➼ Chap. 31

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P A R I S

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P A R I S

"Il mio principino!" She exclaims, standing up and wiping her hands on her apron before hurrying over with arms wide open.
(My little prince!)

Luciano sighs softly, already bracing for the outpour of affection, and bends down to receive the hug. His mom pulls back just enough to pepper his face with kisses, her hands still cupping and squeezing his cheeks, causing him to groan exasperatedly.

"You don't come to visit enough! You're too busy, sempre too busy!" She chides and Luciano raises an eyebrow.

"I was just here last weekend."

"Bah! A weekend is not enough!" She declares, giving his cheek a light, affectionate slap before finally stepping back and turning her attention to me. "And who is this bella ragazza?" She asks, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.
(Beautiful girl)

Luciano straightens up and gestures toward me.

"Ma', this is Paris. She's Richard's daughter, you remember? He's out of town, so I'm looking after her for a bit."

My heart races as her attention turns fully to me, but before I can offer a handshake, she sweeps me into a hug, just as warm as the one she gave Luciano.

"Oh, Richard's daughter! Of course, of course! Che gioia! It's so lovely to meet you, Paris!" She says, then pulls back with a bright, welcoming smile.
(What a joy!)

"It's so nice to meet you, too Mrs. Russo." I say, forcing a smile despite the butterflies wreaking havoc in my stomach.

"Oh no, none of that Mrs. Russo business. Call me Sofia." She insists and I smile.

"Your garden is amazingly beautiful." I compliment.

Sofia beams, her face lighting up even more, if that's even possible.

"Ah, thank you, cara mia! It's my little sanctuary. Come, come, I'll show you!" She turns to Luciano, giving him a pointed look. "You never appreciate my garden properly, Luciano. Always in a rush."

Luciano rolls his eyes subtly but not without affection.

"I appreciate it just fine, mamma. I just don't need a tour every time I'm here."

Sofia tuts, waving him off.

"Nonsense. The garden changes every season. You should take the time to notice!"

I bite back a smile as Luciano shoots me a slightly exasperated look, but his expression softens when he catches the grin I can't hide. He leans in closer, his voice low and discreet.

"You'll be okay here with her?"

I grin and nod.

"I'll be fine," I whisper back, feeling a bit more confident now. "Your mom is wonderful."

𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗧𝗟𝗬 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗦 ✔️ (𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀)Where stories live. Discover now