path would I have pursued? Would our parents still be happily married and more involved in our lives? There are countless possibilities for the directions our lives could have taken. Strong hands firmly hold my hips as my back presses against a solid chest. Luca gently brushes my hair aside and plants a tender kiss on my neck. “What is wrong, cara mia?” He whispers in my ear. His warm breath plagues my skin with goosebumps. “I’m fine.” I sigh, unwilling to offer more of an explanation. Liar, liar pants on fire… “Then why have you been scrubbing the same plate for the last five minutes.” He murmurs bef

I exit the room and make my way down to the hospital lobby area. “Nessa?” A familiar voice calls out. I turn around and see Sanz standing in the corner with another man. I give him a little wave, and he walks over to me. “Is everything okay?” He asks, his voice full of concern with his eyes matching. “Yeah. I was just visiting a friend.” I shamelessly lie to him. “What are you doing here?” My gaze drifts to the man he was with earlier. “That’s Carlos.” Sanz smiles, wagging is brows in a frenzy wave. “He’s an ER doctor, and… I've been seeing him for the past couple of days.” A sly smile crosses his face, and he winks at me. “You’re gay?” I whisper, my voice full of shock. “I’m Bi. I'm kind of a greedy prick.” He adds with a smile filled with pride. “I had no idea!” I lowly exclaim. “No one ever does. It's so much fun gorging everyone’s reaction the first time I tell them.” He snickers. “He’s very good-looking.” The words leave my mouth before I’m able to stop them. “You w