“Tell me the truth, Marco are you dying?”“No. Why would you ask me that?” I wonder.“You are moving at a pace that feels like you are dying.”“Very funny.”“I’m stressed. We could have flown out tomorrow in a private jet for free yet you making us go through this horrible experience barely after a long crucial meeting simply because you want to see Valentina. Really which of you is dying?”“None of us. Stop whining, you are not a child. Don’t you miss Flora? You should be happy I forced you to fly down today.”“You do know the weekend is in three days?” “Are we still on this topic?”“Don’t you think you are making hasty decisions? The public is going to think you are doing all of this to leach unto her money.”“The public can think whatever they want to think, I couldn’t care less. Nonna and mother gave me their blessings already and that's all that matters. We aren't couples who are about to just get married in case you seem to forget. It is a very small intimate occasion. Only fr
"Give me that phone young lady." I turn to see Nonna dressed in an extremely seductive night dress. What in heaven's name is happening?Before I can voice out my thoughts, mother shows up too in something similar. Ok, someone has to brief me on what is going on."We have been waiting for you." mother whines."She was talking to Marco. No more talks with or about Marco. Till Saturday morning, we are going to be bonding." Nonna says stretching me a night dress similar to theirs. All my life, I've never seen mother wear anything improper. Then suddenly seeing her in this is unbelievable. I know Nonna is very fashionable but this? I know something is about to go down. Where is my Nonna and my mother and what have you done to them? "Valentina?" mother calls out."Sorry come again?""Your Nonna and I have a lot planned out for our bonding time. Nonna has asked Alberto and James to foresee things for the next few days you won't be around. Tell her Nonna.""I want you to have the best fun
I recall memories from last night, smiling sheepishly as I flip our pancakes.“Argghhh,” Mother screams, running into the kitchen.“Alberto's response just came in as I turned on my phone.”“What did he say?”“He loves the idea and wants to know when I would be available for the date,” Mother gushes. She gives me a tight hug before kissing me on the cheek.“It’s been a long time coming. Fingers crossed it turns out to be a great dinner that will lead to many more and maybe a lifetime together.”“Me too. I should tell Nonna.”“Tell me what?”Nonna appears, trying to rub sleep from her eyes.“Alberto loves the idea of us going on a date. He also said he had always wanted to ask me out but didn’t know how you would take it.”“I’m glad Valentina made that call yesterday,” she responds, genuinely happy for Mother.“Have you guys picked a date?”“Not yet, after Valentina’s wedding.”“Wonderful. Speaking of the wedding, any update from Adanna?”“Yes, we spoke this morning. Everything has bee
As the gentle evening sea breeze blows, friends and family are all seated, awaiting Valentina’s entrance and just like yesterday, I recall how I first got married under very unpleasant circumstances, with my parents absent due to their hatred for Valentina and Giovanni, Miss Sofia, and Valentina’s friends being the only ones present at the gathering.Today we renew our vows under a different atmosphere, with everyone genuinely happy for us.I watch my world walk down the walkway alongside Nonna and Miss Sofia, with Chiara behind, as the orchestra performs a beautiful solo instrumental. Dreams do come true, although most times, one must be resilient.I smile, eager to have this whole process over and done with so I can officially claim her as my lawfully wedded wife.“Hi, beautiful,” I mouth, to which she responds with a smile.“Welcome to this auspicious occasion, everyone. We are gathered here for two lovely people who want to renew their vows once again,” the priest announces, picki
A kiss on my cheeks wakes me up from my peaceful sleep.“Wake up, sunshine,” Marco beams.“Marco… I’ve barely had any sleep, go away,” I whine, raising the duvet over my face.“You can’t blame me. You almost ran me mad coming out of the shower in that lingerie.”“And now I have to pay with a lost voice and barely any sleep.”“Are you saying it wasn’t worth it? Because I can clearly remember that’s not what you were saying last night,” he says, smacking my butt before strolling to open the curtains.“You made breakfast?” I ask, staring at the tray on the bedside table as I sit up.“Brunch, yes I did, and don’t fret. It’s just bread, sausages, and butter accompanied with a steaming cup of tea for mi lady.”“Brunch in bed? I might as well start getting used to it.”My hand hits the bedside lamp just as I am about to pick up my plate, and it goes tumbling down, shattering into pieces before I get a chance to save it.“I’m sor… I was trying… Marco, it wasn’t intentional, I’m sorry,” I plea
Surrounded by lush greenery and the stunning beauty of the coastal waters, I feel completely refreshed and renewed. The peace here is unmatched, providing a perfect escape from the usual hustle and bustle of Tuscany. I’m still yet to get over the Mahi Mahi and rice from yesterday—so divine.After our long flight yesterday, we chose to relax and unwind for the rest of the day. I place a gentle kiss on Valentina, who is still sleeping soundly.I connect to the resort’s Wi-Fi and just as I'm about to start preparing for the day, Giovanni’s call comes in.“I’ve been away for how many days and you suddenly can’t breathe?”“Good day to you too, and last I checked, you are not Flora. Unlike you, I’m a good brother always wanting to check up on you and you, on the other hand, forget your brother once you are lost in love. How’s the honeymoon going?”“Wonderful, it’s such a beautiful place to be.”“I’ve been told. How’s your wife?”“Sleeping soundly. Yesterday’s flight was a bit overwhelming.
These past few days in Bora Bora have been some of the best moments in my life so far. I can’t get over the beauty of the underwater world. The beautiful, colorful fishes and the coral reefs were breathtaking. I took so many pictures to last a lifetime.The thrill, fear, romance—everything—we experienced it on this trip, and I hate that we have to leave tomorrow. I don’t want it to end. My highlight has to be seeing Marco scream like a child when we went skydiving. Who ever knew that a day would come when I would see Marco Lorenzo scared of something?The lingerie Chiara and I shopped for has been nothing short of a game-changer. Chiara was right when she said they had the power to make a man lose his senses.Can the world just pause for another week so Marco and I can continue having so much fun without coming back to a truckload of work on our desks? I shudder at the thought of the workload piled on my desk right now.Cristos! Yesterday was Mother's date with Alberto, and I forgot t
“See that glow, you weren't this good-looking before you stepped on that plane last week. Despite the workload you came to handle after you got back, you are still looking flawless. Hmm, must be the marriage glow and the other reason why women glow,” Chiara gushes, offering me a plate of cake.“Your place just keeps getting better. I love what you did to the wall.”“Thanks, it is sad no man is surprising me with an aquarium in my home simply because I can’t get over moments from my trip.”I flush, remembering how I came home from Bora Bora to a gigantic aquarium nestled in a corner of our living room. A gift from Marco because I couldn't stop talking about our glass-bottom boat tour.“Stop being dramatic.”“I want my man too. Is there something I'm not doing right?”“Soon, you'll find your perfect match.”“I know, I just need to know how soon. I may have noticed you’re overly bubbly these days? Are you pregnant?”“What? No. Chiara, you are way too observant for my liking. You used to