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18

ALESSIA

S tanding outside the Folonari townhouse, I take a moment to appreciate the grand structure that blends French elegance with the grit of urban life. The crisp summer air nips at my skin, sending a shiver through me as I look up at the familiar limestone facade, the windows draped in ivy, and the shadowed balconies above. A sleek black sports car, one of Emiliano’s favorites, is parked near the entrance, gleaming in the soft glow of the exterior lights, surrounded by white hydrangeas arranged perfectly along the walkway.

As I step inside, the overwhelming grandeur of the interior washes over me. High ceilings loom above, and the sprawling marble floors reflect the warm light from the chandeliers. Everything feels heavy and luxurious, almost suffocating. In the living room, Mara and Valentina are already waiting for me. Despite the room’s opulence—with its plush velvet chairs and gold accents—there’s a warmth emanating from these two women that grounds me in a space that could easily feel overwhelming.

Mara lounges in one of the armchairs, her legs crossed elegantly, but her expression softens as she glances up at me. Valentina sits beside her, giving me a small wave, her brown eyes filled with a kindness that’s hard to resist. Seeing them is a balm for my heart, which is still aching and unsettled by thoughts of Romiro, the memory of our last encounter replaying in vivid, painful clarity.

The early morning conversation haunts me. His voice, low and biting, feels like a knife twisting in my gut. I push the hurt down, forcing myself to focus on the present.

“Finally,” Mara says, raising an eyebrow as I step into the room. “We were starting to think you’d forgotten us.”

I manage a small smile, though it feels thin, forced. “Sorry. Got held up.”

Mara waves a hand dismissively, already shifting her attention. She leans forward, reaching for her glass of wine. “We’re just glad you’re here. We were talking about the engagement party.”

Valentina nods, her glow seemingly brighter with excitement. “I was hoping you’d help us plan it. It wouldn’t feel right without you, Allie.”

Swallowing hard, I force a nod. “Of course,” I reply, though my voice sounds hollow, even to my own ears. I can feel Mara’s keen eyes assessing me, sensing the tension I’m trying to mask.

“Are you okay?” she asks, her tone casual but with a hint of concern that makes me want to hide.

“I’m fine,” I lie, my gaze drifting to the expansive window behind them, where the beautifully landscaped garden outside feels distant and blurred, like a scene from a movie I’m only half-watching.

“Is it about Romiro?” Mara’s voice cuts through the silence, blunt and direct.

I look back at her, startled. How can I explain everything? After years of friendship, I’ve only recently crossed that line with him, and now I’m stuck in this confusing web of emotions. “It’s… complicated,” I say, hesitating. “I’m seeing Romiro now.”

Both women lean in, their interest piqued. “Romiro?” Valentina exclaims, eyes wide with surprise. “I didn’t know you two were dating!”

Mara’s expression shifts from surprise to encouragement, her gentle personality shining through. “How long has this been going on?” she asks, her shyness fading as she becomes invested in my story.

“It’s been a few weeks,” I admit, my heart racing. “But he wants to keep it hidden.” The words tumble out, heavy with the weight of my conflicting emotions. “He thinks it’s better this way.”

Valentina’s brow furrows in concern. “Why would he want to keep it hidden?” she asks, her tone earnest and caring. “That doesn’t sound right, Allie.”

I shake my head, frustration boiling inside me. “I don’t know. He says it’s complicated, that now isn’t the right time to be public. But it makes me feel… like I’m something to be ashamed of. Like I’m not good enough to be seen with him.”

Mara’s expression softens, and she leans forward, her eyes filled with empathy. “That sounds really tough,” she says softly. “You deserve to be public with someone you care about.”

Valentina nods, her passion evident as she speaks. “Exactly! If he cares about you, why wouldn’t he want to show you off? You’re amazing, Alessia. You shouldn’t feel like you’re worth hiding.”

Their words wash over me, filling me with warmth but also a pang of hurt. “I’ve been trying to understand his perspective,” I say, my voice trembling slightly. “But it feels like I’m constantly in the dark, waiting for him to decide when it’s okay for me to be part of his life. I want more than that.”

Mara reaches out, her hand gently resting on mine. “You have every right to want more,” she says gently, her shyness giving way to a fierce protectiveness. “But you also have to think about what you want, what makes you happy. If he’s not willing to give you that?—”

“Then maybe it’s time to reevaluate,” Valentina interjects, her voice steady and reassuring. “He may be my friend, but you’re also my friend, and you deserve someone who is proud to be with you, someone who will stand by your side.”

A bitter laugh escapes me, and I shake my head, trying to blink away the tears that threaten to spill. “It sounds so simple when you say it like that,” I murmur. “But it doesn’t feel simple. It feels… impossible.”

Mara squeezes my hand, her gaze steady. “It’s not impossible,” she says. “It’s just hard. But you’re strong, Allie. Stronger than you realize.”

I close my eyes and take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. They’re right; I can’t keep clinging to something that’s only hurting me, to someone who won’t meet me halfway. But letting go feels like tearing out a piece of my soul.

“Maybe I need to talk to him,” I say, my voice shaky but resolute. “Maybe I need to let him know how I feel. I can’t keep living like this.”

Valentina beams at me, her eyes sparkling with encouragement. “Don’t be afraid to stand up for what you want.”

As I sit here, surrounded by the warmth and support of Mara and Valentina, a quiet resolve begins to form inside me. I may not have all the answers yet, but I know that I can’t keep living in the shadows, waiting for someone who may never be willing to give me what I need.

I take a deep breath and lift my head, meeting their gazes with a small, tentative smile. “Thank you,” I say softly, my voice filled with a quiet gratitude. “For being here. For everything.”

Mara smiles gently, her shy demeanor shining through as she leans closer. “What are best friends for?” she asks, and I can hear the warmth in her voice.

Valentina wraps an arm around my shoulders, her embrace comforting and steadying. “We’re here for you. Always,” she says.

And in this moment, I know that no matter what happens, I won’t be walking this path alone. With their support, I feel a flicker of hope ignite within me. And maybe, just maybe, that’s enough to get me through this.