ella

t soup and glasses

Sofia, shielding her with his own body. He grunted as the scaldi

ed frantically, his hands checking her face

voice a little shaken. "Just a

ing. As long as you're not hurt." He picked her up as if she weighed no

nce looked

my lap, soaking through my dress and searing my thigh. A raw,

ain, in a moment of pure insti

walked out of the restaurant alone. I took a cab to the nearest

y cleaned it, applied ointment, and wrapped it i

saw Sofia's latest post. A picture of Giovanni gently applying cream to t

o lucky to have a man who wou

ad always been attentive, bringing me flowers, remembering anniversaries. But seeing him with

zzed. It wa

so sorry, Bella. I had to get S

n't r

oor. He saw the thick bandage on my

ed a private specialist, who was on their way with the best burn treatmen

le. "I should have checked on you," he murmured, his voice thick with regret. "It's just... with So

a beaut

motion. "You don't need to make promises you can't kee

, velvet box from his pocket and opened it. Inside was a diamond necklace, glittering under the lampli

k at his pleading face. I calmly p

dn't be appropriate for your brother's

held the door open for him. He left, looking utte

respect. Giovanni was constantly by Sofia's side. To celebrate h

ng through the trees, and the air smelled of roses and champagne.

es of extravagant gifts. A vintage sports car, a rare painting, a

per behind me. "Like a prince and his princess. I fee