Chapter Forty-four
RONAN
Present Day
ITALY/NEW YORK CITY
I parked across the narrow street from Nina’s boutique, admiring the historic building’s weathered stone walls and timeless elegance. A sign in delicate script displayed her name, framed by blooming vines from the window boxes.
Beside me stood Luca Winter, a fashion investor who owed me a favor—a debt now being repaid by introducing him to Nina’s undeniable talent.
“Trust me, Luca,” I urged, gesturing towards the boutique. “She’s the real deal. You won’t regret this.”
With a nod of determination, he entered the boutique while I waited outside, my heart racing with nerves and excitement. Minutes stretched into hours until Luca finally emerged, his expression bright with satisfaction.
“She’s incredible,” he exclaimed, his voice carrying a note of genuine admiration. “Her designs and her vision are exactly what we’ve been looking for.”
Relief washed over me as he continued, “They’re eager to discuss partnership details next week. This is going to be big.”
Glancing back at the boutique’s door, I caught sight of her—a whirlwind of energy, her laughter ringing out as she rushed to embrace someone.
The sight of her happiness filled me with a quiet contentment.
Despite the ache of the past and the uncertainties of the future, knowing I had helped bring that joy to her made it all worthwhile.
I blinked, and the office came back into focus. The memories loosened their grip, leaving me steadier than before. The session with Dr. Saad had been intense, but it always was. We went through everything: the recent chaos, my progress, and the parts I still avoid.
For the first time in a long while, I left feeling lighter. Not fixed. Healing.
A few hours later, I was sitting across from Azzaria at lunch. It was the first time we had spoken since her mother passed.
“Let’s skip the awkwardness,” I said, my voice trembling slightly, betraying my inner turmoil.
I met her gaze, hoping she could see the sincerity in my eyes.
“I’m sorry I kept it from you. I shouldn’t have, but I’m sorry.
Ms. Leann asked me not to tell you, and I kept my promise. She wanted to be the one to say it.”
Azzaria’s expression softened, a mix of pain and understanding flickering across her face. “Ronan, I read her letters. I know. I was just—”
“Hurt? Betrayed? Sad?” I cut in, my heart pounding as I braced for her answer.
She nodded, tears welling up. “Jealous and guilty.”
“Jealous?” I asked, leaning forward, my breath catching in my throat.
“You spent all those days with her. Every time she was in pain, you were there. When she needed someone during treatments, it was you. I felt guilty because I couldn’t be there for her at the end. I didn’t get to tell her how much I loved her.”
I placed a hand gently on hers. “Your mother knew, Azzaria. She talked about you constantly. She loved you ten times more.”
“I know. I love her too,” she said, wiping her eyes. “And I didn’t know about your parents... I’m sorry.”
“Thank you,” I said, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Them and my little sister... all from this damn disease. But what I’ll say is—”
“I’ll move on?” she interrupted, eyes searching mine.
“No,” I replied, shaking my head. “You’ll learn to cope. You’ll get better, and in the end, you’ll live for her. You’ll make her proud.”
“I owe her that,” she said, a quiet resolve in her voice, despite the tears.
I shifted, knocking over the bag beside me. Remembering, I bent down and pulled out a small package. “This is from Nina. She made it for you.”
Azzaria’s eyes softened, tears slipping down her cheeks. “This is so thoughtful. Tell her thank you.”
“I will,” I said, smiling faintly.
She put the plushie back in the bag, eyes widening. “Did you just say Nina?”
“Yep,” I confirmed.“Are you two...?” she trailed off, her curiosity clear.
“Nope,” I answered, the word heavier than it should’ve been. “We’re getting there, but it’s a work in progress.”
She sighed, her gaze distant. “Five years is a long time.”
“Maybe,” I said, voice steady. “But I’d wait forever for her.”
Azzaria looked at me, surprised. “You love her that much?”
“I love her more than that.”
After lunch, we parted ways. Azzaria headed home, her steps slow and thoughtful, the weight of our conversation hanging in the air. I watched her leave, a bittersweet feeling in my chest, before heading home myself.
As soon as I walked through the door, I called Rachel. “Clear my schedule for the rest of the day,” I instructed, my voice firm but exhausted. I needed space to process everything, to let the emotions settle.
Rachel’s response was immediate. “Consider it done. Anything else?”
“No, thank you—actually, yes,” I said, sinking into the nearest chair. “How far along is the boutique?”
There had been issues with the wall structures requiring a specialist, which halted progress.
“I sent you the pictures, sir,” she replied. I switched the phone to speaker and opened the photos. It was exactly as I had envisioned, needing a few final touches.
“Looks great. Will it be ready by Friday?”
“Absolutely. The interior designer will be back at two today, and the deliveries for the furniture, tools, flowers, and appliances are being offloaded now. We’re working around the clock, and it should be finished by tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Rachel.”
“It’s my job,” she said, her tone professional but warm.
“It is, but I appreciate the extra effort. Your hard work means a lot.”
“Thank you,” she replied, before hanging up.
I glanced around my home—a sanctuary of sorts—but today it felt empty. My thoughts turned to Nina, wondering if she was thinking of me too.
Determined not to let the day be consumed by sorrow, I stood up and headed to my study.
There was something therapeutic about organizing, about putting things in their rightful place.
As I moved books and papers, I found an old photograph of my parents.
Their smiles were frozen in time, a stark contrast to the pain their absence still caused.
I ran my fingers over the photo, a bittersweet smile tugging at my lips. “I’m doing my best,” I whispered, as if they could hear me. “I hope you’re proud.”
The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of mundane tasks, each one proving to be a distraction from the emotions churning inside me.
I also found solace in a small crocheting project I had started.
The rhythmic motion of the yarn moving through my fingers helped ground me, offering a quiet comfort in a chaotic world.
By the time evening rolled around, I felt a bit more centered, ready to face whatever came next.
My phone pinged. It was a message from Nina.
Tesoro:
Totally forgot because the past weeks have been a lot, but that box, you are something else.
I smiled, remembering the most recent package I sent with the Chanel book.
Me
Good something, I hope.
Tesoro
Solo buono84
Tesoro
Il migliore85
Me
Are you busy Friday?
Tesoro
Depends on who’s asking.
Me
This sexy doctor guy.
Tesoro
Hm? I don’t know too many of those.
Me
You sure?
Tesoro:
Where are we going?
Me
That is a surprise.
Tesoro
Of course it is.
Tesoro
I’ll see you then ??
Tesoro
I have a meeting now, bello.
Me
Okay, amore mia.
After texting Nina, I quickly called Rachel back and instructed her to have the boutique cleaned and set up for Friday night. Nina was leaving to go home on either Saturday or Sunday, and I couldn’t think of a better time for this.
I knew Nina had been struggling to find her place, especially since everything was so unfamiliar to her. But this was her world.
If Nina wanted the sun to stop shining so brightly, I’d find a way to make sure she never got burned.
And if she ever mentioned anything, I’d make sure she got it with no questions asked.