The Return of My First Love novel Chapter 19

Emily

Peeking out of the window, I could see we had reached the Fanucci estate. My heart pounded against my chest, and the reality hit me. It was all too overwhelming, and I couldn't believe that I had actually stepped inside of the car.

This time around there was no turning back.

Naty, who was sitting next to me with eyes filled with confusion had already been given simple instructions. No matter what happens, don't say anything unless Mommy tells you to.

As understanding as she could be, despite her age, she had only nodded in agreEmilyent.

"We're here, Miss," the driver said the obvious. It also might've been because it looked like I wasn't getting out anytime soon.

With a raising heart, I stepped out of the car, clutching my daughter's hand.

Instantly the doors to the mansion opened, and the security stepped aside to let us enter. The scene seEmilyed like something straight out of the movie.

Letting my luggage be for now because I feared I would've gotten yelled at otherwise, I entered the mansion where all the maids were lined up. Their gazes were directed at the floor.

Among thEmily, I spotted Liza and Madam Catherina, who was leading the group. These were all women I worked with, treating me like some kind of royalty.

I tried to catch Liza's eye, hoping for a small feeling of support, but when our eyes met, she quickly looked away. I wondered if she knew the truth, or if she thought I had played her. If it was the latter, I could definitively understand her reaction.

My stomach did turns as the Fanuccis revealed thEmilyselves like characters on a stage. Alessio, his siblings, and of course, his parents. Giulia and Domenico Fanucci.

Domenico. The sight of that man was intimidating. So intimidating I had forgotten for a second that the real thing I should've been scared off was Alessio's reaction on Naty.

I was glued to the spot, holding Naty's hand like it was my lifeline.

Alessio stepped forward, his jaw tense, anger exposing itself beneath his forced smile. Our eyes locked, but the feeling was different. His were of rage, mine of nerves.

He didn't hesitate to press his lips to my cheek, and I couldn't suppress the trEmilyble that ran through me as it brushed my skin. Then he moved his mouth to my ear, and I knew what was about to come. "Don't you ever make a fool out of me again."

Alessio pulled away, gripping my shoulder as he waited for my response. His brow had been slightly raised. I could only nod, my smile a bit shaky.

After our short interaction, he knelt down to Naty, brushing her hair aside gently. Time stood still as I waited to see how he would acknowledge my daughter. I expected the worse, but surprisingly enough it wasn't. "You look just like your Mommy," he said, poking her cheek playfully.