Shadows of Affection (GxG)

Valentine's Day Special: A Night to Remember

-Isabella & Emma

Isabella had never been one to overthink things. She made decisions quickly, lived on instinct, and handled chaos with a calm, unwavering presence.

But when it came to Emma, she second-guessed everything.

She wanted the night to be perfect—something Emma would never forget. Not because it was extravagant, but because it would mean something.

And when it came to making moments unforgettable, there was only one person Isabella could turn to.

She called Alessia.

The phone barely rang before the mafia leader answered. "Isa." A beat. "You need something."

Isabella sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I need your help planning a Valentine's Day date."

Silence. Then a sharp chuckle. "I was expecting something more... deadly."

"This is serious, Ale."

Alessia hummed in amusement. "And you came to me for romance?"

"You're a fucking sap when it comes to Lily. Don't even try to deny it."

Alessia chuckled, the sound warm and teasing. "Alright. I'll be over in ten."

Alessia arrived precisely ten minutes later, dressed in her usual black suit, exuding a presence that was both intimidating and effortlessly composed. She glanced at Isabella with raised brows as she entered. "You're nervous."

"Shut up," Isabella muttered.

Alessia smirked, removing her gloves before settling onto the couch. "Emma's important to you." It wasn't a question.

"She is." Isabella ran a hand through her hair. "I just... I want it to be perfect."

Alessia leaned forward. "Then tell me. What makes Emma happy?"

Isabella thought for a moment. "Quiet moments. She likes simple things—tea in the morning, reading on the couch. She doesn't need grand gestures."

Alessia nodded approvingly. "Good. Then don't try to overwhelm her with something over the top. Make it intimate. Make it yours."

Isabella exhaled, the tension easing. "Okay. So, no extravagant dinner at a five-star restaurant?"

Alessia rolled her eyes. "Not unless you want her to spend the night anxious about which fork to use."

That made Isabella laugh.

The plan came together quickly under Alessia's guidance: A private dinner at home, candlelit and personal. A book that Emma had mentioned wanting but hadn't bought for herself. And a slow dance in their living room, just the two of them, with no audience except the love between them.

"You're disgustingly good at this," Isabella muttered as Alessia finished sketching out the details.

Alessia smirked. "Lily would agree."

-

When Emma arrived at Isabella's apartment that evening, she was greeted by soft candlelight flickering along the floor, leading toward the living room. The scent of warm vanilla and jasmine hung in the air, and quiet jazz played from an old record player in the corner.

"Isa?" Emma called out, stepping inside.

Her breath hitched when she took in the scene.

The coffee table had been replaced with a plush picnic spread—deep red blankets and embroidered cushions, a bottle of wine chilling beside an elegant spread of fruits, cheeses, and homemade dishes Isabella had spent the last two hours perfecting.