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"How have you dealt with it?" I ask, searching for some guidance, some anchor in this turbulent sea of emotions.
He hesitates for a moment before speaking. "I've always found solace in the fact that the people I've killed would have killed many others... but I also recognize that I probably haven't processed my own kills in the healthiest of ways. Maybe we should see a therapist," he suggests.
"Okay," I agree, sniffling. "But they'll have to be okay with listening to people talk about others they've murdered."
Giovanni chuckles softly. "I'm sure I can find someone we can trust."
My mind starts spinning again, too fast for comfort. "There's so much I need to do," I say, my voice wavering. "I have to take control of the city before another interloper tries to take over. Secure my position with my father and El Lobo's men..." I pause, my doubts creeping in. "Am I even cut out for this? Or did I get myself in way over my head?"
"Shh," he whispers, placing a finger to my lips. "You are absolutely capable of doing this, and even greater things. And I'll be by your side through it all."
I look into his eyes, filled with sincerity and warmth, and ask, "Do you really intend to move down to Miami with me permanently?"
He chuckles again. "It's rather hot down here for my liking... but yes, I will stay by your side, wherever that may be."
"Thank you," I whisper, feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt. "But I don't want to take you away from everything you've built."
"Lucia," he reassures me, "don't feel guilty. My business partners are more than capable of running things up north, and I'll check in with them from time to time. We're in this together now, remember?"
His words wrap around me like a warm blanket, comforting me as I allow myself to sink into the safety of his embrace.
"What about your family?" I ask Giovanni, my thoughts shifting to Teddy and the rest of the Maldonado clan.
Giovanni sighs, his chest rising and falling beneath me. "I think Teddy will need to step up and take control of things."
"Really? Do you think he can handle that responsibility?" I question, trying to imagine the charming, lighthearted Teddy in such a serious role.
"Sometimes necessity helps us do things we're otherwise too scared to do," he says.
"True," I agree.
"Teddy is capable of more than he realizes. This might be his chance to prove it."
Curiosity getting the better of me, I can't help but ask, "How did you find information on El Lobo and the shipping company, anyway?"
His lips curve into a proud smile as he replies, "I used your hacking method to get into their systems. It worked like a charm!"
My heart swells with pride, knowing I taught him something valuable. "That's amazing! I knew you could do it."
"Thank you," he says, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "We're going to make an exceptional team. You'll see."
"I think so too," I admit, feeling a renewed sense of confidence in our partnership.
He leans in to plant a gentle kiss on my lips, his fingers brushing through my hair tenderly.
"Get some rest, my love," Giovanni whispers, his breath warm against my skin. "Tomorrow is a new day, and we have much to do."
I nod, allowing my heavy eyelids to close and the exhaustion from today's events to finally take over. As I drift off to sleep in his arms, I feel hopeful for the future.
* * *
A week later, standing in front of the mirror, I revel in how different everything feels. The wedding dress I'm wearing is my own choice, a delicate vision of lace and tulle that hugs my petite frame before cascading into a frothy cloud around my feet. The ivory fabric rustles softly with every movement, and the embroidered flowers on the bodice seem to dance, their silky petals brushing against my skin like whispers of love.
Beneath the dress, I wear heels that make me feel like I'm walking on air. Their satin straps crisscross around my ankles, slender and secure, while the stiletto heel adds a hint of daring elegance. They are both beautiful and empowering, just like the love Giovanni and I share.
The bridal suite is alive with the scent of flowers: roses, lilies, and freesias intermingling in a fragrant symphony. My bouquet is a lush gathering of these blooms, their colors melding together in a harmonious blend of passion and purity.
My mother and sister stand beside me, their eyes shining with happiness. Sofia, in her flower girl dress, looks like a miniature fairy princess. The frock is a confection of soft pink tulle, adorned with tiny silk rosettes that echo the ones in my hair. Her excitement is infectious, her laughter a melody that fills the room.
