My eyes immediately watered as I understood the reference he made.
How the fuck did he remember?
The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow over Parco dei Fiori in Arezzo, where Ronan and I sat on a weathered wooden bench, surrounded by blooming flowers and the gentle rustle of leaves. We’d stumbled upon this hidden gem during one of our explorations of Florence, a quiet oasis away from the bustling streets.
It felt like our own little world—no prying eyes, no interruptions, just us. After all our late-night texting, lingering calls, and constant flirting that had carried me through weeks, having him here felt surreal.
I reached out to touch a cluster of lavender, savoring its scent as I closed my eyes. “You know,” I murmured, “I was almost too happy when you were back in Italy. You actually flew out hereduring winter break to meet a… friend?”
“A friend?” he echoed, a playful glint in his eye. “Friends? That’s what we are?”
I smirked, meeting his gaze. “You tell me, Dr. Romano.”
He chuckled, taking my hand in his. “I like the sound of that,” he murmured, squeezing gently. “And you… You’re my favorite person. My girl.”
I laughed softly. “Well, you’re my guy.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said, his voice low and warm. He paused, studying me, and then asked, “So… would you like to make my lab coat for my coating ceremony?”
I blinked, the surprise bringing an instant smile to my face. “Are you serious?”
“Of course I am,” he said with a grin. “What better way to get coated than to be in the design of my love?
He paused, studying me, then reached into his coat pocket. “I also have a surprise for you.”
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What is it?”
With a mischievous smile, he handed me a small, beautifully wrapped package. As I unwrapped it, my heart skipped a beat. It was my favorite chocolate from Tuscani Cioccalato S.r.l.
My smile widened as I looked up at him, feeling my heart swell. “You remembered?”
“Of course,” he replied, his eyes softening. “I picked it up on my way here.”
I picked up a piece of chocolate from the box, handling it carefully, and caught Ronan watching me with a soft smile. His warm gaze held a touch of admiration, making my cheeks flush with both pleasure and a hint of embarrassment.
“A few of these won’t hurt, right, Ro?” I asked, trying to lighten the moment with playful innocence.
Ronan chuckled softly. “Have as many as you’d like, amore.”
My laughter filled the air like the petals of the nearby flowers.I reached over, offering him a piece. “Here, try this one. It’s milk chocolate… my favorite.”
He took it, his fingers briefly brushing against mine. “If it’s your favorite, then it must be worth it,” he remarked before taking a bite.
“Is it worth it?” I asked.
He dipped his head down to kiss me. “Everything you want me to do is always worth it.”
“A few of these won’t hurt, right, Ro?” I reiterated, a few teardrops running down my face.
“Huh?” Inaya asked, and I quickly wiped the tears.
“Uh, nothing,” I stuttered. “Just remembering something.”
I retreated to my office shortly after, carrying my ten boxes of sweet heaven with me. Sitting on the edge of the sofa, I placed a box of chocolates in my lap and picked up a piece, letting the taste flood my senses. It brought back memories of that day in Parco dei Fiori.
Moisture gathered at the corners of my eyes as I realized that, despite everything, part of me still hoped, or even believed, that there was a chance for us.
I looked up and saw Alejandro standing awkwardly in the doorway of my office, his expression sheepish.
