The heavy doors of the mansion swung open, drawing every eye in the grand living room. Sylvia shifted in her seat, her fingers fiddling with the smooth fabric of her dress as the warm chatter around her faded for just a moment.
Julian stood as a woman stepped inside, looking radiant in an elegant white gown. She moved gracefully, beaming with joy as she walked arm-in-arm with a man Sylvia recognized from photos.
She was Bianca De Luca. Julian’s sister. And the man grinning next to her was Marco, her husband.
Marco greeted Julian with a firm handshake before Bianca pulled her brother into a tight hug. “Oh, Julian! I’ve missed you,” she gushed, her voice full of warmth.
Julian smiled—really smiled. Not the careful, measured one he had been throwing around since he became cautious of her.
