Page 214 of Modern Romance June 2025 1-4

He stopped in the doorway, remembering things Gia had told him. Things Enzo had confided in her. The insecurities that Emilio was now certain no one had ever put to rest. ‘Enzo.’

His brother looked up at him.

‘You leave your mark on the people around you.’

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Tap tap.

The knock on the glass door to Jasmine’s office was far gentler than Jenna’s, and before she even glanced up a frisson of recognition ran down her spine.

Emilio was standing at the door. Every cell in her body wanted to leap into his arms. But she didn’t. She stayed exactly where she was.

He was as beautiful as ever, but she noticed the dark circles under his eyes. His hair was mussed in a way that made her think he wasn’t really taking care of himself. Clearly, she wasn’t the only one suffering.

‘Hello, Jasmine,’ he greeted her softly as he opened the door.

‘I don’t want to see you, Emilio.’ A lie, but she didn’t know what to do with the truth. She still hurt.

‘I need to talk to you,belleza. I’ll wait all day if I have to.’

Hearing him call her that made her want to weep. Made memories of their time in Italy return in full force. She so desperately wished she could return there, but it was in the past. There was no regaining the trust he broke…was there?

But if he hung around her office all day it would be torture, not to mention a distraction for everyone. She doubted he’d make a scene, but still…

Her desk phone rang loudly, and she looked at the flashing light on the keypad. She was genuinely busy. She could ignore Emilio or send him away. But for weeks she had missed him. Shewantedto talk to him.

‘Not here.’

‘Come with me, then,’ he said softly, his palm outstretched. ‘Please, Jasmine.’

She looked at his hand. Every cell in her body screamed at her to take it, but she couldn’t.

She would, however, go with him. Hear him out.

‘Fine.’

They made their way down to the street. The Maybach she’d expected wasn’t there. Instead, Emilio walked up to a large white SUV and opened the door for her.

‘You drove?’ Emilio never drove anywhere. He didn’t trust himself enough to do so and yet, when he opened the door, she spotted a child seat already fitted in the back.

She had seen this car before. It hadn’t been her mind playing tricks on her that morning after she’d returned from Italy. Ithadbeen Emilio.

‘I did,’ he said cautiously—caution at her reaction, she realised. So she stepped forward and climbed into the car.

‘Where are we going?’ she asked when they pulled out into the traffic.

‘Home.’

‘Then you’re going in the wrong direction.’

‘We’re going to mine. I didn’t know if you’d want me at yours. And I need you to know that, no matter what happens after we talk, the penthouse will always be your home too.’

‘Belleza, my home is our home. Our child’s home.’That was what he’d said at the gallery, before everything had gone up in flames.

When they finally arrived and entered his penthouse, it felt as if no time had passed since she’d last been there. Since their wedding. She could still picture getting dressed in the guest room. Could see her mother witnessing their signatures as they’d stepped into the living room.

Jasmine swallowed thickly. No matter how badly she missed Emilio, she had to remain strong. ‘Say what you need to then I’ll leave.’

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