Page 310 of The Devil's Fire

I took a look at Giovanni, who had been quiet and very focused on his phone.

“Hopefully, you can too, whenever your girlfriend Laila is ready for you.” I teased him.

“Yeah.” Giovanni said, then immediately looked at me and straightened up in his seat. “I mean, she’s not my girlfriend.” He tried to cover up as he scowled.

“Oh, shut it! You’re totally a thing! You keep texting each other.”

“He called her last night, and they talked for hours.” Luca spilled the beans, sending a smirk Giovanni’s way.

“Ohhh!” I gave him a playful wink.

“Both of you, shut up.” Giovanni said grumpily, making us laugh and continue to tease him. One thing for sure didn’t go unnoticed was how his ears turned red.

He was crushing so hard on Laila.

My teasing came to an end as we arrived at the shopping center.

Its roof was a masterpiece, composed of two intersecting glass-vaulted arcades forming a stunning octagon with a burst of captivating colors. While Italy was known for its beautiful architecture, this particular structure stood out as truly magnificent.

I spotted Eleonora and her assigned bodyguards. It was the same two men who were present when Riccardo tested me.

“There she is, la mia bellissima nuora.” Eleonora greeted me with her usual warm smile as she opened her arms and embraced me. “How are you, honey? Is my son taking good care of you?”

“Never been better.” I smiled. “He’s always taking good care of me.” I chuckled as she gave an approving nod.

“Good! If he doesn’t, you send him my way, and I will teach him a lesson.”

“Duly noted.” We both laughed, and she linked her arm with mine as we strolled toward the first boutique. “Is it always this empty in here?” I asked when no one was here except for us.

“Oh no, honey. I had them shut down for us to shop in peace.”

“You can do that?” I asked in surprise.

“Of course.” She shot me a wink and led me to a gown boutique while I was left stunned.

“Buongiorno, Signora Bellavia!” A well-dressed woman greeted Eleonora with kisses on each cheek.

“Buongiorno, Corinna! How have you been?”

“Wonderful! Oh, and who’s this with you?” Corinna looked at me.

“This is Althaia, my son’s fiancée.” Eleonora said proudly with a smile.

“Oh, could it be Damiano’s…?” She asked, a bit unsure.

“She is.” Eleonora’s entire face brightened, and Corinna’s brows went up in surprise.

“How lovely! Welcome!” She suddenly embraced me and kissed my cheeks.

“Thank you.” I smiled at her cheerful greeting.

“Let’s find you some beautiful dresses, shall we?” She gestured for us to follow her to a different section of the boutique.

“I hope you don’t mind that Miss Miciela is still here. She came earlier and suddenly, nothing impressed her when she found out you were coming.” Corinna sighed.

“Oh, Miciela? Not at all.” Eleonora dismissed with a smile. Corinna smiled with relief as we entered the fitting area where refreshments were already arranged on the table.

“What are we looking for?” Corinna asked once we were seated on the couch.

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