Two broken men, standing in the ruins of old mistakes. Maybe even building something better.
I nod once. “You’re right, I’m handling this. Don’t worry.”
With newfound determination, I head toward the front door.
Luciana leans against the frame, arms crossed, watching me, a soft glint in her eyes.
"You finally packing your balls for the trip?"
I crack a tired smile. "Figured it’s about damn time, right?"
She pushes off the frame and hugs me, tight and fierce, no hesitation.
"Go fix it and go get your girl."
I squeeze her back. Hard. "You really missed your calling as a drill sergeant."
She grins, stepping back. "Someone's got to keep you in line."
For the first time in what feels like forever, my chest doesn't feel quite so heavy.
This time, I’m running toward something. Not away.
I yank out my phone and call Valentino.
He picks up on the second ring. “About damn time, Alessio.”
"Get the jet ready. I'm coming back to the States."
A beat of silence, then Valentino’s tone hardens. "Be at the takeoff site in thirty minutes."
I hang up and stare out into the night, fury crackling under my skin.
No more hiding. No more second-guessing.
I’m taking my life back.
34
SOPHIE
I slam my laptop shut, the sound too loud in the empty apartment.
The media storm isn’t slowing down. If anything, it’s gaining strength, feeding on itself like a fire no one can put out.
Eva’s article has gone viral.
Everyone has an opinion. A hot take. A theory about who Alessio Marchetti really is and what kind of girl would be stupid enough to fall for him.
Me. I am that stupid girl. And maybe they’re not wrong.
I press the heels of my hands into my eyes, willing the burn of tears away.
They don’t know the truth. None of them do.
But right now? I'm not even sure I do.
I try to focus. Just… breathe. Drink some water. Do the stupid prenatal stretches the app keeps reminding me about.
