The air was crisp, carrying the scent of fresh pine and the distant whispers of the Mediterranean. Sophie stood on the balcony of their villa, gazing out over the lush hills that surrounded Cinque Aria. It was early afternoon, and the sun hung high in the sky, casting golden light over the landscape. The gentle breeze ruffled her hair as she held onto the railing, taking a moment to breathe it all in.
Luca had been more mysterious than usual this morning, teasing her with hints of a surprise. His words still echoed in her mind: “Trust me, it’ll be worth it.”
She smiled to herself, the anticipation building in her chest. Since their conversation this morning, things between them had felt lighter, more open. They were beginning to understand each other in ways they hadn’t before, an
