Chapter 44
The banjur hard drowed with wert leghe and quiet opulence, the kind my mother had always loved. It was elegant without andles fackered on every table and soft music threaded through the hum
She red porters.
Tabella’s hand as they approached my mother. He looked nervous in his little suit, his curls tamed for once, eyes bright with patim abella and I had helped him put together the bracelet for his Nonna, and he’d been both
wed to gave it to her
We hud men cratemplated gift wrapping it in a box but had decided not to at the last moment. I was pretty sure my mother wonde rather wear it right away than let it say in a bon
“Non” he said, holding out the bracelet. I made this for you.”
She keeped as if he’d handed her the crown jewels.
“Vor me?” she asked, crouching, despite the protests of her knees. “You made this with your own hands?”
Mateo nodded solemnly. “From the beach.”
Her eyes filled instantly,
“Oh, amore mio she breathed, pulling him into a hug. “This is the most beautiful gift I’ve ever received.”
1 knew she meant every word. And just like I’d expected, she asked Mateo to put it on her wrist right away which he did happily
My mother had always wanted a grandchild, even more so ever since my father passed away. And when I’d told her that I actually had a kid with Isabella, the same woman we had all thought was dead, she’d been over the moon with happiness.
She doted on Mateo like anything. And even today, she’d explicitly asked me to invite kids and make a separate play area for them so Maten wouldn’t feel bored among the adults. I’d planned on doing that already, but having her say it just went to show how much she adored that kid.
Teabella watched Mateo and my mother with a soft smile, her hand hovering near Mateo’s back out of instinct.
God help me, the woman looked breathtaking
The gown she wore was simple, elegant, hugging her curves in a way that made it impossible to look away. Her hair fell in Joose waves over her shoulders, her skin glowing under the lights. She didn’t look like someone trying to impress.
She looked like someone who belonged.
I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been rendered this silent by a woman’s presence,
Thadn’t been able to keep my eyes away from her ever since she’d stepped inside the banquet. The only reason I hadn’t been Jooking at her right then was because I’d been looking at my son and mother.
soon whisked away to the children’s area, already being pulled into games by kids his age, laughter trailing behind
him
My mother turned then, linking her arm through Isabella’s with unmistakable pride
“And this,” she announced to the gathered guests, “is Isabella.”
There was something deliberate in the way she said it. Like a claim
Isabella laughed softly as my mother guided her from group to group, introducing her with warmth and affection. I watched from a distance, aware of the subtle shift in the room.
People noticed.
They always did when something, or someone, new entered my or my family’s orbit.
And Isabella was pametic.
I hadn’t ha
Just
to talk to her yet seeing as she and Mateo had gone straight to meet my mother after arriving
becoming slower, more intimate, I took that as my cue to go to her and ask her for a dance.
quietly as I approached her, holding my hand out for her to take.
moment before nodding.
ce floor, my hand settled at her waist, while hers rested lightly on my shoulder. She fit there like memory. my body had never forgotten even when my tried to.
I began, then stopped.
us?” she offered lightly.
ach to my amusement, her cheeks turne
get any cuter?
ached forward without thinkin
ally didn’t wear a lot of mak
ady were, and I found my
moment sent somethi
it then, around us,
Who is she?”
ribe how beautiful you look tonight,” I admitted
pink at my words as she ducked her head. Dear God, could
of hair behind her ear, making her look up at me at once. She done with her eyes tonight made them shine brighter than they able to look away. The eye contact, our proximity, the intimacy of ny chest.
adowing her expression.
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while my could hear
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to them.
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

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