Enzo..." I started, but the words died on my lips as he silenced me with a kiss, his mouth devouring mine with urgency.
His voice was a dark whisper, tinged with menace as he pulled back slightly, his eyes burning with intensity. "You disobeyed me...
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Seven months had passed since that night, the night that changed everything. Enzo's world had become my world, and now I was at the helm of it-balancing board meetings, managing deals, and overseeing every decision Enzo had once handled himself. Nonna and Sophie had moved in with me, providing the warmth and support I needed, while Marco had become my right hand, guiding me with patience and loyalty.
As I arrived home, the familiar scent of Nonna's cooking drifted through the air. I felt a smile tugging at my lips, my heart softening. Nonna, standing by the stove, looked over at me and greeted me with that gentle expression of concern and love that always reminded me of Enzo. She'd been filling the gaps his absence had left, and yet...no one could really fill them.
"Elena, dear, how are you feeling?" she asked, her eyes glancing over me with a grandmother's worry.
I reached out, patting her hand. "I'm okay, Nonna, just tired. Meetings aren't getting any easier."
Just then, Sophie and Aunt Maria bustled in, their arms filled with shopping bags. They looked ecstatic, showing off all the little outfits they'd picked out for the baby. My heart squeezed as they presented each tiny garment, laughter and excitement filling the room. I touched one of the tiny hats and felt a tear slip down my cheek. Enzo should've been here for this.
After dinner, I made my way upstairs to our room. Every night, I found myself doing the same thing-checking that everything was exactly as it had been when he left. I touched the small gift he'd given me at Kykuit, a symbol of his love that sat on my nightstand, and then I lay back on the bed, picking up the book he'd gifted me. I ran my fingers over the cover, feeling its texture, finding comfort in the small reminders of him. Before long, my eyes grew heavy, and sleep took over.
In the quiet of the night, a familiar warmth stirred me. I felt a hand gently resting on my belly, a touch so tender, I instinctively knew who it was. Still half-asleep, I opened my arms, inviting the embrace that I'd craved for months.
"I love you," I murmured, pressing a soft kiss to the bridge of his nose, savoring the familiar scent, the feel of him.
A smile formed on his lips, his voice deep and filled with love as he whispered back, "I love you too, tesoro."
I nestled into him, trying to hold onto the moment, to make it real. "How was your day? Did you make it to the doctor? What did they say?" Enzo's hand moved protectively over my belly as he looked at me with gentle concern.
"It was exhausting," I admitted. "These meetings are...draining. I can't just be myself, you know? Even when I'm tired or frustrated, I have to smile and act like everything's perfect. And yes, I saw the doctor. He said everything's okay, but...he did up my vitamins again."
A hint of worry crossed his face. "Are you not eating enough? Why would he increase your vitamins?"
"I am," I replied with a soft laugh, "but your baby seems to be stealing everything from me."
