Page 109 of The Deal

“I found a box of cards in my mum’s room,” she says quietly, her voice tinged with sadness. “One for every Christmas and birthday she missed.”

“Although she eventually found a life here, I can only imagine how hard it must’ve been for her to miss those special moments with you.”

“There were ones addressed to my father as well.”

“You understand why she couldn’t send them, right?” She nods in reply. “My father never would’ve allowed it.”

“I know … it’s just … we missed out on so much.”

“She’s back in your life now. Don’t waste time with regrets, life is too short,Tesoro. Trust me, I know. You’ll make plenty of memories moving forward. Everything that’s coming will outshine what’s gone.”

“I hope so,” she says, her voice soft, but there’s a quiet strength in it too.

“Ti amo,” I say, placing my lips against her forehead.

“Anch’io ti amo.”

I pull her face back into my chest, releasing a long, steady breath, letting go of all the bullshit and tension that’s been building up inside me.

This woman loves me, and that’s all I’ll ever need. She’s the one constant in a world that often feels like it’s spinning out of control. She’s the anchor that keeps me grounded and steady in the chaos.

Chloe Carmichael is my home.

Chapter 33

Alexander

Islide my phone out of my pocket, lean back into the seat, and groan when I see Sophia’s name light up the screen. A mix of relief, annoyance, and sadness floods through me.

It’s now the 8th of January, and she was supposed to be back in Australia on New Year’s Day. Concern began to creep in when she didn’t show up—primarily since I hadn’t heard from her once while she was in Italy. Not even a call to wish her son a Merry Christmas.

I tried calling her repeatedly, but I was met with her voicemail each time. I left messages and contacted Mimi, who hadn’t heard from her either. As the days passed, I was on the verge of filing a missing person’s report.

“Sophia,” I say, answering the call.

“Alexander,” she replies, her voice is calm … almost too calm.

“Where are you?”

“I’m still in Italy.”

“You were supposed to return a week ago.” My voice tightens with irritation

“I know, that’s why I’m calling. I was wondering if I could ask you a favour.”

“Let me guess, you need more money.”

“Actually, no. I need you to take Giovanni to the school and have him fitted for his school uniform.”

“I have no issue doing that, but can’t you take him yourself when you return?”

“No. I only have until the twelfth to get his order in. Otherwise, his uniform won’t be ready by the time school starts at the end of the month.”

I blow out a long breath, frustration building. “You won’t be back by the twelfth?”

“No, I was planning on staying here a little longer.”

“And when were you planning on telling me that?”

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