I was in my room, sketchpad on my lap, pencil moving slowly as I worked on a new design. The room was quiet except for the soft hum of the AC. I tried to focus, but my mind kept drifting between so many feelings.
My phone buzzed and I smiled before I even picked it up.
"Hi, my love" I said softly.
"Mummy!" my son's voice filled the room, bright and excited.
"I miss you."
My chest tightened immediately.
"I miss you too baby. I miss you so much."
"When are you coming back?" he asked.
"Grandma said soon."
"Soon my love " I replied gently.
"Very soon."
There was a small pause, the kind that always comes before that question.
"Mummy…" he said lowering his voice like it was a secret.
"Did you see my daddy?"
My fingers froze on the pencil as I swallowed.
"Why do you ask?"
"Because you're in Milan." he said simply.
"And daddy is in Milan."
Children... too smart for their own good.
"Yes," I said after a breath.
"I saw him."
His gasp was dramatic.
"Really? Did you talk to him?"
"Yes."
"When are you bringing him to see me?" he asked quickly.
"I want to see my daddy."
My eyes burned.
"Give mummy a few days okay?" I said, steadying my voice.
"I promise I'll bring your daddy to you."
"You promise?" he asked.
"I promise."
He laughed happily already satisfied.
"Okay! I love you mummy."
"I love you more than anything."I whispered back with a huge grin.
When the call ended I sat there for a long time phone pressed to my chest. No matter what I felt, no matter how my body reacted around Alessandro. This is why I couldn't keep running, I have to face him.
Work that day was hell...… By noon, my team was drowning, New revisions, Tight deadlines, Designs sent back for the smallest reasons, Emails coming in one after the other.
And every single instruction had his signature on it.
Alessandro Marchetti.
He didn't look at me once during meetings nor speak to me directly, Just cold and stoic and blank and it was deliberate.
By afternoon, my patience was thin then the call came.
"Miss—" the assistant said hesitating.
"the CEO wants to see you."
My heart dropped but I straightened my jacket and walked to his office, each step heavier than the last mentally ready for whatever hell he's about to throw on my face.
The door closed behind me with a soft click, He was standing by the window, hands in his pockets, back to me. Without turning he spoke.
" i need the full design cost analysis for the winter line,updated with supplier breakdown."
"That report was already submitted last week."
" I want a revised one ..... Now."
I stared at him, my hands already shaking.
"Revised one?" I repeated slowly.
"Alessandro I already did that report twice."
"That's not what I asked," he said. "I need it redone."
Something in me snapped.
"No," I said sharply.
His eyes flicked up.
"What?"
"I said no." I repeated louder now.
"You've been doing this for days. Overworking my team, calling me in and out like I don't have a life. If this is punishment, then say it with your chest."
The room went quiet and he took a step towards me.
"You don't get to speak to me like that."
I laughed a very short and bitter one
"Oh really? Then stop acting like you own me."
That was it, In one swift movement, he closed the distance between us. His hand hit the wall beside my head, trapping me there. His body pressed close, heat everywhere, his scent flooding my senses.
"You have no idea what you're doing to me," he said through clenched teeth.
"You walk in here like nothing happened between us."
Before I could say another word, his mouth crashed onto mine hard and hungry I gasped, hands instinctively fisting his shirt.
The kiss was deep, desperate, like he was trying to swallow every word I hadn't said yet. My knees went weak, heart pounded like it wanted to escape my chest.
For a second...…. just one.... I almost let go but then my son's voice echoed in my head.
"Mummy when are you bringing my daddy?"
I shoved him back so hard.
"Stop!" I said breathlessly, adjusting my clothes quickly.
"This can't keep happening."
He stared at me chest rising and falling, eyes dark with frustration. But then he has to know the truth.
"Alessandro, there's something I need to—"
The door opened.
"Signore Marchetti."
We both froze.
His guards stepped in, followed by an older Italian man in an expensive coat.
The air changed instantly into business aura and power. Alessandro straightened like nothing happened while I stepped back, already schooling my face.
"Excuse me." I said quickly voice steady despite the storm inside me.
"I'll get the report." I walked out before he could stop me.
Another chance gone.
......….
The day was just coming to an end when I saw his call.
Dante.....
I hesitated then picked up.
"Hey." I said quietly.
"Hey," his voice came gentle.
"I've been calling you. You okay?"
That question almost broke me.
"I'm… I don't even know," I sighed.
"Can we meet? Please."he whispered lowly
"Okay" I whispered back. I needed someone to talk to, with everything exploding in my head.
"I'm close to your office." He replied almost immediately.
........
We met at a small restaurant not too far away, very quiet and warm, where you go to when you don't want to be seen.
Dante looked the same, calm eyes, soft smile, always steady. He was the kind of man who never rushed you, never pushed, just warm and patient.
"How are you really?" he asked once we sat.
I stared at my drink for a long time before answering.
"I'm tired and confused. Everything feels heavy."
He nodded like he already knew.
Then he asked softly.
"How's Lorencio?"
My lips curved into a small smile.
"He's fine. He...… misses me."
Dante studied my face carefully before the next question.
"And… his father?" he asked slowly.
My heart skipped.
I looked up at him. He already knew, or at least suspected.
"Is it Alessandro?" he asked gently.
I nodded.
"He's the father of my child."
The silence that followed wasn't akward. Dante reached across the table and held my hand.
"Have you told him?"
I shook my head.
"No."
"You should," he said quietly.
"I know it's scary, but he deserves to know. And your son also deserves his father."
"I know." I whispered.
"I'm just... scared of what it will change."
He squeezed my hand.
"Change is already here, you're just delaying it."
After a while, he pulled me into a tight and comforting hug. Before we stood he looked at me again.
"You and Alessandro" he said.
"Are you together?"
I swallowed hard.
"No."
"Do you want to be?"
I looked away.
"It doesn't matter anymore. I hurt him, i left, i broke him, and i don't think he can ever forgive me."
Dante didn't argue, just nodded and his agreement burned my heart even more.