HIS

Chapter 35

The aroma of food wafted through the air as I remained curled up beneath the sheets. My body felt like it had been through a full workout—aching in ways I hadn't expected—but every moment we shared was worth it.

I figured I might as well roll out of bed and jump in the shower before seeing what Domenico had whipped up. Judging by the noisy clash of pots and pans, it sounded like he was waging war with the kitchen.

As I stepped into the bathroom and saw the bath already drawn, my heart swelled. This was what I'd missed most about him—his thoughtful gestures, the way he always made me feel cared for and loved.

Already undressed, I stepped into the bath, letting the warmth of the water envelop me as I slowly sank into its soothing embrace.

Last night, between our quiet moments together, we talked through everything in detail. He also brought up the idea of me taking self-defence classes—just in case I ever need to protect myself. I completely agreed with him; it had been part of my plan from the beginning, especially after Kate and Camilla mentioned they train with their boyfriends.

My dad tried reaching out to invite us for dinner at his place, but Domenico turned it down. He said he'd only go if I agreed to join him—and on my terms.

My dad has repaid Domenico in full for the money he borrowed, but Domenico suspects he'll come asking for help again. The revenue from that project is trickling in much slower than my dad expected, and he's already running low on funds. So, we'll see just how desperate he gets as time goes on.

Domenico and I still need to talk about what comes next for us. As for me, I know I'll be moving back home—there's no reason to keep running, and honestly, I think I've had enough of this place.

I care deeply about the friends I've made here, but truthfully, I'm looking forward to going back home. I didn't come here because I loved the place—I came because it was the perfect spot to disappear.

After soaking for about fifteen minutes, I'd had enough and stepped out of the bath, drying off quickly. I wandered back into my room and slipped into an off-white cashmere sweater paired with dark indigo skinny jeans. I pulled my hair up into a messy bun—simple, but neat enough for now.

I walked into the kitchen and found Domenico still dressed in the clothes from last night. Smiling to myself, I decided to announce my presence with a morning hug—wrapping my arms around his waist from behind and holding him close.

"Good morning, baby," Domenico said with a grin, plating our breakfast as I clung to his back, swaying in sync with his every move.

"I've missed this," I murmur, resting my cheek against his back, refusing to let go.

"I missed it more, Olivia" I can hear the pain in his voice as he uttered those few words. I could pick up from his appearance that things did not go well with him. He still looked sexy, but you can see he lost some weight.

He told me he spent most of his time in isolation, drowning himself in alcohol, and that his family had cut off communication with him. Hearing that stirred a whirlwind of emotions in me—the fact that his own family chose to side with me over their son, their flesh and blood, was overwhelming. It also made one thing painfully clear: he truly loves me. And that realization only deepens my love for him. This is why communication matters—it's the bridge that keeps love alive.

"Olivia, when will you be back home?"

I stay quiet for a moment before finally replying, "I'm not going back. I want to stay here," I say, tugging at his leg playfully, waiting for his reaction—which doesn't take long to come.

I let go of him, and the pain on his face was unmistakable. I knew he couldn't move here—not with his businesses tying him down.

"Hell no! I'm not trying to make choices for you, but this place is lifeless. I doubt anyone would even want to retire here. You're coming home—I'll drag you back myself if I have to," he said firmly, setting our plates down on the kitchen counter that doubles as a dining table.

I nod, flashing him one of my most radiant smiles, and he responds with a relieved grin.

We ate in comfortable silence, simply enjoying each other's presence as we savored the meal. He'd made crispy bacon, fried eggs, mini sausages, and a few tasty sides—it was simple, but perfect.

Once we finished breakfast, a knock echoed from the door. "That's probably Luca with my stuff," he said, heading toward the front door.

I heard their voices as I walked over. "Hey Luca, how've you been?" I asked, smiling warmly at him.

Luca flashed me a wide grin. "I'm doing way better now that you two have patched things up. Now go ahead and take your baby back," he said, wrapping me in a hug.

"Alright, alright—that's enough," Domenico interrupted, cutting our hug short. "Go find yourself a wife and stop stealing mine," he added with a smirk, making me chuckle at their antics.

"Here are the clothes you asked for. I'm meeting up with the guys in a few minutes—we're going to check out that so-called graveyard," Luca said, as I rolled my eyes at his dramatic choice of words.

After Luca left, we headed back in. Domenico grabbed me by the hand and pulled me towards the bedroom and started kissing me "come, take these clothes off, I want you in that shower with me" he breathlessly says, as he helped me undress.

"I'm so sore" I say, but I don't attempt to stop him. He just rolls his eyes at my comment and continue to undress me "I'll be gentle baby and besides we have to make up for the time we missed out on each other" he says, winking at me.
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After breakfast and getting dressed, we sat down to talk about our plans. I wanted to stay for at least another week to properly say goodbye to everyone, but Domenico wasn't having it. He insisted we'd be leaving tomorrow by 10:00 at the latest.

After Luca left, I decided to invite everyone over for dinner to share the news of my departure. I knew it wouldn't sit well with everyone—I've grown deeply attached to them during my time here. They've supported me, even without knowing the full truth about who I am. I won't reveal everything, just enough to help them understand.

At 5 PM, we found ourselves seated in the fanciest spot this town had to offer, waiting for everyone to arrive. Luca and the rest of the guys had also decided to join us for dinner, adding to the warmth of the evening.

Everyone walked in together, their eyes widening in surprise at the sight of the guys already seated at the table. I just hoped their presence wouldn't make anyone feel uneasy or out of place.

Once the introductions and formalities were out of the way, I decided it was time to pull off the bandage and share the news of my departure.

"So, um... there's something I need to share with all of you," I began. "By now, you probably know that I'm married. And I also want to let you know that I'll be leaving Cheyenne soon—I'm heading back home."

Gasps echoed around the table, but I could tell the girls would take it the hardest. I've grown close to them, and the news was bound to leave a mark.

"Great, now I've got to find someone with a brain again," Dustin joked, breaking the tension and making everyone laugh. Still, I knew Kelly would be the most affected—she and I were the closest out of the whole group.

I invited everyone to visit us in New York, and they all promised they would—something I'm genuinely looking forward to. After a lovely dinner filled with laughter and plenty of drinks, we headed home, while Luca and the guys returned to their hotel.

Domenico and I woke up early the next morning to pack up the things I'd collected and wanted to bring back with me. I didn't have much—just a few personal items. I left the bedding, curtains, and cutlery behind since we already had plenty at home, and I gave some things to the guys. They helped us load the boxes, and soon we were off to the jet, heading back to New York—to our life.

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