other's arms. Last night had been tender and passionate after her emotional confession

ncertainties. Had she allowed a temporary fantasy to cloud her judgment? Wh

er eyes. "Penny for your thoughts, my

ce her conflicted emotions. She sa

e reality," she admitted, fidgeting with the corner of a pillow. "My life is prett

his smile had faded into a troubled

ircumstances," he said fervently. "Don't let fear

her off to San Francisco in a few short hours, where emails and meetings awaited,

n. He cupped her face in his hands

st a little longer. You

ks loomed large in her mind - work obligations,

ck tears. "I just need some

understand," he whispered against her hair. "I just hope

bt and regret already. But her rational

tha watched the Italian coast fade from view, tears slipped do

h work, determined not to spiral. She declined drinks w

agining his pain at her departure. She picked up her phone to call

roduct redesign, marketing campaign, big investor meeting. B

the truth. She had been clinging to the safe path, too afraid to take a leap. But in leaving Luk

e showed up on Julia

ake," she confessed, telling

t. "Oh honey, just go

, unsure if he would even want to see her. But she had to try. She pace

mantha switched her phone on. A dozen m

se ca

iss

need more time, but k

hter with longing. How could s

e she could overthink it. He p

hed in surprise and re

. "I'm in Italy, back in Milan

ar your voice," he said emotionally. "

hotel. Samantha paced the gravel paths, puls

y. He seemed to stop himself from rushing forwar

o sorry I left. I was scared of getting hurt b

nto his arms and kissed her deeply. Samantha m

against her hair. No more doubts or fears could

onciling in Italy. Luke booked her a flight

ntha didn't hesitate - she packed up her San Francisco

e restaurants and black tie galas on his arm, introducing Samantha as his girlfriend with pride. She di

s were celebrities, aristocrats and cultural icons. But Luke went out of his way to make he

e two of them alone again. Luke was opening up more about his solitary childhood and the

her feel so secure and loved. Being together in Italy was just th

isastrous yacht party, he reached across the table to take her hand. "Marry me," he said sudde