The plane touched down in Verona with a gentle thud, and as I stepped out, the cool air brushed against my face, grounding me back to reality. I scanned the crowd, my heart leaping when I saw Sofia waiting near the car. Her arms were crossed, her eyes shielded by sunglasses, but the unmistakable grin on her face made me laugh.
“Isabella!” she called, her voice cutting through the hum of activity around us.
“Sofia!” I rushed over, pulling her into a tight hug.
She laughed, patting my back. “Easy, tiger! You act like I saved you from a desert island.”
“Honestly, it feels that way,” I joked, pulling back to grin at her.
She gave me a once-over, her brow quirking in amusement. “You look... different. Did Alessio actually let you relax for once?”
I rolled my eyes. “Let’s just say it’s bee
