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Jess
Five days later…
As I sip my morning coffee, the steam swirling up in gentle curls, I can’t help but get lost in the view from our villa window.
The garden below is dappled with the early light, each dewdrop sparkling like a tiny jewel. Somewhere out there, Alessandro is jogging, far too early for my liking.
The serene moment is cut short by the buzz of my phone. It feels like an intruder, dragging my thoughts back to a reality I’ve been trying to avoid.
Leaning against the cool marble of the kitchen counter, I press the phone to my ear, the familiar sound of Emma’s voice a welcome intrusion into the quiet morning.
“How’s it going, blushing bride?” she asks. “He given you something new, blue, and ideally battery powered?”
“Maybe,” I reply. “But a married woman never tells.”
“So he’s taken you down the Louvre and up the Notre Dame? Is that it?”
I can’t help but giggle. “You know just how to word things, don’t you? How’s it going back there?”
“Tony’s concerned. That’s why I’m ringing. Your father’s been seen with Garibaldi.”
The smile on my face vanishes in an instant. “What? Why?”
“We’re not sure but if he calls you, be sure to let Alessandro know. Tony thinks he’s up to something. We just don’t know what.”
My shoulders slump as if he’s right next to me. All the strength I had vanishes in an instant as I mutter, “I thought he was gone for good.”
“I’m sure it’ll be fine. Just thought you’d want to know. Tony’s told Alessandro already.”
I stand up straight. “Wait, Alessandro already knows? Why hasn’t he told me?”
“I’m guessing he doesn’t want to worry you.”
“Or he thinks I can’t handle myself.”
Her voice is soft but firm. “Jess, you are strong. You always have been.”
I smile, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. “I don’t want to be a pawn in my dad’s games or in anyone else’s. I want to make my own choices, chase my own dreams.”
“Like your mom did?” Emma probes gently.
“Exactly. She had this fire, this passion for life. I want that, too. I want to find my own courage, not just rely on Alessandro’s.”
Emma’s laugh is a balm to my soul. “I think you’re doing just that already. You’ve got this. And remember, you’ve got me, too. Tony’s been great, but I miss you like crazy.”
A laugh escapes me, lightening my heart. “I miss you, too. And when I get back, we’re going to have so much to catch up on.”
“Mrs. Henderson’s out of hospital. I went around to see her. She’s doing good.”
“That’s great. Send her my love.” There’s a beep from my phone. “Hang on, I’ve got another call coming through. Oh, shit. It’s my dad.”
“Fuck. You better answer. He might let slip what Garibaldi’s got planned. Could give us the upper hand. Keep calm, let him talk.”
A knot forms in my stomach, the sudden intrusion of my old life into this serene new world we’ve built feels ominous. Reluctantly, I answer, pressing the phone to my ear.” Dad,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady as I watch a couple of sparrows dart playfully in the garden. “How are you?”
“Jess, my darling,” my father’s voice comes through, a mix of warmth and something darker I can’t quite place. “I’ve been so worried about you. Has he hurt you?”
“Why are you calling me darling?”
