Bound to Us (Bound Duology Book#1)

The Argument

The next day, tensions simmered as the group embarked on a hike through the Tuscan hills. It was meant to be a highlight of the trip, with breathtaking views and a picnic planned for later, but Emma and Ilario hadn't said a word to each other since the night before. Despite their conversation, Ilario's jealousy over Matteo still seemed to linger, casting a shadow over what should've been an easy, lighthearted day.

As they reached a clearing with a panoramic view, Ilario walked a few steps ahead, chatting half-heartedly with some friends. Emma trailed behind, frustrated by the distance he was putting between them, both physically and emotionally. Finally, she'd had enough.

"Ilario!" she called out, catching up to him. He glanced back, his expression carefully neutral, but his eyes gave away his irritation.

"Hey," he replied, his tone indifferent as he turned back to the view.

She rolled her eyes. "Are we going to talk about what's going on, or are you just planning on giving me the silent treatment?"

He shrugged, barely glancing at her. "I don't know, Emma. Do you want to talk, or should I just step back and let you run off with Matteo again?"

She frowned, taken aback by his tone. "You're seriously still on that? I told you last night, Ilario—Matteo and I were just talking. It's not what you think."

He scoffed, finally looking at her, his eyes flashing with frustration. "Yeah, well, it sure didn't look that way. Do you even realize how you looked with him? Like you were having the time of your life without me."

Emma's jaw tightened, her own irritation flaring up. "Do you even hear yourself right now? It's not my job to reassure you every time I talk to someone else. If you're going to be this insecure, maybe we shouldn't even be together."

That hit a nerve, and she could see it in the way his expression hardened. "Insecure? I'm not the one running off with other people in the middle of the night, Emma."

She felt a surge of anger, crossing her arms defensively. "You know what, Ilario? You're being ridiculous. Just because I have a friend doesn't mean I'm not committed to you. But if you can't handle that, then maybe you're right—maybe this isn't working."

They stared at each other, both breathing hard, neither willing to back down. The students around them had started to notice the tension, casting glances their way, but Emma was too upset to care.

Ilario looked away, his expression dark as he ran a hand through his hair. "Fine, maybe it isn't," he muttered, his voice barely audible.

Emma's heart sank, but she didn't want to give him the satisfaction of seeing how much his words hurt. "Fine," she shot back, turning on her heel and walking away.

As she stormed off, she could feel the hot sting of tears threatening to spill, but she forced herself to keep walking, her head held high. This trip was supposed to be a chance to get closer, to finally enjoy each other's company without the drama. But now it felt like everything was falling apart.

For the rest of the day, she kept her distance, barely speaking to anyone. She could feel Ilario's eyes on her from time to time, but he didn't make any move to approach her, and she refused to be the one to break the silence.

That night, alone in her room, she stared at the ceiling, replaying their argument over and over. She didn't want things to end like this, but she also wasn't sure how to fix it.

Little did she know, Ilario was lying in his own room, feeling just as frustrated and conflicted, realizing too late that he'd let his own insecurities push her away.

Hope ur liking it,

Bisou,