Roman kept his promise.
Later that afternoon, once she could walk without glaring at him every few steps, he took her out.
Not just anywhere.
Everywhere.
He showed her Italy the way only Roman could — unhurried and intentional. Cliffside restaurants overlooking endless blue. Quiet cobblestone streets where elderly couples lingered over espresso. Cathedrals that stood like silent witnesses to centuries of devotion and betrayal.
They wandered through citrus-scented markets, walked along sunlit harbors, and stood at scenic overlooks where the wind tangled her hair and she laughed freely.
Evelyn brought her camera.
It had survived its dramatic fall into the lake days ago—thankfully, and she used it without restraint. Golden light catching Roman’s profile. His reluctant tolerance of cand
