Page 26 of Doctor Billionaire's Surprise Baby

"Yes, but Simone was here as a child and since returning to America, has had no need to travel. Her life is very full in the States. You can have a broad perspective by just keeping an open mind." He turned toward me. "Come, Simone," he said, standing up and taking me by the hand. "I'll show you where you can freshen up before dinner."

"Matteo took your bags to your room, Hugo. She can freshen up in there. I hope she brought some clothing suitable for dinner." Caterina spoke dryly in no one's direction, but pointed to Hugo as if I wasn't there.

"Thank you," he murmured. He grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the living room, both of us relieved for the temporary escape from their judgmental gazes.

As we walked down the hallway and up the stairs, Hugo squeezed my hand gently.

"Don't worry about them," he whispered. "They're just… used to a certain way of life. But I know you're strong enough to deal with it."

"Thanks," I said, my voice wavering slightly. I wasn't sure I was.

He laughed. "Well, if it weren't for me, you wouldn't have to be here and be subjected to this torture. I'm just thankful you're here withme. I can't imagine facing them all on my own again. I forgot they were such crocodiles." He guided me into his childhood bedroom and picked up his suitcase. "Now, go ahead and freshen up. I'll use the spare room. We can meet back here when you're done. No rush." He flashed his gorgeous smile.

"Okay, thanks," I said. The door clicked shut behind him as he left, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

"I'm fine. I'm perfectly fine," I said to myself as I gazed into the mirror. The uncertainty in my voice betrayed me, but I tried to mask it with a forced smile as I gave myself a pep talk.

I took a moment to freshen up, splashing cold water on my face and fixing my hair. The cool droplets seemed to jolt me back into reality, washing off the jetlag that was encroaching on my brain. Of course, I would be in a situation where I'm not at the top of my game when faced with his family. I dried myself off and touched up my light makeup. I opened my suitcase and decided to put on a killer dress. Yes, there it was. Red, slinky and showing enough skin to create some havoc, yet covering enough to be classy. After a little primping and preening, I went back outside. Hugo was waiting, looking over the balcony to the open space below.

When my heels announced my arrival, he turned.

"Simone…" he whispered, as if his voice had left him. I slowly walked up to him, seeing the effect the sway of my hips had on him until I stood directly before him and… yes, a little too close. My heart started to race as our lips hovered dangerously close to each other, evidenced by our intermingling breath where all I wanted to do was to breathe him in. He leaned toward me, and it felt like we needed to release this pressure that hadbeen building ever since our time on the plane. We were here, together, in Italy. Our lips landed firmly yet sweetly, searching each other and wanting to know more.

Hugo pulled tentatively back and exhaled sharply. "Simone, what you do to me."

I straightened up and grabbed his arm, held him close, and looked over the balcony.

He cleared his throat, seemingly in an attempt to regain his composure. "Simone, how do you like being back in Italy so far?" The balcony overlooked the vast entrance, but I could also see out the windows to the beautifully landscaped front yard.

"Oh, it's as beautiful as I remember," I answered truthfully. "I've always loved being here. It feels like a second home."

"Good, I'm glad. You know, when we first met, I never imagined I'd be bringing you here to my parents’ house," he admitted with a soft chuckle. "As the woman I'm engaged to."

"Neither did I," I laughed nervously, thinking about how our lives had unexpectedly intertwined again.

"Are you ready to go back downstairs?" Hugo asked gently.

"Almost," I replied, as I brushed down my dress. Of course, everything was ok. I was just nervous. "Okay. Good to go."

"Remember that you don't have to prove anything to them. You're an amazing person, and if they refuse to see it, it's their problem."

"Thank you," I whispered, touched by his words. "Let's go face the fire together," I said, offering a small smile.

"Always," he agreed, his eyes filled with warmth and support. Together, we made our way back to the living room, my heart pounding in anticipation of the dinner ahead.

"Wait. Simone, would you like me to show you around the estate before dinner?" Hugo asked gently, sensing my lingering apprehension.

"Sure, if you think there's time before dinner," I replied, grateful for the distraction. He nodded.

Hugo led me through the grand foyer, his hand warm was reassuring against the small of my back. As we walked, I couldn't help but admire the beauty of his childhood home. The exquisite marble floors gleamed beneath crystal chandeliers that hung from gilded ceilings, casting a soft amber glow on the priceless artwork adorning the walls.

"Over here is the library," he said, guiding me into a room filled floor-to-ceiling with leather-bound books. A fire crackled merrily in an ornate fireplace, its warmth seeping into my bones as Hugo continued our tour. "This was always my favorite room growing up," he admitted with a nostalgic smile. "I spent a lot of time here by myself, getting lost in books and puzzles."

"I could see that," I breathed, running my fingers along the spines of the countless novels, feeling their history and stories beneath my fingertips. "I could lose myself here for hours."

"Maybe one day we can come back and do just that," he said softly, his eyes meeting mine with an intensity that made my heart flutter.

As we continued our tour, Hugo shared memories from his childhood, painting a picture of a life so different from my own. One filled with luxury, privilege, and expectations. Despite the opulence surrounding us, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of my stomach. I felt like an imposter, trespassing in a world where I didn't belong.

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