The Assassins Kiss

Chapter 25

Ezra's POV

We walk through the streets of Milan, the crisp air biting at our skin, but the city is alive with holiday spirit.

The lights twinkle on every corner, and the shops are packed with last-minute Christmas shoppers.

The sound of laughter fills the air, the energy contagious, even as it seems so far removed from what's sitting heavy on my chest.

Lily is perched on my dad's shoulders, her little hands gripping his hair, her eyes wide as she takes in the festive chaos around her.

Iris and I walk on either side, exchanging half-smiles, trying to keep the mood light despite the dark thoughts creeping into my mind.

We spend the afternoon shopping, picking out last-minute gifts, but nothing feels quite right.

The city might be celebrating, but I feel like I'm in some twisted, hollow version of Christmas. Like I'm waiting for something—or someone—that isn't coming.

Eventually, we make our way back to the car, our arms laden with bags, but the excitement of the day has faded into the cold of reality.

As we get home, I force a smile. "Hot chocolate, anyone?" I ask, hoping to keep the illusion of normalcy alive, though the words feel forced.

"Yes!" They all chime in unison, and for a moment, I let myself pretend that everything's okay.

We file into the kitchen, and soon enough, the house smells like melted chocolate and sweetness. We make our hot chocolate, piling in mini marshmallows, and turn on Christmas music, trying to fill the space with joy.

We sing along, our voices blending with the soft hum of the radio. We dance around the kitchen like nothing's wrong.

I watch Iris twirl Lily around, my dad and Iris laughing at some stupid inside joke. We eat cookies, drink hot chocolate, and for a moment, I almost believe everything's normal.

But it doesn't last long.

After everyone's settled on the couch, sipping hot chocolate and munching on cookies, I quietly slip away to the living room, needing some space, needing to think.

I sit down on the couch, staring out the window at the twinkling lights outside, but my mind is somewhere else.

It's been almost three months since we left the Vincenzo's—since we left everything behind—and today is December 24th. Christmas Eve.

And Luca? Yeah, I still fucking like him. I still care about him. But the silence between us is deafening. He hasn't called Lily once since we left. Neither has Roman. Neither has Killian. They all promised.

I swallow hard. It's killing me watching Lily go through this, watching her heart shatter little by little.

So is Iris, considering she's pregnant. With Killian's child. They didn't use protection as you can see. She's three months pregnant.

"Momma," Lily calls softly, her small voice cutting through the quiet of the room.

I look up to see her standing in the doorway, her eyes big with hope. "Can I try calling Dad and Roman again?"

The way she says "Dad" makes my heart twist. It's no longer Luca. It's Dad. And it makes everything hurt a little more. Because no matter how much I try to protect her, I can't shield her from the truth.

I nod, my heart heavy, and dial Luca's number for her. She stands beside me, her little hand gripping the edge of my chair, her eyes never leaving the phone screen.