Page 164 of King of Obsession

Expansive windows open to views of endless green forests, the sky a deep azure above. Flowers bloomed in vibrant colors, and their fragrance carried on the cool mountain breeze.

As soon as I stepped out of the car, something shifted inside me.

For the first time in weeks, I could breathe. The tension I’d been carrying in my shoulders eased, and a tear slipped down my cheek before I could stop it. The beauty of the setting, thetranquility— was overwhelming.

I loved it.

Alessio took note, of course. He always did. ‘Would you like to live in a place like this?’ he asked, his voice soft and filled with a tenderness that elicited a chest ache.

He was so sweet and gentle, which only made the tears faster. I tried to blink them away, but he was already brushing one away with the pad of his thumb, his touch warm against my skin.

I thought about it for a moment, letting the peace of Blue Bliss seep into my bones. ‘I would,’ I found myself saying, the words almost a whisper.

The stunning views of the mountains, the beautiful grounds, the overwhelming sense of serenity—everything I didn’t know I needed until I stood there.

Alessio’s smile was soft, his eyes shining with something I couldn’t quite place.

We spent the next few days wrapped in that blissful serenity, losing ourselves in each other.

We made love in the mornings, the sunlight streaming through the windows as we tangled together in bed.

We ate simple, delicious meals, enjoying every bite as if tasting food for the first time. And we rested, letting the quiet of the mountains lull us into a calm we both needed.

There were moments when Alessio had to leave, business in Sydney pulling him away, but I didn’t mind. I wandered the gardens alone, marveling at the explosion of color and life around me.

I even found myself kneeling in the dirt, getting my hands dirty as I tended to the flowers.

With each passing day, I sensed more of my true selfreturning. The shadows that had clung to me since we left the farm began to fade, replaced by a sense of peace I hadn’t experienced in years.

Blue Blisswas living up to its name, and for the first time in years, I wasn’t just surviving—I was thriving.

Chapter 36

CLEO

One morning, Alessio woke me with a coffee on a tray covered in white rose petals.

I spotted more flower blossoms on the bed and floor scattered like a trail.

Intrigued, I got out of bed and followed the path toBlue Bliss’ front door.

Where Alessio was waiting with an even larger bunch of ivory roses and his SUV.

Without a word, he handed the bouquet to me and led me into the car.

I protested. ‘Honey, I’m in pajamas, Ugg boots, and a robe.’

‘You won’t need anything else fancier where we’re going,’ he growled.

He started the vehicle and drove out of the estate and down the valley for about five minutes until we pulled into a gate.

‘What is this?’ I asked in wonder as the gates opened and we swept up the stunning driveway.

We parked at the sweeping steps to a Hamptons-style house that was so breathtaking that I gasped.

Standing tall with its two stories, the homestead welcomed us with open arms.

‘Welcome toLuminescenza, meaning luminescence. Our new home.’

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