Stella (Book One of Dark Souls Series)

Ciambella

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vero amore- something that can't truly be defined by the internet because the internet is void of feelings and emotions
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The Quirinale Palace was unforgettable.

As Adonis and I walked into the building, people stood around, applauding and cheering for us.

Chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, which was designed in watercolors of ancient renaissance art. The entire palace looked like a place Anne Boleyn once resided.

There was a white carpet rolled down the long corridor that led to a grand flight of white, stony stairs. From there, we would reach the ballroom. The banisters were designed in sparkling, silver, mesh banister decor. Pale blue ice sculptures were around the entrance hall, and since it was winter, the silver, blue, and white matched perfectly.

Gaia took care of all of the palace's decor.

"She really went all out," Adonis chuckled as he looked around.

I smiled up at him, just happy to be here with him.

Next thing I knew, people were approaching us. At first it, it was easy because they were members of Adonis's board at work.

"You look absolutely stunning," a man I found out was Carter Tricks complimented me.

"Grazie," I responded graciously.

"Where have you been hiding her?" another guy joked, resulting in Adonis smiling and pulling me against him.

I put my hand on his chest, leaned against him, and zoned everyone out. When people approached us, I waved, thanked them and spaced out again.

This part of our day was what I was fully prepared for. My friend had warned me in advance that it would become overwhelming. I was okay because while I wanted to present myself as the best woman I could be, I wasn't trying to impress anybody.

None of them knew me, impacted my life, or genuinely cared about me.

Sure, I loved the singers and actors that were here, but I didn't care. They were Adonis's people so I didn't want to embarrass him. He had a lot of pressure because he was him and I was me.

He was so important that the President was here.

Wait, what?

"Presidente Mattarella," Adonis greeted the most important man in the country as he approached us with a broad smile.

I was hoping I didn't look as surprised as I felt.

"I told you to call me Sergio plenty of times, Adonis," the president said.

My husband offered an alluring smile, and I could do nothing more than gaze up at him like the lovestruck girl I was.

"I didn't think you would make it," he said, shaking the older man's hand.

I looked at the President and realized he was much shorter in person. His face was firm but his smile was bright and friendly.

"Yes, well, Meloni has been a pain in my ass as of lately, so you know how that goes."

"Hands full and all," he agreed.

"You certainly have your hands full," the President said to him with a smile as he looked at me.

I laughed. "Grazie, Presidente Mattarella," I thanked him.

"Call me Sergio," he insisted.

I nodded, feeling weird that I was now on a first-name basis with the President of Italy. The rest of our conversation was here and there, and I found it quite pleasant.