Shadows of Affection (GxG)

Chapter 54: Enduring Love

Alessia had spent the entire morning meticulously planning the day, wanting to make up for the hurt she had caused Lily before her memory loss. The guilt had lingered in her heart like a heavy shadow, and now that she remembered everything, she was determined to set things right.

She had sent Lily off for a luxurious manicure and pedicure appointment, under the guise of wanting to pamper her. "You deserve it, amore," Alessia had said with a charming smile, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead before handing her the keys to the sleek black Maserati parked out front. "Take the car, enjoy yourself, and don't come back until you're thoroughly spoiled."

Lily had hesitated at first, not used to Alessia being this insistent about her indulging herself, but eventually, she relented, her heart warmed by Alessia's thoughtfulness.

Once Lily was out of the house, Alessia got to work.

She had already enlisted her friends earlier that week to ensure the mansion would be completely empty for the night. Lucia, Isabella, Marco, and the rest of the crew were all too happy to oblige. "Just don't burn the house down," Lucia had teased with a smirk, earning an exaggerated eye roll from Alessia.

The kitchen was where Alessia spent most of her morning, putting her heart into preparing Lily's favorite dishes. She worked with precision, her culinary skills honed from years of necessity and the occasional romantic surprise for Lily. The aroma of fresh basil, simmering sauces, and baked delicacies filled the air. For dessert, she made Lily's favorite tiramisu, carefully layering the mascarpone and espresso-soaked ladyfingers with a steady hand.

The dining room had been transformed into an intimate setting, with a small table set up near the large bay windows overlooking the gardens. Alessia had draped a soft, ivory tablecloth over it and arranged candles of varying heights to cast a warm, romantic glow. A vase of fresh amaryllis—Lily's favorite flowers—sat as the centerpiece, their soft blush petals adding a touch of elegance.

As the afternoon wore on, Alessia made sure every detail was perfect. She set the dining table with their finest china, laid out Lily's favorite wine to chill, and even picked out soft music to play in the background. She'd planned for an early dinner, giving them enough time for what she had in mind for the rest of the evening.

By the time Lily was due back, Alessia had changed into a tailored black suit, the kind Lily always said made her weak in the knees. She glanced at the clock, her heart racing with nervous excitement. Tonight wasn't just about apologising; it was about reminding Lily of the depth of her love and how much she cherished her.

When Alessia heard the familiar purr of the Maserati pulling up the driveway, she took a deep breath to steady herself. She stood near the entrance, ready to greet Lily with a warm smile and the promise of a night that would reaffirm their bond in every way.

As the front door opened, Alessia's heart skipped a beat at the sight of Lily walking in. Her fiancée looked effortlessly beautiful—her hair in soft waves, nails freshly painted in a delicate nude shade that Alessia had secretly requested, knowing how much Lily loved a natural look. Lily's face lit up with a soft, contented smile, though there was a flicker of curiosity in her eyes.

"It smells amazing in here," Lily remarked, slipping off her coat and glancing around the dimly lit house. The soft flicker of candles and the distant hum of the music created an atmosphere that was undeniably romantic.

Alessia took Lily's hand gently, pressing a lingering kiss to her knuckles. "I thought I'd surprise you with something special tonight, amore mio."

Lily raised an amused eyebrow. "You? Cooking? Without burning the kitchen down?"

Alessia smirked. "Che spiritosa."  "I had to make up for... well, everything." Her voice softened, the weight of her unspoken apology heavy in the air.(So witty.)