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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Matteo couldn't help the excitement bubbling inside him as he helped Yulia into the car, his hands gentle as he guided her to her seat. "I have so much to show you," he murmured, barely able to contain the eagerness in his voice. After securing her safely, he made his way around to the trunk, placing their bags inside with careful precision. Finally, he slid into the seat next to her, glancing over at Leonardo, who was in the driver's seat, a soft smile playing on his face as he watched Matteo's energy spill over.
Matteo's mind raced with the thought of everything Yulia had yet to see, everyone she'd yet to meet, the stories they hadn't yet shared with her. The past four years had brought changes they hadn't had a chance to explain. He could hardly wait for her to meet the newest members of their family—the babies that had brought light to their lives during the darkest times. They hadn't told her about the little ones yet, hoping to surprise her and fill her days with something bright. But there were other things too—things he wasn't sure how she would take.
They had mentioned, briefly, that Aline and Alice were no longer working with them. Yulia had frowned, confused but unwilling to ask further. They understood. For her, it was all so much to process. Matteo watched as she sat quietly, her gaze fixed on the scenery passing by outside, her thoughts somewhere far away.
He noticed her discomfort after the hospital shower and leaned in slightly. "Once we get home, you can take a nice long shower. And—" he paused, choosing his words with care, "I booked a salon appointment for you. I thought it might help untangle things."
As he spoke, her body seemed to tense, her face paling as her hands clenched softly in her lap. Matteo could see her take a deep breath, closing her eyes briefly before opening them again, resolve steeling her features.
"I want to cut it," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Matteo, Leonardo, and Alessandro exchanged a quick, understanding look. They had known she might want this, but hearing her say it felt like a declaration. Her hair, once so long and cherished, had been neglected, left to tangle and mat as a consequence of her ordeal. If cutting it would help her feel free of that, then they were all for it.
Alessandro reached for her hand gently. "Anything you want, Bella. Do you have an idea of what you'd like?"
Yulia silently shook her head and looked out the window.
Matteo couldn't take his eyes off Yulia as they drove through Milan. The city's beauty seemed to come alive in her gaze, each cobblestone street captivating her. Her awe-filled whisper, "Italy is beautiful," brought a proud smile to his face. He wanted to show her everything, to let her experience the parts of the world she'd missed, and more importantly, to make sure she felt at home wherever they went.
"I'll make sure to take you on a tour before we fly back," Matteo promised, watching her smile as her gaze wandered back to the passing sights.
But her voice softened as she admitted, "I don't like flying."
