Shadows of Affection (GxG)

Chapter 53: New Vows

A week had passed, and Alessia felt like she was finally herself again. Her memories, her emotions, and her sharp mind—all of it had returned. In the evenings, after dinner, she would sit with Lily and their friends, catching up on everything that had happened while she was recovering.

Isabella and Luciano had filled her in on the operations they had carried out in her absence, balancing humor with the gravity of their challenges. Marco and Francesca often chimed in with their perspectives, and Alessia couldn't help but feel immense gratitude for how her closest circle had held things together in her stead.

And Lily—her beautiful, strong Lily—was always at her side, contributing to the conversations with her calm resolve. Alessia made it a point to hug Lily tightly each night before bed, letting her know just how deeply loved and appreciated she was.

But tonight felt different. Alessia had been thinking all day, her mind racing with plans and possibilities. As they said their goodnights to their friends and retreated to their bedroom, Alessia could feel her heartbeat quicken.

Lily was already dressed for bed, her soft pajama set making her look impossibly endearing. She was sitting on the edge of the bed, brushing through her hair, when she noticed Alessia's gaze. "You okay, baby?" she asked, her voice gentle.

Alessia nodded, her lips curving into a small smile. "Perfetto," she said, though the weight in her eyes suggested she had more on her mind.

Lily tilted her head, curious but not pushing. "Come here," she said, patting the space beside her.

Alessia crossed the room and sat down, but instead of leaning back like she usually did, she reached for Lily's hand. She held it between her palms, her thumb tracing slow circles over Lily's knuckles.

Lily frowned slightly. "Alessia?"

Alessia took a deep breath, her eyes locking onto Lily's. "There's something I need to say, amore. Something I've been thinking about since the moment I woke up and remembered everything."

Lily's heart skipped a beat, her fingers tightening around Alessia's instinctively. "Okay," she whispered.

Alessia shifted, turning to face her fully. "I've been through a lot. We've been through a lot. And through it all, you've been my rock. My anchor. Even when I didn't remember you, my heart did. I can't put into words how much you mean to me, my love."

Lily's breath caught, her eyes misting. "Baby..."

Alessia smiled softly and reached into her pocket, pulling out something small and familiar. It was the engagement ring she had given Lily before the accident—polished and gleaming, as if new.

"I don't just want to pick up where we left off," Alessia said, her voice steady despite the emotion in her eyes. "I want to start again. New vows, new promises, a new chapter in our lives."

Lily gasped, her free hand flying to her mouth.

Alessia slid off the bed, kneeling in front of her, and held the ring up. "Lily DeLuca, will you marry me—again?"

Tears spilled down Lily's cheeks, and she nodded frantically, laughing through her sobs. "Yes! Of course, yes!"

Alessia grinned, slipping the ring back onto Lily's finger. She stood, pulling Lily up with her, and wrapped her arms around her fiancée. "Ti amo, my love. With all that I am."

"I love you too, darling," Lily whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

They kissed, slow and deep, their lips moving in perfect harmony as they held each other tightly. It wasn't just a kiss—it was a promise, a seal on the new vows they had made.