AllFreeNovel
Share Us
We went from room to room in her beautiful modern castle. She had life size marble and metal sculptures that she’d built intermixed with modern and traditional colorful furnishings. Outside was a stage where a quartet was warming up and a piano which I knew was for Paul, who was already there working with them. Nearby were rows of wooden tables set for dinner with elaborate candles and bottles of wine on them.
“He never stops,” she murmured proudly. “He looks happy, and I was afraid I’d find him still mourning.”
I didn’t answer but nodded.
“Paul came here and barely left the room when he lost her.” She drew in her breath and touched her face. “I’m sorry. I can’t help but think of Aubrey.”
I nodded and didn’t answer because I wanted her to continue to tell me more about the woman that Paul loved and married. But Aurora went quiet, so I dared to ask, “What was Aubrey like?”
“A sweet soul. Insanely talented violinist. Though she acted like Paul’s protégé. She was so intense. Trying hard to keep impressing him. I wish she was more secure. But she loved him. Hell, she worshiped him. It was too much to have to live up to that. Who could ever live up to being seen as a God?” She blew out her breath. “Nevertheless, we all loved her.”
“I’m sorry,” I said softly.
“So am I, but Paul is ready to move forward, and I want that for him. So I will tell you the same thing I told her. Women who last with a powerful man don’t try to harness his energy. They move on their own. Be you, Nadia. Don’t try to be what he wants.”
“Be me. Don’t try to be what he wants. Thank you, Aurora. I’m still working out who I am, but I’m truly thankful for your advice.”
“You are most welcome,Bellissima.”
I followed her as she led me through a row of her olives and grapes. Then down a curved slope that led into an underground wine cellar. There were rows and rows, each with hundreds of bottles. She uncorked one. “Vigna Grotta Piana. It’s fruity with a vanilla hint. My favorite.” I followed her to a small table where she pulled out glasses hidden below a rack.
I sipped the white wine and smiled.
Paul walked up in a black suit. His hair was damp from a shower. He took the glass from me and polished off the rest of the wine. Aurora laughed.
“Divine,” he praised. “Your guests are arriving, and Nadia must change.”
I raised my brows, and she beamed at Paul, who kissed her cheek before leading me back to the In-law suite just as a quartet began to play. The melody sounded familiar.
“What is it, Paul?”
“It’s Carmen, ‘Habanera’.”
I lowered my head. Paul never had to tell Aubrey about classical music or operas. She knew it. He had so much more to share with her than with me.
“Open your surprise,” Paul coaxed, bringing my attention back to him.
There was a garment bag on the bed, but it wasn’t the one I had packed. I eyed it curiously as Paul stood back. I unzipped the front and let out a loud squeal and grabbed his arm.
“Oh, my God. It’s…my dress. You had my dress made with the pattern I’d sent you.”
It was a floral design I created and shared with him a few weeks ago. It had the pleated halter neck and the sweeping swing skirt that cascaded into flowing ribbons. I took off my dress and put it on, and I was surprised at how exactly it fit. The jeweled sandals were precisely the pair I had imagined matching with this gown. It was magnificent.
My eyes teared, and I threw my arms around his neck.
“So you like it, Nadia?”
“You know I love it.” It was so Paul. Everything he did was always over the top. It was also thoughtful and romantic. “This is so much.”
“You’re happy, and that’s what matters to me.” He kissed me.
“I love it.” I was enthused, then met his eye that bore into mine with a gaze that held my heart.I love you.“But….”
“But what, baby?”
“You don’t have to always do something…so extraordinary.”
“But I enjoy it.”He cupped my face and brushed my tears with his thumbs. “It’s a special night for me. To return to Rome and start over. I want to make it memorable for you too.”
