I sit on the terrace quietly enjoying the view with a glass of wine in my hand. The events of recent times replay in my head making me think of how fleeting life really is. If I had lost my life in the hands of those kidnappers, where would things stand currently? Mother would no doubt be in shambles by now. I quickly shake my head to dispel the negative thoughts from my head, I’m here and alive, that’s all that matters. I close my eyes and recline deeper into my seat; my thoughts divert to Marco. The last time we spoke he told me his mother his back in the country, the idea of both of them suddenly back scares me. I want to tell Marco about how I feel considering how things stand between us now, but they are his parents and I don’t want to create any tension between them. They ruined our marriage with their undue influence, as long as they are there things may not change not unless Marco stand firmly with them. My phone rings on the little table before me bringing an end to my w

The sun is beginning to go really low in the sky when I finish packing my box in preparation of going to Marco’s place. The thought of spending several days with him thrills me and not even the thought of being in the same space with his parents can dampen my spirits.Chaira waltz in just as I am preparing to head out of the room, she promptly raises an eyebrow at my luggage.“Where are you headed to with such heavily-packed box?”In no mood for coyness, I answer as directly as possible.“Marco’s.”“Didn’t you just get back from his place a couple of days ago?”“And your point is what exactly?”She raises her hands in mock surrender.“Nothing, I’m just surprised at how you people went from zero to one thousand so quickly.”“That’s rich coming from you who spent a whole extra one week in Santorini over a guy you just met.”She smiles coyly at my words, yeah something definitely went down in Santorini, but knowing Chiara, she won’t say anything till she’s ready to share.“That rem

“Ok then, I’ll go heat up something for us.”“How about you my dear , sit down at the dining or anywhere comfortable while I go and heat up something for us.”“What? No, I’ll do that.”“Dolcezza, I insist. Would you like juice or anything?”“I’ll have whatever you’re having,” I say, returning his smile.As Marco disappears into the kitchen, I can't help but be excited to see this side of his caring nature again just like when we first met. I hope this comes to stay if and when we decide to get back together.“There’s leftover pastiera di riso, what do you think?” Marco calls out from the kitchen.“Sounds perfect,” I reply smiling, thinking about the pleasant rapport we’ve been having lately.“You know, now that you’re feeling better and Becca’s returning to her own place, you might need some help around here,” I mention casually.“Funny you mention that. I was actually thinking the same thing last night,” He admits.“I like Becca. She’s so kind , full of life and helpful.”“She feels

“Including the drug charges?”I ask in disbelief at what I just heard. The charges against my father have been dropped following his release, I’ve always known the Fabio family had connections in the higher places but I didn’t know they could do this.The lawyer shakes his head grimly at my question.“Unfortunately, those charges still stand. The police found the drugs in his closet and he has already confessed it was him who stashed them there, that cannot be undone.”My heart falls at his words, the hope growing in me earlier dies immediately.“So what do we do?” “For now, nothing but wait for a court order regarding that.”“What about his assets?”“No news about that yet, but I strongly advise against placing too much hope in getting them back.”I look away my brain thinking fast about the new development, I guess I should be happy all the charges have been dropped except the drug charges. The good news is I have access to the company shares now, he can always rebuild his life f

The ringing of my phone wakes me up from an otherwise restful sleep, I open my eyes slowly. I struggle to keep my eyes open while trying to get a bearing of where my phone is ringing from. The sound of my ringtone echoes again and I curse loudly. Who is calling me so early in the morning anyways?I grope the bedside table for my phone, when I finally touch it I pick it up. Giovanni!“What is it?” I grumble into the phone, I really just want to lay in bed all day with Valentina.“Hello to you too.” His cheerfulness takes the little sleep left from my body, I don’t trust that early morning cheerfulness.“What is it this time?”“You are asking me? I should be asking you that question considering the uproar you’re causing right now.”Valentina walks in, sleep is still evident in her eyes making her look innocent and beautiful at the same time. I am momentarily distracting me from what Giovanni just said, I bring myself back to the call giving Valentina a soft smile.“What do you mean?