Was I capable of forgiveness?
Could I allow myself to believe in second chances?
The boutique grew quiet, and I wrestled with the tangled emotions threatening to consume me.
I always loved nature. Whenever we needed to reflect or had a rough day, my mother and I would always find peace by the water or in a small garden.
The chaos of the past weeks left me craving quiet, so I found it at a gelato stand under an oak tree. I ordered coconut gelato,savoring its creamy richness as I sat on a nearby bench.
Pulling out my phone, I scrolled through my contacts until I found Dillon’s number. Hesitating only briefly, I pressed the call button and brought the phone to my ear.
After a few rings, Dillon’s deep voice greeted me. “Nina! How was your show? Are you okay?”
“Hey, Dillon. It was great. Thank you and Mara so much for the donation and the card. I appreciate it,” I started. “Can we talk?”
“Of course. I will be at the next show,” he replied, his tone serious now. “Is all well?”
Taking a deep breath, I recounted the events since the fashion show—the success, theVogueshoot, and Ronan’s unexpected appearance. “Ronan was at my show.”
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line, as if Dillon was processing my words.
“I see,” he said finally, but knowingly. “How are you feeling about that?”
I sighed, swirling my gelato absentmindedly with the small plastic spoon. “Conflicted, mostly. Seeing him brought back so much… confusion. I thought I had moved on, but…”
“But some things never really go away,” he finished gently.
“Yeah,” I admitted softly. “I keep replaying his words in my head.
Siamo finiti? Non c’è davvero più speranza?18
Dillon was quiet for a moment before responding. “He’s never stopped caring about you, and I’m not taking sides here. I understand heartbreak, believe me. But for a moment, consider his perspective. His entire world collapsed in front of him—he lost his parents, his sister, and his grandparents, all within two years. Yes, he hurt you, and you didn’t deserve that. He’s aware of it, and he’s in therapy, trying to make sense of it all. You deserved better, and I believe Ronan can be that better. If you think he hasn’t cared or done anything for you in the past fiveyears, I can honestly tell you that thought isn’t true.”
My heart clenched at his words, emotions swirling like a tempest inside me. “What thought is wrong?”
“I won’t be the one to tell you that,mia cugina,19nor can I tell you what to do, but all I can say to you is your happiness is worth far more than anyone.” )
I sighed, overwhelmed with emotion. “Thanks, Dillon.”
“You’re welcome, but I have to go now. Come visit the city soon. My gala is coming up, and we miss your charm around here.”
I chuckled, taking a bite of my gelato.
“Ah, yes. Take care,” I replied. We hung up, and I slowly made my way home.
I opened the wooden door to my apartment in Arezzo. The scent of peonies mixed with warm sunlight coming through lace curtains. Photos of old streets and vineyards hung on the walls, adding a timeless feel. A leather sofa sat in the corner by shelves of fashion and history books. The cool tile floor led to a small kitchen, where the smell of fresh bread from the bakery filled the air.
I grabbed my sketchbook and started designing, but couldn’t focus on anything but Ronan.
His eyes.
His lips.
His annoyingly perfect, symmetrical face.
Frustrated, I pushed myself up from the couch and headed to the kitchen to reheat the stuffed bell peppers my mom had prepared earlier and rushed out to my balcony.
I sought solace in the night air, hoping for clarity that never came. My mind circled back relentlessly to the same person, their presence haunting my thoughts like a stubborn ghost.
