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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The door creaked softly as Leonardo stepped into the dimly lit foyer of his house, exhaustion clinging to him like a heavy cloak after a long day's work. His mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Imani at the hospital, her smile a beacon of hope amidst the sea of worry that had consumed him.
As he made his way further into the house, a sight caught his eye that made his heart skip a beat. Karalina stood in the living room, her figure framed by the soft glow of the lamp beside her. The sight of her packing her belongings into a suitcase sent a jolt of apprehension coursing through him.
"Karalina," he greeted in a plain tone, his voice betraying none of the turmoil that churned within him. "What is it now?"
Karalina turned to face him, her eyes red-rimmed and swollen with tears. "I'm leaving," she declared, her voice tinged with anger and hurt. "I can't stay married to a man who makes me feel like the other woman in his life."
Leonardo's heart clenched at her words, guilt gnawing at him as he struggled to find the right response. "I'm sorry," he murmured, his voice heavy with regret. "I never wanted to hurt you."
Tears streamed down Karalina's cheeks as she spoke, her voice trembling with emotion. "I will admit. Yes! I loved your brother at first, but even though I have dealt with you being mean and stubborn," she confessed, her words hanging heavy in the air between them. "I've loved you during our marriage."
Leonardo's chest tightened at her admission, a wave of conflicting emotions crashing over him. "I'm sorry," he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I can't feel the same way for you. I've never wanted anyone except for Imani."
Karalina nodded, her expression a mix of resignation and heartache. "I know," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the soft hum of the air conditioner.
"Leonardo, all those times we spent together, all those moments we shared... Did you not feel anything?" Karalina's question hung heavy in the air, echoing through the room like a haunting refrain. Leonardo felt the weight of her words pressing down on him, stirring up emotions he had long tried to bury.
"I... I'm guilty of something, something I've only just realized. I've been using our bond as a way to fill a void, to ease my own loneliness. But in doing so, I've neglected your needs, your feelings. You deserve someone who sees you as their top priority, someone who can give you everything you deserve." Leonardo keeping his ground.
"I've always known deep down that your heart belonged to someone else. It's just... hard to hear it said out loud." She inhales slowly with a shaken voice.
With a heavy heart, Karalina leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss on Leonardo's cheek, her lips lingering for a moment before she pulled away. "Good-bye Leonardo."
It was a bittersweet gesture, filled with love and sorrow, as she knew this would be the last time she would feel the warmth of his skin beneath her lips.
