Page 32 of Temptation
Both of their faces radiate pure joy, their smiles as bright as the sun.
Another photograph that catches my eye seems to have been taken shortly after the twins’ birth.
Fabrizio cradles a baby in each arm, looking directly at the camera with an expression overflowing with joy and pride. His happiness is palpable, almost as if it could leap out of the frame.
The remaining frames are filled with images of Maddy and Flynn during their early months. Each picture captures precious moments of their infancy, yet one photograph stands out among the rest.
It depicts two women who look remarkably alike despite their different hair colors—one blonde, the other with darker, more brownish hair. The blonde woman is Alexandra Moretti.
“Twins run in the family.”
I jump, startled by Fabrizio’s voice suddenly breaking the silence behind me. He gently takes the frame from my hand and carefully places it back in its spot. An uncomfortable feeling of intrusion washes over me.
“The children never mentioned they had an aunt,” I say, trying to mask my awkwardness.
“They never got to know her,” Fabrizio replies flatly, his tone leaving no room for further questions.
“Oh,” is all I manage to utter. He clears his throat, the air between us thick with unspoken words.
“The children’s rooms are upstairs, along with the bathroom and the main bedroom. Oliver will stay in the guestroom downstairs.” He pauses briefly before adding, “So your belongings are already upstairs, in case you want to change.”
Though he doesn’t explicitly say that we will be sharing a room and a bed, the implication is unmistakable. My heart flutters with excitement while my stomach churns with nervous anticipation and a pang of dread.
“Okay,” I respond, walking past him towards the stairs.
Just as I begin my ascent, he speaks again. “I have a few things to take care of, but I’ve told the twins I will be home for dinner.”
A gasp escapes my mouth as I step into the bedroom, my eyes widening in awe at the breathtaking sight before me.
“Holy shit,” I whisper under my breath, unable to contain my amazement. This room is absolutely stunning.
Towering, ceiling-high windows dominate one wall, offering an unobstructed view of the glittering beach and the endless expanse of the sea beyond. The horizon is framed by swaying palm trees, their leaves rustling gently in the light breeze that drifts in through the open windows. The sunlight filters through, casting a warm, golden glow that dances across the room, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.
The room is furnished with pieces that are both light in color and design, exuding a sense of warmth and friendliness that makes the space feel incredibly welcoming. Soft, plush chairs and a cozy loveseat are strategically placed to invite relaxation and comfort. But the true centerpiece, the undisputed highlight of the room, is the magnificent king-sized four-poster bed that stands proudly in the middle.
Its tall, elegant columns reach up towards the ceiling, creating a sense of grandeur and luxury. Vivid images flood my mind as I imagine the myriad of possibilities those sturdy columns could offer. My thoughts begin to wander, drifting into a realm of tantalizing fantasies. Before I allow my mind to delve too deeply into these enticing daydreams, I shake my head slightly andfocus on the task at hand. I grab the bag that has been placed on the bed and begin to unpack, though my eyes continue to steal glances at the mesmerizing view and the opulent bed that promises endless possibilities.
“Check out those waves!” Maddy exclaims, her voice buzzing with excitement as she points towards the ocean.
“They are huge!” Flynn responds, his eyes wide with awe as he watches the towering waves crash against the shore.
It’s pure joy to watch Maddy and Flynn as they zip around the beach with boundless energy. Their laughter rings out, mingling with the sound of the surf. After carefully building a massive sandcastle, they are now playing a thrilling game of wave chase, running back and forth, their feet kicking up sprays of sand and water.
Seeing them so carefree, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions. Part of me envies their carefree spirits and unburdened hearts. The past few days have been tough, yet it’s a relief to see that those events haven’t dampened their innocent joy. ”Ms. Walsh, I’m hungry,” Maddy announces as she flops down onto the blanket beside me, her face flushed with exertion and delight.
Flynn, not far behind her, races towards us, each step sending little clouds of sand into the air. “I want ice cream,” he declares with determination as he skids to a halt next to the blanket.
“No sweets before dinner,” I remind him gently, though I know he’s well aware of this rule. His pout is short-lived, knowing the boundaries are firm.
Fabrizio mentioned he’d be home for dinner, but he left no specific instructions, and given our recent chaotic arrival, I doubt there’s much in the pantry to work with.
“So, how about we order some pizza?” I suggest, hoping to keep the evening simple yet enjoyable.
“Yay!” both children squeal in unison, their faces lighting up with glee at the prospect of a pizza dinner.
Their happiness is contagious, and as I watch their animated expressions, I feel a sense of contentment wash over me. Despite the uncertainties and challenges, moments like these remind me of the simple joys that make life so precious.
Though he had promised to be here, Fabrizio doesn’t show up for dinner. The absence of their father might have been a significant blow, but the kids are far too excited to notice. The thrill of being by the beach, playing in the sand, and stuffing their faces with delicious pizza has them in high spirits. Or maybe they don’t complain because they’re used to their father breaking his promises.
