FATE AND DESIRE

Chapter 14

Vittorio's POV

The day had been a whirlwind of discovery and quiet revelations. Watching Zara navigate the streets of Montmartre, her eyes lighting up with every new sight, had been a joy in itself. She moved through the world with a grace and confidence that I found endlessly captivating.

Paris had a magical quality that I couldn't quite describe. Sitting at an elegant outdoor café with Zara, I felt a deep sense of contentment. She looked stunning in a stylish, floral dress that turned heads wherever we went. I couldn't take my eyes off her, and it was clear that others couldn't either.

As we enjoyed our coffee, I noticed a group of men at a nearby table. They were staring at Zara and making crude comments, their lecherous gazes making my blood boil. I tried to stay calm, not wanting to ruin our perfect day, but when one of them got up and approached us, I felt a surge of protectiveness.

The man walked over with a smug grin, clearly underestimating Zara. "Hey there, gorgeous. Why don't you ditch the boring man and join us? We could show you a much better time," he said, his tone sleazy and disrespectful.

I tensed, ready to intervene, but Zara gave me a subtle signal to stay put. I trusted her, so I held back, watching the situation unfold.

And she didn't disappoint me. During the whole exchange, she showed those perverts their place.

Her sharp wit and fearlessness in the face of those disrespectful men had only deepened my admiration for her. There was a fire in her that matched the calm resilience she so often displayed. I found myself drawn to her in ways I hadn't anticipated, her strength and beauty a potent combination that was becoming increasingly difficult to resist.

The man stood there, flustered and humiliated. I felt a swell of pride and amusement as I watched him retreat to his friends, who were now laughing at his expense.

"You heard my wife. Leave," I said, my voice cool and firm.

The man stumbled back, muttering under his breath. I turned back to Zara, who was smiling at me with that fierce, beautiful confidence that I loved so much.

"You handled that perfectly. Remind me never to get on your bad side." I said to her teasing her. But her reply left me speechless.

Grinning she said, "As long as you remember to always treat me right, you have nothing to worry about."

I chuckled, shaking my head.

We finished our pastries and continued our exploration of Montmartre, stopping at various shops to pick up gifts for our families. I helped her choose gifts that I thought my siblings and parents would love. In this whole process, she kept looking at me in a different gaze.

As the afternoon light began to soften, we made our way back to the hotel, the day's adventures leaving us both with a sense of fulfilment. We were still navigating the complexities of our relationship, but each day brought us a little closer, a little more in tune with each other. And for the first time in a long time, I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be.

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Back at the hotel, we unpacked our purchases, and Zara's enthusiasm for the gifts we had chosen for her family was infectious. She spoke animatedly about her brother and sister, her love for them evident in every word. It was a side of her that I hadn't seen before, a glimpse into the depth of her loyalty and affection.

As the evening settled in, we decided to take a walk along the river near the hotel. The city's lights reflected off the water, creating a shimmering path that guided us through the heart of Paris. We walked in comfortable silence, the only sound was the distant hum of the city and the gentle lapping of the water against the banks.