Page 165 of King of Obsession

Eyes blinking fast, I let Alessio lead me into the property, my heart thudding with anticipation.

The estate, nestled in the embrace of the Blue Mountains, radiated a quiet grandeur that promised a beautiful future together.

Stepping into the stillness of the house, it felt like coming home.

Expansive windows let in a golden luminosity that fell over the towering pines standing sentinel in the stunning vista beyond the glass.

There was a harmony in this space, an unspoken rhythm that the city’s cacophony could never hope to match.

Six spacious bedrooms and five bathrooms, including three ensuites, awaited us.

Every detail was more charming than the previous, with joinery and exposed timber beams adding a warm, rustic touch to the elegance surrounding us.

As we walked hand in hand through the house, I imagined the life we’d build here.

The rooms, each more inviting than the last, appeared to whisper of future memories.

The formal dining was perfect for hosting dinners where laughter and conversation would flow as easily as the wine.

The heart of the home was the open-plan kitchen, a space that invited warmth and devotion.

‘Baby, I can see us prepping together!’ I murmured, imagining the aroma of our cherished dishes filling the air.

The piece de résistance, however, was the library.

It came complete with oversized bookshelves, a stunning mix of decor and indoor plants, comfy sofas, and a vintage rug with a modern glass coffee table.

Betters till, Alessio had transported all my books, precious, well-thumbed novels, and limited-edition hardcovers and arranged them on the shelves.

I was so stunned that my words stayed trapped inside as I ran my hands over the familiar spines, my mind spinning.

Still, there came more to explore. From the sunroom to the sitting rooms and library, I already have found a dozen favorite spots to unwind.

The wide verandas, the vaulted ceilings, and the stone fireplace in the living area promised cozy nights.

On the north terrace, I pictured us sharing meals under the wisteria’s shade, warmed by the outdoor fire and pizza oven.

We discovered the 22-meter pool, the renovated cabana with a built-in beer system, and a Brazilian-style BBQ inset in lush gardens, offering peace and tranquility.

The estate also had a tennis court, horse stables, dog kennels, machinery sheds, and abundant water resources.

Lastly, we inspected the charming guest accommodations: a weatherboard timber cottage and a two-bedroom apartment.

‘You like?’ Alessio asked when we stood on a small knoll overlooking the property, staring back at its beauty.

‘I don’t like -’ I declared, speaking my first words sincewe’d arrived.

His eyes narrowed, and his nose flared. ‘But -’

‘ - I adore, Calibrese. I love it a lot. Grazie, honey.’

He shut his eyes for a moment, sucked his teeth, and let out a long exhale. ‘Fuck woman, I thought you hated it. Which would have killed me given how many other places I’ve had to tour and turn down until I found this place.’

I laughed, tugging him into my arms. ‘Calibrese, you’re so easy to tease. And I cherish you for it. I also adore that you took the time to search for it. It’s perfect, where we can build our dreams, surrounded by love, in a home that would be ours for years to come.’

I woke to sunlight filtering through the gauzy curtains, casting a golden glow across the room.

Blinking sleepily, I stretched under the soft sheets, a contented sigh escaping my lips.

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