Page 37 of Temptation

“Just for a few minutes,” her father replies, his voice firm yet kind. “And make sure you stay where I can see you.”

With a chorus of happy squeals, the kids race to the playground a few feet away, their laughter trailing behind.

I turn back to Fabrizio, feeling a wave of gratitude and happiness, not for myself but for the twins wash over me. “Thank you,” I say, a soft smile coming to my lips.

“For what?” he asks, tilting his head in genuine curiosity, his eyes softening.

“For this,” I reply, gesturing to the ice cream cones in our hands and the playground where the twins are already lost in play. “I’ve never seen them so alive, so full of joy.”

“That’s because of you,” he says softly, his eyes locking onto mine with sincerity, his words striking a deep chord within me.

“Why me?” I ask, truly puzzled since this has all been him.

“Because you were right about everything,” he explains. “I might not be able to give them what others would call a‘normal’life back home. But I want to make our time here as memorable as possible. Like you said, they deserve to live fully and be happy.”

Without thinking, I place my hand on his, giving it a tender squeeze. “And so do you,” I say, my voice filled with heartfelt sincerity.

Fabrizio lets out a soft, almost disbelieving chuckle. “Why do you even care?” he asks, his voice a mix of curiosity and vulnerability.

“Because I care about you,” I admit, the words spilling out before I can stop them.

His Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows hard, his jaw tightening as if he’s wrestling with something deep inside. For a fleetingmoment, I worry that I’ve overstepped, that my honesty has crossed an invisible line.

Sinking back into the couch’s plush cushions, I let out a long, contented sigh. My feet are throbbing after the day’s activities, and as I gingerly rest them on the coffee table, I realize just how much they ache. Today was a whirlwind of joy and excitement, but it left me completely drained and utterly exhausted.

I close my eyes, savoring this rare moment of peace as the house finally falls silent. Fabrizio is upstairs putting the twins to bed. The quiet is a balm to my weary soul, and I take a deep, calming breath, feeling the tension melt away from my muscles.

Just as I’m beginning to sink into the tranquility, Fabrizio’s voice breaks the silence. “The kids are in bed, but Maddy refuses to sleep until you come and say goodnight.” His words pull me from my reverie, and I open my eyes to see him standing behind me.

A smile spreads across my face as I push myself up from the couch. Fabrizio stays at the foot of the stairs, watching as I walk past him and up the stairs to the upper floor. I can see the exhaustion etched into his features, mirroring my own.

But there’s something different about him tonight. Like there has been something different about him the whole day. His usual stern expression is now softened—a mix of happiness, contentment, and relaxation. This newfound serenity makes him look even more handsome, giving his strong features a gentle glow.

Maddy sits upright in her bed when I enter her room, looking nowhere near ready to sleep.

“Sienna!” For the first time, the little girl calls me by my name instead of the formal Ms. Walsh. Her small arms are reaching out to me, and her bright eyes are still wide with excitement.

As I sit down at the edge of the mattress, she throws her arms around my neck, pulling herself close with all the strength her little body can muster. I hug her back, tracing gentle circles on her back with my hand.

“Come on, sweetheart, you had an exciting day,” I whisper softly. “It’s time for you to sleep.” But she doesn’t let go. Instead, she clings to me even tighter, and I sigh softly. “Do you want me to read you a story?” She shakes her head against my shoulder, and that’s when I feel the wetness of her tears soaking through my shirt. Concerned, I gently untangle Maddy from my embrace and cup her small face in my hands.

“Sweetheart, what’s wrong?” I ask, my heart aching at the sight of her tears.

Instead of answering, she sniffs, and a few more tears escape, sliding down her cheeks. The sound of her quiet sobs tugs at my heart, and I lift her onto my lap. She leans her head against my chest, and I hold her close, rubbing my hand up and down her arm in a comforting rhythm.

“Everything’s okay,” I tell her, my voice as soothing as I can make it. “Why are you crying?”

“Are you going to stay with us?” Her voice is so thin and fragile that I can barely make out her words.

“What do you mean?” I ask, confused.

“When we go back home?” she sniffs, her little body trembling.

“Oh, sweetheart…” I find myself at a loss for words, my heart breaking for this precious girl. And for myself.

“Promise me that you’re not going to leave,” she pleads, her big blue eyes meeting mine.

Her words completely take me aback. Every fiber of my being recoils at the thought of letting go of her and her brother. Maddyand Flynn have held a special place in my heart since I became their teacher. But now, in such a short time, I have irrevocably fallen in love with these two children.

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