**Elena’s POV**The house was finally quiet. The joyful chaos of the afternoon had settled into a comfortable, peaceful hum. Everyone had gone home—Elario, Claudia, and the teenagers, Marco and his wife. Even the staff had finished their work and retreated to their own quarters. It was just Stefano and me, finally alone in the master bedroom.He decided that he never wanted us to have separate rooms again. He told me he needed to always feel my warmth and hear my breathing while he slept. I didn't mind. I wanted to be near him just as much.I stood in the middle of the large room, taking it all in. The lights were dim, and the aroma of sandalwood and Stefano’s soap filled the air. It was a masculine space, but now it felt like it belonged to both of us.Stefano stood near the window, gazing out at the dark gardens where the moon reflected off the fountain. He was still dressed in the formal white shirt and black pants he had worn for the party. I watched him from behind, admiring how
Read more