Page 78 of Doctor Billionaire's Surprise Baby

"Papà," I said, stunned by his words. "This is incredibly generous. Everything you've said means more to me than you could possibly know."

"Simone," my mother added, reaching for her hand. "You are a part of our family, and we couldn't be happier about it."

"Thank you," Simone replied, her eyes shining. "I'm grateful for this chance to really be a family."

As we embraced, I felt a sense of peace settle over me. It was like everything I had hoped for with my family was coming true. And I couldn't be more appreciative of these moments in time.

"Simone, we truly want you to feel that we see you as part of our family," Mamma continued. The warmth of her words still surprised me, even though things had been getting better between us recently. "We wanted to do something special for you, something that we know you will love to have at your wedding."

"Oh, Catarina, you know I don't want you to buy me…" but she was cut off as my mother made a sweeping gesture with her arm.

Our eyes followed her arm toward the door, which was slowly opening.

Simone gasped. "Nonna!" and ran toward the small figure in the doorway. "Oh, Nonna. I'm so happy you could make it! You told me you couldn't come!" Nonna and Simone hugged each other tightly, each with tears running down their cheeks.

"Well now, I didn't want to brag to you that I was travelling on a private jet now, did I?" Nonna replied cheekily.

I shook my dad's hand and embraced my mom. "Thank you, Mamma e Papà. This means so much to Simone… and to me."

Mamma murmured, as she couldn't stop smiling at the reunion, "Our pleasure, my son."

A squeal rang out, and we all watched Linda run toward her mom. "Mamma! You came!" They were again caught up in a long embrace and Linda took Nonna to meet her friends. Simone came back to where my mom, dad and I were standing and gave them each a hug and kiss. "Thank you both. So much. This means more to me than I could tell you. To have her here is so special and now I feel like the family is complete," Simone said genuinely, her eyes sparkling.

"Damn, Hugo, can you believe all of this?" Seth's voice snapped me out of my reverie as he handed me a glass of whiskey. We were standing on the balcony overlooking the beautiful beach where the wedding ceremony would take place in just a few minutes.

"Man, sometimes it feels surreal," I admitted, taking a sip of the amber liquid. The burn felt good, grounding me in the moment.

Seth clinked his glass against mine, his eyes softening.

“I gotta say, Hugo. It’s been a wild ride this last year, but it’s so clear how happy you make Simone. I’ve never seen her like this and it’s awesome. She has seemed so much more confident and comfortable with herself. Starting school, having a baby and keeping up with everything? It’s impressive, and I know you’ve been a huge part of that.”

“It’s all Simone. But a wise person told me that it takes a village. And part of that village is not only you in your big house on the hill of my village, but a housekeeper, chef, and driver that I've invested in to lighten our loads. Sometimes the only thing I can do is throw money at the problem and ba-bing, we can all breathe a little instead of trying to do it all ourselves. I have to admit, your mom has also been a godsend." Linda had been coming in regularly to help us with Enzo. Seems like there was no shortage of attention for the first grandchild.

Seth threw his head back in laughter.

"It feels good to know you guys are doing well, man. Really good. And, by the way, my big house on the hill of your village has a very nice view… and I can see that you're doing a great job."

"Thanks, Seth. I mean it." I looked out at the meticulously arranged flowers and chairs awaiting our guests. In just a few hours, Simone would walk down the aisle, and we would exchange vows, binding our lives together.

"Let's make sure we enjoy this day to the fullest. No stress, no regrets, just enjoy and savor," Seth said, finishing his drink and extending an arm toward me.

"Absolutely," I agreed, shaking his hand firmly. Our friendship had been tested, but we'd emerged stronger than ever. I knew that I was blessed with the love and support of our family and friends. The future was not only bright, but I was going to enjoy every single fucking day.

The sun began to set, casting warm golden hues across the beachside venue where the wedding ceremony was set to take place. The chairs were arranged in rows on either side of a white petal-strewn aisle that led up to a beautiful wooden arch adorned with cascading flowers and ivy. Elegant fairy lights twinkled above, setting the scene for a magical evening.

As I stood at the altar, feeling my heart pound against my chest, I couldn't help but be awed by the breathtaking surroundings. The scent of roses and jasmine filled the air, while the sound of the waves crashing against the nearby shore created a soothing rhythm.

"Deep breaths, man," Seth whispered beside me, nudging me gently. "She's going to be here any minute."

I nodded, swallowing hard as anticipation gripped me. I could feel the joy and excitement in the air, the guests murmuring and shuffling in their seats as they waited for the bride's arrival.

And then, she appeared.

"Damn…" I muttered under my breath as Simone walked down the aisle by herself, looking more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. Her dress fit her like a glove, accentuating her curves and flowing gracefully toward the ground. Her curly brown hair was pinned up elegantly, letting a few perfect tendrils frame her face, revealing her delicate features and expressive eyes that sparkled with happiness.

"Wow," was all I could think as I watched her effortlessly glide toward me, her captivating smile lighting up the entire space. My chest tightened, and I felt a surge of love for this incredible woman who had managed to turn my world upside down and make me the happiest man alive.

Seth leaned toward me. "I give you permission to take advantage of her tonight." Hell yeah, that would be happening. I elbowed Seth.

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