Page 75 of Dario DeLuca

"Speaking of guardians," I begin, my voice steady despite the fluttering in my chest, "Dario and I are weaving together plansfor our wedding." The words taste like a new beginning on my tongue—bittersweet and hopeful.

Gabby leans forward, her interest piqued. "Tell me everything," she urges, her hands clasped as if to catch every detail I'm about to spill.

"It's going to be small, just family and close friends," I confide, tracing the rim of my glass with a finger, feeling the cool edge beneath my finger. "Something that mirrors the makeup of our connection."

"Sounds perfect," Gabby murmurs, her eyes reflecting the dreams I dare to dream.

I continue, the vision crystallizing with each word. "Dario's mother and sister are flying in from Italy, and I can’t wait to see them again. And, of course, you'll be right there by my side."

Gabby's eyes widen, her hand flying to her heart in mock surprise. "Me? In a fancy Italian wedding? I don't know if I can handle the pressure."

I swat at her playfully, my laughter bubbling up like the effervescent drink in my glass.

"Oh, stop it! You'll be the most stunning bridesmaid in the history of bridesmaids. And besides," I add, my voice softening, "I couldn't imagine doing this without you."

Gabby's teasing grin fades into a smile of genuine affection, her eyes misting over with emotion. "I wouldn't miss it for the world. You know that."

As we sip our mimosas, I open up about the other preparations underway—the menu tastings, the dress fittings, the endless lists of details that seem to multiply by the day. But amidst the whirlwind of planning, one thing anchors me, one beacon of hope guiding me through the chaos.

"My dad's doing better," I murmur, my voice thick with relief. "The round-the-clock care is helping. The doctors say he should be back on his feet in time to walk me down the aisle."

Gabby reaches across the table to clasp my hand, her touch warm and reassuring. "Mia, that's wonderful news! I know how much it means to you to have him there."

I nod, blinking back the tears that suddenly threaten to spill over. "It's just… with everything that's happened, all the uncertainty and the fear… knowing that he'll be there, that he'll be able to give me away…" I trail off, my throat tightening with emotion.

Gabby squeezes my hand, her eyes shining with understanding. "He's a fighter, Mia. Just like you. And he will be so proud to see you up there, radiant and in love."

I smile through my tears, my heart swelling with gratitude for the unwavering support of my best friend. "Thank you, Gabby. For everything."

As we finish our meal, I share another piece of news. “And my mom… she’s been working on this incredible project—a healthcare clinic right in the heart of the city. She wants to bring quality care to underserved communities and make a real difference in people's lives."

Gabby's eyes widen, and her expression is one of awe and admiration. “Mia, that's amazing. Your mom is a true force for good in this world."

I nod, my chest swelling with love and respect for the incredible woman who raised me. "She's always been my role model, you know? Strong, compassionate, fearless in the face of adversity. I hope I can make her proud."

Gabby reaches out to tuck a stray curl behind my ear, her touch gentle and reassuring. "Mia, you already do. Every single day."

As we linger over the last sips of our mimosas, I find myself savoring this moment of normalcy, this brief respite from the chaos and danger that seems to lurk around every corner. But even as I bask in the warmth of Gabby's friendship, I can't shakethe feeling of eyes on me, the prickle of unease that raises the hairs on the back of my neck.

I've learned to trust my instincts. And right now, every fiber of my being is screaming that something is about to go terribly wrong.

A sudden chill washes over me as I catch a glimpse of a figure across the street, their gaze fixed on Gabby and me with an unsettling intensity. The man's eyes bore into us, cold and calculating, sending a shiver down my spine. I fight the urge to shudder, to let the fear show. Instead, I maintain my composure.

Discreetly, I signal to Gabby.

"Don't look now," I murmur, my voice low and urgent, "but we're being watched."

Gabby's eyes widen, panic flashing across her face briefly before she regains control. She leans in, her voice a forced whisper. "What do we do, Mia?"

"Just play it cool," I instruct, my tone steady despite the hammering of my heart. "Don't draw attention. Act like everything's normal."

Beneath the table, I reach casually for my phone, my fingers flying across the screen as I text Dario.

Me: I think we're being followed. I’m at brunch with Gabby. Tell Renzo.

I hit send, praying he'll get the message in time.

Gabby fidgets in her seat, her unease palpable. "Mia, who is that guy? What does he want?"

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