Matteo, Leonardo, and Alessandro, the powerful owners of De Angeli Enterprises, are in their early thirties and have built a fearsome reputation worldwide. Known for their ruthlessness and ambition, these men have amassed wealth and influence by tak...
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Yulia's eyes widened, a mix of panic and disappointment washing over her features as she exclaimed, "Oh, I was going to make dessert, but I completely forgot about it!" Her voice, a delicate tremor, held the weight of her regret.
The room seemed to hold its breath, the warmth of the evening now tinged with an undercurrent of shared concern. Leonardo's expression shifted from curiosity to gentle understanding. He tilted his head slightly, his brow furrowing with genuine interest. "Oh, is that why you asked if we had fruit?" he inquired, his voice a soothing balm.
Yulia's cheeks flushed a deep rose, her gaze dropping to her lap as she nodded. Her embarrassment was palpable, and a subtle shadow seemed to fall over her, making the already cozy dining room feel even more intimate. The dim glow from the hanging pendant lights cast a soft, golden hue on her features, highlighting the delicate flush of her cheeks.
Sensing her distress, Matteo's gaze softened with empathy. He leaned forward, his warm smile a beacon of reassurance. "Well, I think we have some fresh berries in the fridge, and the ice cream machine should still be working," he suggested. "It's only 6 PM right now, so if you don't mind staying a little longer, we could whip up some berry ice cream and let it chill for a bit."
Yulia shook her head slowly, her expression a mixture of regret and resolve. "I love you guys' place and all, but I wouldn't want to stay too long. Besides, it's almost an hour's drive from here to town, and I'd like to wake up a little earlier tomorrow to prepare a few things," she explained. Her voice was a soft murmur, but each word carried clarity.
A palpable sigh seemed to ripple through the room for a moment. The warmth that had filled the space now seemed to dim slightly, but as Yulia noticed the change, her own sense of guilt grew heavier. Her internal dialogue chastised her for not being able to stay longer, for not fulfilling the small promise she had made herself.
Leonardo's tone, though firm, held an unintended edge of frustration as he replied, "Very well, finish up, so I can take you back." His smile was gentle but lacked its usual warmth, a trace of his own disappointment seeping through.
Yulia nodded, her shoulders drooping slightly as she continued with her meal. The silence between them was heavy with unspoken apologies and mutual understanding. Despite Matteo's and Alessandro's efforts to lift the mood—Matteo's light-hearted comments and Alessandro's gentle teasing—the air remained tinged with a bittersweet note. Yulia remained focused on the time, her internal clock ticking away as she mentally prepared for the next day.
As the evening drew to a close, the atmosphere was a blend of lingering warmth and the quiet resignation of parting. Matteo, ever the gentleman, walked her to the door with his characteristic kindness. "We'll save the berries for next time," he said, his smile gentle and reassuring.
Leonardo guided Yulia to the car with a practiced ease, his movements smooth and deliberate. As he opened the door for her, he extended a hand to help her into the seat. His touch was gentle, yet firm, conveying a reassuring strength that eased some of her lingering anxiety. Once she was settled, he leaned in slightly, his presence enveloping her in a warm cocoon of intimacy.
