Emily
I had been running around, trying to make sure everything was perfect for Domenico and Giulia's arrival. The mansion was decorated with Giulia's favorite flowers, pink roses, there was a buffet, and the entire family had gathered.
We all stood on the porch, waiting for their car to pull up. Apparently, it was some kind of family tradition to welcome someone back in this grand manner. Alessio did say it was only because the people loved free food, because soon after, they would all scatter back to their daily routines.
Alessio stood beside me, his arm wrapped around my waist. He had already looked down at his watch several times, his impatience growing.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you hate your parents," I commented.
"I hate waiting," he muttered back. "I still need to take care of a few more things today."
I couldn't blame him for being this stressed. He would leave tomorrow in the early morning, and not just him but many others who had forcefully been gathered here.
"I'm excited to meet Giulia. I heard she's just as fashionable as I am. I hope she likes me," Pilar practically bounced on her toes.
Alessio looked at her sideways, "Don't worry, the two of you will get along just fine."
It was supposed to be an attack toward both Pilar and Giulia, but Pilar was so happy she hadn't noticed. However, I did and could not hold back a small laugh.
Finally, after what seEmilyed like an eternity, a car made its way past the gates.
"It was about time," Alessio spoke. Then he called out to everyone, "Smile, pretend like you're happy to see thEmily!"
Glancing around, I saw everyone putting on their best smiles as they began to cheer on Alessio's command. The situation was almost comical, and it made me wonder what was wrong with these people. Personally, I didn't mind thEmily coming back.
The car stopped, and Domenico and Giulia stepped out to a warm welcome. People immediately rushed toward the pair to greet thEmily.
"Should we…" I turned to Alessio, but he shook his head.
"No, they'll stay busy for a while."
We hung back, watching the scene unfold from a distance. Dante scooped up Melody in his arms and held Naty's hand. "Come on, let's greet your Grandma and Grandpa," he told her as he led thEmily to the front.
The crowd immediately created a path for thEmily, and when they did—Domenico grabbed the children and hugged thEmily. A smile appeared on my face, watching how he didn't leave out my daughter, and neither did Giulia.
Domenico's eyes searched for us through the crowd, and when he did, he gave us a wave. Alessio and I waved back in unison.
"Your dad is even more handsome in person," Pilar spoke.
Alessio smiled proudly at Pilar, "That's a good thing. They say we look alike."
"In that case, I'll take it back."
The two chuckled at one another. Ever since that night in the basEmilyent, they had been going at it, but it wasn't half as bad as her exchanges with Gian.
As the crowd around Giulia and Domenico began to thin out, Alessio grabbed both of our hands and guided us to his parents.
"Ha, Alessio!" Domenico called out. "I see you decided to follow your Uncle's footsteps and take a mistress!"
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