Page 14 of Doctor Billionaire's Surprise Baby

My heart raced as I took in Hugo's vulnerability, a side of him I'd never seen before. The walls he'd built around himself were beginning to crumble, and I couldn't help but feel drawn to him even more. His passion for his work was infectious, and the way he spoke about his dreams with such conviction stirred something deep within me.

"Thank you for doing this, Simone," he whispered, reaching across the table to take my hand again. His touch sent shivers down my spine, igniting a fire within me that I hadn't felt in years. "I promise to show you the best Italy has to offer while we're there. And you'll love my friends."

A small smile tugged at the corners of my lips, and I found myself looking forward to the adventure that lay ahead.

"I can't wait to meet them," I replied, squeezing his hand.

As we sat there, our fingers intertwined, I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of anticipation. For the first time in my life, I was on the verge of taking a risk – not just for my career, but for the chance at something more. Something real.

Stop.

No, this wasn’t real. I pulled my hand away gently.

But at that moment, as Hugo's eyes met mine, I thought that our partnership had the potential to become so much more than just a business transaction. And, despite my fears and uncertainties, I was willing to take the leap and see where this journey would lead us.

"Seeing my grandmother again would be wonderful," I said, my heart swelling at the thought. "She was always there for me during the difficult times in my life, and I haven't seen her in years."

"Ah, Nonna," Hugo smiled warmly. "There's nothing quite like a grandmother's love. I'm sure she'll be thrilled to see you, too." He paused, taking a sip of wine, his eyes glistening with nostalgia.

“What are your parents doing now? Is your dad retired?”

Hugo shook his head.

“He’s actually running for mayor in Milan right now. That was always the plan: I’d take over his business while he focused on his political career.”

"Really?" I leaned closer without thinking. Hugo nodded, an earnest sadness in his eyes.

"My parents never truly understood or supported my decision. They've always been critical of me, which has put a strain on our relationship. Admittedly, I’m happy not to go back home alone. I think if they see me in a relationship, that could help ease the tension just a bit."

"Regardless of their opinions, you made the right choice because it's what you want to do," I reassured him, admiring his determination to follow his own path.

"Thank you, Simone," he replied, his gaze softening.

As Hugo spoke, I found myself drawn even deeper into the world he was painting for me – a world filled with ambition, passion, and the pursuit of dreams. It was a world I longed to be a part of, and I realized that the opportunity before me wasn't just about securing my future; it was about finding the courage to chase after something greater.

"What your family has been doing sounds fascinating," I said, genuinely intrigued. "I can't wait to see your parents after all these years. I mean, I didn't really know them from before, but I've met them and I have a picture of them in my head. But people who do big things, like run empires, are always fascinating to talk to."

Hugo chuckled.

"Trust me, they're quite the characters and so are my older sisters, Giuliana and Giorgia. Remember them? They are older than you, so I don’t know that you had a chance to really get to know them when you were living there, but I think you'll beable to handle them. I just hope they behave themselves. They do have the tendency to come off as, well, spoiled brats."

I remembered them, but only vaguely. "I can get along with anyone," I grinned, feeling a newfound excitement for what lay ahead.

"Indeed, you can," Hugo agreed, his brown eyes filled with warmth. And as we sat there, sharing stories of our pasts and dreams for the future, I was filled with a feeling of security and excitement. If we could keep this feeling of having each other's backs, I knew we could conquer anything that came our way.

As I listened to Hugo's stories, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. Though our childhoods had been spent in Milan, our experiences seemed worlds apart. I was young enough at the time to not really understand his family's wealth at the time, and it was never anything that came up in our friendship. Or even his friendship with Seth. If I recalled correctly, Hugo was always over at Nonna's house. We never went to his family home and so I only saw his parents briefly when they would come with their driver to pick him up. I couldn't help but think that growing up in a wealthy family like Hugo's must have been nice, even if it came with its own set of problems. While I sympathized with his strained relationship with his parents, I couldn't ignore that he had resources most people could only dream of.

"Simone," Hugo interrupted my thoughts. "You've grown quiet. What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing important," I replied, shaking off my envy. "Just my mind going crazy and imagining what it will be like when we go to Italy."

"Ah, yes," Hugo smiled warmly. "I’ll make sure it’s an amazing trip. If there is anything you want to do when we’re there, just say the word.”

"Really?" I asked, my excitement growing at the thought of exploring Italy again with him as my guide.

"Of course," he assured me. "We’re partners in all of this, Simone. I don’t want you to feel like you have to just do what I want to do. This is your trip, too. If anything,you’rethe one doingmethe favor – and it’s an extraordinary favor.”

A blush crept into my cheeks, and I quickly took a sip of water to hide my reaction.

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