39.

Giovanni spoke up, breaking the silence between him and Isabella. "It's nothing... I was just thinking about something," he said, turning his head to look at her. Isabella smiled in response, nodding her head slightly to acknowledge his words.

As they sat together, Isabella took a sip of her coffee, feeling Giovanni's gaze on her. She turned her head towards him, and found him staring at her intently. Feeling a bit self-conscious, she let out a small "umm?"

Giovanni's attention shifted towards the ocean, as he seemingly lost himself in thought. The two of them sat in silence for a few minutes, the only sounds coming from the crashing waves and the occasional seagull passing overhead.

Breaking the quiet once again, Isabella gathered up the courage to speak. "Can I ask you something?" she queried, her voice soft and gentle.

Giovanni turned his head towards her once more, his eyes meeting hers. "Sure," he replied, his voice calm and steady.

Isabella, feeling a mix of curiosity and concer