The sun had dipped completely behind the hills by the time Noel slipped out of the guest bedroom and made his way downstairs. The De Luca estate was cloaked in stillness now, the kind that came after a storm…but inside him, the ache still roared.Mei was sleeping again. Restless, but tucked safely into her bed. It had taken nearly an hour of soft songs, gentle rocking, and whispered reassurances to get her there. Her small fingers had clung to Noel’s shirt the entire time, afraid he’d vanish like everything else she’d ever loved.Now, barefoot and drained, Noel padded through the marble hallway until he saw the light spilling out from the study.Vincenzo was inside, seated in a wingback chair, legs spread, elbows resting on his thighs. A crystal glass sat untouched on the table beside him. He didn’t even look up when Noel walked in. He already knew.Noel stood in the doorway for a moment, unsure. Then, softly, “She wouldn’t let go of me.”Vincenzo finally raised his eyes.“She’s scare
Last Updated : 2025-07-15 Read more