جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 17

The helicopter blades whirred to a stop, leaving only the crash of waves against the rugged Scottish cliffs. Luca stepped out onto the helipad, wind whipping his curls, the salty air filling his lungs like a cleansing breath. It had been nearly a year since their first hidden weekend here, one year since the island had become their sanctuary, a place where the world’s judgments couldn’t reach. Back then, it had been about escape; now, as Alexander and Julian flanked him, hands intertwined with his, it felt like coming home.The old stone manor loomed ahead, lights glowing warmly in the windows. No staff this time, just them. The twins had arranged everything: groceries stocked, fires laid, the world locked out.Luca’s heart swelled with a quiet joy he still couldn’t quite believe. The promotion had changed things, given him purpose beyond their bed, a seat at tables where he once only served. The family rift with the Voss parents had eased into a tentative truce; Reginald sent stiff e

The rings on Luca’s finger still felt new, a constant gleam that caught his eye during mundane moments like stirring coffee, signing foundation documents, or tracing the twins’ skin in bed. The public claim at the gala had shifted everything: invitations poured in, social media buzzed with a mix of support and snark, but Luca walked taller, the choker and bands a shield against doubt. Yet, as the train hurtled north toward Manchester, a different anxiety gnawed at him.“My family’s not like yours,” Luca said quietly, staring out at the blurring countryside. Alexander sat beside him, hand on his thigh; Julian across, scrolling emails but listening intently. “No estates. No silver. Just a terraced house, my mum’s lasagne, and my dad grumbling about football.”Alexander squeezed his leg. “We don’t care about that. We care about meeting the people who made you.”Julian looked up, smirking softly. “Besides, we’ve faced worse than a protective Italian family.”Luca’s childhood home was a na

Two years had woven their lives into a tapestry Luca could scarcely believe was real. The penthouse had evolved from a sleek bachelor pad into a true home, bookshelves lined with Luca’s favorite novels, a corner office for his foundation work, and walls adorned with photos from their travels: the Scottish island at sunset, the gala where they’d gone public, a candid shot from Luca’s family dinner in Manchester. The rings on his finger had dulled slightly from daily wear, but their meaning shone brighter: commitment, equality, forever.It started with a quiet conversation one rainy Sunday morning. Luca woke to the patter of droplets against the floor-to-ceiling windows, the Thames a misty blur below. He was sandwiched between the twins as always. Alexander’s arm draped over his waist, Julian’s breath warm on his neck. No alarms, no schedules; just the lazy luxury of time.Alexander stirred first, pressing a soft kiss to Luca’s shoulder. “Morning, love.”Julian mumbled something incohere