𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐓 𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 | 𝟏𝟖+

Chapter 27

MILA

"I really love the way you love me"

***

I was on Laura's couch when my phone rang for the third time. I'd been avoiding talking to my parents about my engagement, but told Odessa and Camille every detail, keeping the more explicit parts to myself.

They'd both been super supportive. We've had a lot of wedding talk and planning the last two days.

Tomorrow, we go back to Los Angeles—back to reality.

I finally picked up my cell after my mother called for the fourth time.

"What? Now you can't pick up the phone, mija?" Her voice laced with concern.

"I've just been busy, mama. Sorry."

"Busy my ass. How is Italy?"

"It's how it's been the past few days. Beautiful."

"When were you going to tell me you got engaged?"

I froze, and thought back to how I forgot to tell Odessa not to mention it.

"Mama-" She cut me off.

"No. I thought you trusted me enough to protect you and your relationship from your father?" I could feel her frown radiating from the other side of the phone.

"I promise when I get back, we'll have lunch and I'll tell you all about it. Love you," I ended the call before she could object.

"Are you okay?" Pricilla's voice startled me. "Yeah, it was just my mom."

"Focus on your engagement! How do you feel about being one step closer to becoming a wife? I remember when my husband proposed to me. It wasn't even close to as thoughtful as yours, but it still holds a special place in my heart," Priscilla said, going on with details about how he proposed in front of Laura's house.

Later, I returned to the hotel and finished packing, waiting for Theo to return with takeout.

About an hour had passed until I smelled the Chinese I'd been missing since I left home.

"I'm back, neonata. They didn't have egg rolls, so I opted for yellow chicken. Is that alright?" I nodded.

"How was your day?" Theo asked me, stuffing his mouth with fried rice. "My mom called, she knows. I know it's not Odessa's fault, and I should have called my mother straight away, but I didn't. And I don't know why." I sighed.

"Don't beat yourself up over it, tesoro. Look on the bright side, you're going to be Mrs. Theodore Romano." He leaned in to kiss my hand.

I blushed. "Do you know how hard it is to plan a wedding? Who would've thought, baby? I need a dress, a wedding planner, and bridesmaids attire.."

"Relax, we still have time. Let the news sink in first."

We continued eating before settling with a movie on the hotel sofa.

Theo massaged my scalp with essential oils, and I fell asleep almost instantly.

I woke up the next day in the hotel bed, opening my eyes to the sight of a shirtless Theo.

"Well good morning," he walked over to me and places a gentle kiss on my forehead. "Now it is," I muttered under my breath, and earned myself a sly smirk from him.

"What time are we leaving?" I rubbed my eyes tiredly. "6pm. We still have time. Do you want to get brunch and shop before we go?"

"I'd love that. I'll be ready in two hours. I have a lot to do." I got up from bed and headed to the bathroom.