Page 56 of The Billionaire's Destiny

Moments later, a group exited, some with tears streaming, others whispering, and a few lost in silent awe, setting a reverent hush as we entered. The room was far larger than I’d imagined, yet it felt intimate with just the three of us. Leonardo da Vinci’sThe Last Supperdominated the far wall, drawing us into its gravity, until we could only stand in silence. Bare walls framed the mural, making its scale and meaning even more profound. The painting loomed above on the far wall, and in seeing it, we all fell silent as if the painting commanded our full attention.

Most of the walls were bare, and I was grateful for it. The mural appeared so large, and its significance wasn’t lost, that we, as people, were small and there were much greater things in this vast universe. The fractured pieces from its years of erosion created a story that was almost terrifying in its beauty. A chill ran through me, and Rocco’s arm wrapped around my shoulders, sharing his warmth. I studied the disciples, their faces alive with worry and doubt, like a mind crowded with fears. But at the center, Jesus radiated calm, a steady flame in the dark, promising hope and peace after sorrow.

Rocco’s eyes glimmered when I looked at him. I wrapped my arms around him, and he held me close. Together, we stepped out, paused for a few words with Angelina, and posed for a photograph to remember the moment.

Then he asked me, “How was that for you?”

“Very intense,” I admitted.

“I thought the same the first time I saw it when I was seven. I was afraid, actually. I ran out. Grandpa caught me.”

My brows rose. “What did Luca do?”

“He made me go back in alone.”

“But you were scared.”

“Yes, but Grandpa never wasted a life lesson. He said man must always face his fears head-on. That was what I needed to do to be great.”

“And of course you wanted to be great.”

“I wanted to be like him.”

I thought about it and realized Rocco was so much like the Luca I’d grown to know and love. “I believe you are. You’re definitely one of the greatest men I’ve ever known.”

His expression turned soft, and my heart skipped a beat.

Someone called out, “Baciala.”Kiss her.

I smiled up at him, my eyes imploring.Why not?

Rocco’s gaze lingered on me before darting to the nearby group; he shook his head, refusing. I dropped my eyes, forcing a smile, then slipped on my sunglasses, my armor against revealing too much.

“We’re not show ponies,” Rocco muttered, but all I heard was his reluctance. He took my limp hand, and together we made our way to say goodbye to Angelina, whose smile softened with genuine warmth as we approached.

“Did you enjoy seeing our masterpiece?”

“Yes,” Rocco said and shook her hand. “Very much. Thank you for showing Adelina. It’s her first time.”

“It is?” she said, nodding at me. “How wonderful. I’m glad I was here to share it with you.”

“I sincerely appreciate it,” I said, taking her hand as well.

“We filmed you, if you want to have a copy sent to you later,” Angelina offered, her tone implying a reluctance, like she’d seen his kiss rejection.

He placed his arm on my waist. “Yes, thank you. We’d love to relive every good memory we share.” Angelina’s eyes flicked to me, and I held my smile, though Rocco’s words had leftme confused. Yet, he kept me close as we wandered toward the Duomo di Milano, that was truly an astonishing sight. The building’s intricate design and ornate sculptures revealed the passion behind its creation. Though time and changing ideas led to overelaboration in its artistry, I admired its craftsmanship and how it remained open to anyone interested in its true purpose.

Italy’s beauty always stirred my soul, but today I didn’t come for grandeur; I was seeking humility. “I don’t want to tour today.”

“Okay. I feel that way, too.”

Rocco understood my sentiments, and when we walked in, we went directly to the vigil, which already had many rows of lit candles. Rocco handed me a wick, and as I reached for it, he covered my hand.

“Let’s do this together.” And that was what we did; we lit a candle for family. I was about to put it back, but Rocco held firm. “How about one more?”

He didn’t explain, but he didn’t have to. The prayer had already seeded hope in me. Not just that we’d come together for our child, but that we’d find our way back to each other.

Xander: Excited to meet up! See you soon