Tears threatened to spill from Arianna’s eyes, but she forced them back. She didn’t want to give anyone, not even Marco, the satisfaction of seeing her cry. Still, he noticed. His thumb brushed gently across her cheek, catching the tear before it could fall.
“Don’t lose hope, ma’am,” he said softly. “As long as you have life, you have a chance. Keep that hope. Don’t let them steal it from you too.”
She knew he was wrong. Hope had been slipping through her fingers since the day she said “I do” to Enzo Romano. Yet, his attempt to comfort her warmed something inside her. It didn’t fix the wound, but it soothed the ache, if only a little.
“Thank you,” she whispered. “For worrying. For being here.”
“Always. Whenever you need me.” He gave her a small smile, and she returned it before he step
