Page 26 of All is Not Lost

"Why?" I whisper to the empty room, my voice tinged with awe. Why would he do this? How long had he planned to keep this from me? Doesn’t he think I can take care of myself?

Anger rises inside me as I feel betrayed by this man. I’m a strong woman who can take care of herself. I don’t need a man paying my rent. Who does he think he is? Is he buying my love? Is that what this is?

The sound of footsteps crunching gravel outside sends a jolt through me. Could it be him? I race to the window, peering out, eager for an explanation.

I rush down the stone pathway, the morning sun casting a golden hue over the lush gardens. My heart pounds with an intensity that mirrors the rapid beat of the hummingbird's wings darting through the jasmine-scented air. Giovanni's act makes me doubt him. I never asked him to do this.

"Giovanni!" His name escapes my lips as a fervent plea laced with questions I can't formulate. Where is he?

There he is, at the far end of the corridor, his back turned to me as he arranges a bouquet of wildflowers. He seems so grounded, so part of this place, and momentarily, I hesitate.

"Giovanni." This time, it's a whisper, and my feet carry me to him, tentative yet determined.

He turns, his smile instantly lighting up the room, the dark curls framing his face bouncing with each movement.

"Sophia," he greets warmly, "Che sorpresa! What brings you here in such a hurry?"

The words catch in my throat, my lips trembling as I reach for the strength to speak. "I found out, Gianni. About the rent. You've paid it… for months." My voice is a mere thread woven with the awe and confusion that tightens around my heart.

His eyes widen just slightly, the only sign of surprise before his features soften into an expression that cradles my vulnerability.

"Sophia," he begins, but I hold up my hand, needing to say this.

“Why would you do this?”

“I… I wanted to….”

“Is this some sort of joke? Or do you expect me to be grateful to you and give myself to you? What is this about? I never asked this of you. So, why?”

"Because…." He hesitates, and I see the honesty shimmering in his gaze. "Because I see you, Sophia. I see the strength you carry, even when you cannot. And this…" He gestures around us, "…this is your home too, now."

“What? What is that even supposed to mean?” I blurt out, annoyed that he can’t see it from my side.

Tears well in my eyes. I feel so betrayed, so angry.

"Stay," he says softly, a simple word that holds the weight of a promise of a future I hadn't dared to imagine. “I wanted to make sure you stayed.”

I reach for his hand, the warmth of his skin grounding me as I struggle to navigate the storm of emotions brewing inside. His fingers entwine with mine, a silent anchor in the midst of my upheaval.

"Gianni," I say, my voice steadier than I feel, "I never expected?—"

"Lo so; lo so," he cuts me off gently, his thumb brushing over the back of my hand. "Sophia, I didn't want you to find out this way."

"I still don’t quite understand why?" The question hangs between us, tender and fraught with the weight of unspoken words.

He sighs, a melody of regret and hope playing in the exhale. "Because every time you talk about leaving, something tightens here." He places my palm against his chest, just over his heart. "I wanted to give you a reason to stay, not out of obligation but… because this feels right. You belong here, not just in the villa but with me."

The sincerity in his eyes mirrors the truth in his words. It's been a long time since anyone has looked at me like that—with pure intentions and genuine care.

"Gianni, I—" My throat tightens, and for a moment, I'm that woman again, the one who believed her heart was beyond repair. But that's not who I am now, not after the healing his kindness has coaxed into being. "I don't know what to say. But I will pay you back. I promise."

"Non c'è bisogno di dire nulla," he whispers, his gaze never leaving mine. "Your happiness is all I ask for."

The words settle in my chest, blooming like the sun-kissed flowers in the garden outside. Surprised by the bubbling joy that's starting to chase away the shadows of my past, a laugh escapes me.

"Gianni, I can't deny it anymore. There's something growing inside me, something warm and beautiful, and it's all because of you." I pause, the gravity of my confession anchoring me to the moment. "You've touched my heart in ways I thought were no longer possible."

His smile is a sunrise after an endless night, full of promise and new beginnings. "Sophia, your heart is a wonder, and I'd be a fool not to cherish it. I just want us to be together."

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