40 | All I see is a stranger
The sun is warm on my skin as I'm lying on a lounge chair by the pool, eyes closed, letting the heat of the day embrace me.
The sound of the water lapping against the sides of the pool is soothing, like the world has faded away, and it's just me in this little bubble of peace.
It isn't so bad being married to Luciano when he leaves me alone, and I get to enjoy a life of luxury.
Suddenly I hear the steady, comforting thud of footsteps coming closer.
My eyes flutter open, and there's Franco, standing beside me, a glass of water in his hand, a smile on his face.
"You need to drink in this weather," he says, offering me the glass. His voice is deep, steady, and I feel an instant wave of relief just seeing him.
I take the glass from him, the coldness of the water refreshing against my lips.
As I sip, I glance up at him, noticing how the sun catches his features, his dark hair, the sharpness of his jaw, the way his eyes watch me with that unwavering calm.
My eyes finally land on a slice of cake, the kind that's light with a sweet glaze. My favorite.
"Here, I know how much you enjoy sweets in hot weather," Franco says, handing me the cake on the plate.
My face lights up as I take it from him.
"You remembered?" I ask, already feeling the excitement stir within me. It's silly, how something so small can make me so happy, but I can't help it. He's always done this, always paying attention to the little things that make me feel cared for.
"I know what you like," Franco says with that soft smile of his.
I take a bite of the cake, savoring the sweetness. When I look back at him, my heart skips a beat.
"You should sit down," I say, gesturing to the empty chair beside me. "Come, enjoy the weather with me."
He hesitates for just a second, then lowers himself into the chair beside me. His presence feels like home, even in these simple moments.
"So," I ask, breaking the silence between us, "is everyone treating you well here? Is Luciano treating you well?" I know it's a strange thing to ask, but I can't help the worry that creeps in.
Franco's been nothing but kind to me, and I want to make sure that the others are treating him with the same respect.
Franco leans back in his chair, looking up at the sky for a moment, as though considering my question.
"Everything's good," he says finally, his voice steady and calm. "I like it here. People are treating me well."
I feel a wave of relief wash over me, the tightness in my chest easing just a little.
"That's good," I murmur, feeling the tension in me ease as I take another bite of the cake. The sweetness seems to seep into my bones, just like the warmth of the sun.
Franco doesn't say much, but I don't mind. The silence between us isn't uncomfortable; it's companionable.
He just sits there, watching me, his presence somehow grounding me in a way nothing else can.
The quiet moment stretches between us, peaceful and content, but soon, Franco's voice breaks the silence.
"So, are you excited for the trip to Italy this weekend?" he asks, his tone casual but curious, as if he's trying to read my thoughts.
I set the cake down beside me. "I'm excited."
The idea of seeing the country, the rolling hills, the ancient streets, the vineyards is thrilling. "I want to see the country, It's always been on my list... But I'm more worried about seeing Luciano's mom and his noona."
Franco tilts his head slightly, clearly intrigued. "Why's that?"
"It's been more than a year since I last saw them," I say, feeling a knot tighten in my stomach. "I'm not sure how things will be because It's... different. I'm married to Luciano now."
Franco nods slowly, his eyes soft as he watches me, trying to understand my worries.
"I guess I'm just worried about how they'll see me now. On top of that, things between Luciano and me are awkward. When I look at him, all I see is a stranger. I don't know how I'll pretend to be his wife in front of his family," I admit quietly.
I continue, saying, "It's strange... I feel like my crush on Luciano is slowly fading. I'm not sure, but it seems like I idealized him too much, creating a version of him in my mind that doesn't match reality."
Franco's gaze softens even more. "You've been through so much, Aurelia. Now is the time to focus on yourself. This trip could help you figure out if your feelings for Luciano are real or just an illusion you've created in your head."
I glance up at him, his words settling into me like a balm. The kindness in his eyes, the way he always knows the right thing to say, makes my heart ache in a way I don't understand.
"You really think so?" I ask, almost shyly.
Franco nods, his lips quirking up into that rare, soft smile. "I do."
I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. "Thanks, Franco. That actually helps a lot."