her head back against the seat. Gina, sitting beside her, noticed th

s night. She couldn't bring herself to confess what had happened-not to Gina, not to anyone. *How could I possibly tell her that my first kiss was st

e toward the window to avoid further questions. Gina studied her for a mom

see you," Gina said, attempting to lighten the mood.

s last home," Bella laughed softl

stances, she would have bombarded her with a barrage of questions, but today, she respected Bella's need for silence. The calmness in the car gav

nicured gardens and tall wrought iron gates. The mansion itself was a magnificent structure, with tall, white marble pillars supporting the large

ome. The grand entrance was just as she remembered, a sweeping staircase leading up to the upper floors, with the marble floors

softly on the marble floor, and made her way to the living room. As she entered, she was greeted by the sight of her parents, bot

th open arms. Her father, who had been reading a newspaper, look

," he said warmly, sta

ss As the weight of the past few days melted away, Bella felt a deep sense of comfort

kissing Bella's forehead. "Go

d, "Gina mentioned you spent the night in

playful as she put on a puppy face. "I was

eeks in his hands. "It's fine, dear.

rowed slightly. "

ed with a reassuring smile.

d the other men moved swiftly to take Bella's luggage

, her mother asked, "How was Paris, my dear? Y

riosity in his eyes.

a twinkle in her eye

ile, At Exce

med the night before. He rubbed his temples, trying to shake off the lingering haze. Ac

e purred, attempting to

f gently but firmly, his expression cold. "Ge

le hurt. "What? Why? We were hav

ng. "That was last night. I'm not i

was serious. "You're such a bastard, you know that?

way, heading towards the bathroom

hings, stomping towards the door. "I hope you choke on you

in the mirror. He splashed cold water on his face, trying to clear his thoughts, but the me

hair. He quickly tied his bathrobe around his waist and decided to make

hallway. Luca moved to the room next door and knocked softly. "Hey... it's me fro

was only

uder. "Look, I'm sorry about everything. If you do

l no

pushed the door open, only to find the room empty. The bed was neatly

room. *Just my luck,* he thought bitterly. He closed the door behind him an