Imani Lewis found herself captivated by Leonardo Conti, a charming Italian immersed in the complex realm of international business. However, her enchanting world would soon shatter as Leonardo disclosed his impending arranged marriage in Italy. This...
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Imani's morning had been far from the serene start she had hoped for. It had been a relentless battle of wills with her spirited twin children. The day began with the monumental task of rousing them from their peaceful slumber, their tiny forms stubbornly resisting the allure of a new day. Once awake, they seemed intent on engaging in a never-ending argumentative skirmish.
Antonio, the mischievous instigator, had made it his personal mission to reduce his sister to tears every five minutes. Imani felt like a referee in a never-ending sibling feud. By the time she had finally dropped them off at her mother's house, where their adoring grandmother awaited them, Imani was more than relieved to have a few moments of respite.
Her destination was the library, a place that held a special spot in her heart. Today, she was back to celebrate the release of her latest novel, and the event was teeming with enthusiastic readers and well-wishers. Imani had already signed over 300 books, her hand now aching from the repetitive motion. The support from her readers had filled her with gratitude.
With only one book left to sign before a short break, she grabbed it and prepared to pen a personal message. However, her concentration was shattered by the unexpected sound of a familiar name.
"Signed to Leonardo."
Leonardo's Italian heritage was unmistakable in his striking features, and she froze in place as the name echoed through the library. Leonardo was the man she had loved deeply four years ago, the same man who had left her, leaving her heartbroken and riddled with unanswered questions.
Turning to face the person approaching her table, her heart raced. Standing before her was Leonardo, his demeanor mirroring the arrogance she remembered from their initial meeting. His dark eyes locked onto hers with a mix of surprise and indifference.
"Imani," he said, his tone cool.
Their eyes held, and for a moment, the bustling library and the clamor of the book signing seemed to melt away. Imani hadn't seen him since the day he had left her.
Finally, she found her voice, though it quivered. It was still stale none the less. "Leonardo, I never thought I'd see you again."
Leonardo's expression remained enigmatic as he replied, his tone equally reserved. "It's been a while."
The air between them was heavy with unresolved tension. Imani had felt that Leonardo hadn't chosen her over a family obligation, but she hadn't shared her side of the story either. They had both expected the other to fight for their love, and that expectation had led to their separation.
Realizing that she couldn't disrupt the ongoing book signing, Imani chose to finish signing his book and stretch her lips out forming a smile to indicate for him to move so the next person can step forth. She knew the event would continue for hours and didn't plan on taking her break like she said she would. If he wanted to speak with her he would have to wait until the event was truly over, as petty as she was.
