Shadows of Affection (GxG)

Chapter 58: A New Dawn

The sunlight spilled gently into the bedroom, weaving golden patterns across the tangled sheets where Alessia and Lily lay. There was a stillness, a peace, that felt almost sacred after everything they had endured—as if the universe itself was holding its breath, giving them this moment of quiet joy.

Alessia was the first to stir, her body instinctively reaching for Lily, seeking the warmth that had become her home. Her hand found soft skin and silken hair, and when her eyes cracked open, she was greeted by the sight of Lily still asleep, her face serene, a small, content smile gracing her lips.

God, she's beautiful, Alessia thought, brushing her knuckles tenderly down Lily's cheek. How did I get so lucky?

Moments later, as if feeling Alessia's gaze, Lily's eyes fluttered open, hazel irises gleaming in the sunlight. "Good morning, my love," she whispered, voice still heavy with sleep.

Alessia leaned in, pressing a lingering kiss to Lily's forehead. "Good morning, principessa."

They stayed like that for a while, holding each other, breathing each other in, letting the new day settle around them. It was Lily who eventually broke the comfortable silence, her fingers lazily tracing the tattoos that danced along Alessia's bare forearm.

"So," Lily murmured, a mischievous glint sparking in her eyes, "how serious are you about marrying me?"

Alessia snorted, pulling Lily tighter against her chest. "Serious enough to cancel every meeting for the next month just to plan the damn thing," she teased.

Lily laughed, the sound bright and heartwarming. "Good. Because I have ideas. Lots of them."

"I don't doubt that for a second, tesoro." Alessia's hand found Lily's, lacing their fingers together. "Tell me everything."

And so, as the morning unfolded, they began to weave the tapestry of their future together.

They eventually moved to the sun-drenched terrace, wrapped in robes, sipping strong coffee. Notebooks were spread out before them, and Lily had pulled out her iPad to start making digital notes. Alessia, despite her usual resistance to anything involving "planning," found herself genuinely excited—especially when she saw how Lily's eyes lit up when she talked about their wedding.

"I want it to be outdoors," Lily said, sketching quick ideas. "Somewhere beautiful, maybe overlooking the ocean? Simple but elegant. Something that feels...us."

Alessia nodded thoughtfully. "Secluded, private. Somewhere safe. Somewhere we don't have to be part of the mafia—just us."

"Exactly," Lily smiled, reaching out to squeeze Alessia's hand.

They spent hours imagining every detail:

— An intimate guest list, just their closest friends and family.

— Francesca as Alessia's best woman, of course.

— Rosa walking Lily down the aisle.

— Emma as Lily's maid of honor, beaming with pride.

— Lucia helping organize, threatening to micromanage every floral arrangement.

— Isa, Marco, and Luciano standing by them, like the unshakable family they had become.

And of course, they spoke of their vows—raw, real promises they would write themselves, pledging not only love but strength, trust, forgiveness, and the unwavering choice to stand by each other even when life was messy and hard.

Later that afternoon, their friends came by, drawn in by the news that Alessia and Lily were officially planning the wedding.

Francesca barged in first, waving a bottle of prosecco.
"If we're talking wedding, we're celebrating too!" she declared.