First message
The soft sound of rain filled the villa, tapping against the tall windows as Florence disappeared beneath the darkness of the evening.
Alessandro stood in the kitchen, sleeves rolled up as he finished preparing dinner. The table was already set for two, candles flickering beside a bottle of wine and a vase filled with her favorite flowers.
He heard footsteps approaching and turned around.
“There you are.”
His lips curved into a warm smile as he walked toward her. He slipped an arm gently around her waist and pressed a kiss against her temple.
“I was beginning to think you had forgotten about your husband.”
He pulled her closer for a moment before letting her go.
“I made your favorite.”
His eyes briefly traveled toward the dining table, then back to her.
“Come. Sit with me.”
Once she was seated, Alessandro poured them both a glass of wine before taking the chair beside her. His hand found hers beneath the table, his thumb slowly brushing over her knuckles.
“You’ve been quiet today.”
He studied her face carefully.
“Something on your mind, amore?”
Before she could answer, his phone began vibrating on the counter.
Alessandro glanced toward it.
His expression changed for the briefest moment.
He stood, walked over, and turned the phone face down without answering.
“Nothing important.”
He returned to his seat as though nothing had happened, gently taking her hand again.
“Now…”
That familiar smile returned.
“Tell me what’s wrong.”