“He’s just she began, her voice shaking slightly, but she forced herself to stay steady. “He’s missing home. This is all new to him, and think he’s overwhelmed. It’s been… a lot for him. She tried to keep her explanation calm, reasonable, even though her insides were a tangled mess of faustration hurt, and anger.
Loca just stared at her for a moment, then at Nico, still thrashing on the floor. There was a flicker of something in his eyes, but whether it was sympathy or just plain annoyance, Amber couldn’t tell.
Finally, he stepped forward and without another word, bent down and scooped Nico into his arms. The boy continued to cry, his tiny fists beating weakly against Luca’s chest, but the sobs were starting to subside. Luca held him with ease, his large frame making Nico seem
even smallet. Amber stood frozen for a moment, watching as her son slowly calmed in his father’s arms.
“I want to go home, Daddy,” Nico whispered between hiccuping breaths, his voice so small, so broken, that Amber felt another stab of
guilt twist in her chest.
Luca sighed, running a hand through Nico’s hair. “Shh, it’s okay, buddy. We’re going inside now.”
Amber followed them inside, her heart heavy. The look on Luca’s face was unreadable, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was
losing her son to a world that would never fully accept her. Amber’s gaze flicking to the figure behind Luca–Carlotta. Amber’s stomach
twisted at the sight of her, standing there right behind Luca.
. Amber followed them inside, but her heart stopped when she saw Guilia and Chiara still sitting in the living room. They were still here.
“For God’s sake, Luca,” Guilia snapped, her voice dripping with contempt. “I’ve said it a thousand times–you should’ve sued for custody. That boy’s been spoiled rotten by his mother, acting like a wild animal with these tantrums.”
Amber felt as if she’d been punched. Her breath caught in her throat as she watched her son, his tear–streaked face now buried in Luca’s chest. Criticizing her was one thing, but Nico? He was still just a child.
“Ma! That’s enough!” Luca barked, his voice sharp. “Not another word about Nico.”
Guilia fell silent, but her icy glare lingered. Luca turned to Amber, his eyes softening with regret. “Amber, can I speak with you in
private?” he asked.
She nodded, surprised when neither Guilia nor Chiara objected. Even Carlotta didn’t seem fazed by Luca’s request. Amber followed him into the next room, her pulse quickening. What now?
“So, why was Nico crying like that?” Luca asked, his tone calm but probing. He was watching her closely, and Amber couldn’t help but feel
defensive.
“He’s homesick,” she replied, crossing her arms over her chest. “Probably missing his friends, his playschool…”
Luca didn’t respond right away, but she could see the tension in his face, the frustration barely concealed. Finally, he spoke, his voice low.
1/2
Chapter 93
“There’s something else I need to talk to you about.”
Amber raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to continue.
“My mother invited Mr. and Mrs. Forentino for dinner tonight. They, and Carlotta’s siblings, are coming over
The weight of his words hung in the air. Amber said nothing, but the tightness in her chest grew as he hesitated.
“I would like Nico to join us for dinner,” Luca finished, his eyes pleading for understanding.
But not her. Never her.
Amber felt the sting of rejection, sharp and biting. He wanted Nico at the dinner, to show off his son, but she–the mother of his chille was to remain hidden, unseen, as if she were a shameful secret.
“It’s okay,” Amber replied, her voice flat, emotionless. “I’ll be out of the house tonight. Don’t worry. Your in–laws won’t have to be
embarrassed by the sight of your ex–wife.”
Luca’s face paled. “Amber, please-” he began, but she cut him off, her voice trembling with barely restrained fury.
“Don’t. I get it, Luca. Carlotta’s feelings are important, your mother’s feelings are important, hell, even the Forentinos‘ feelings are
important. But mine? They’ve never mattered to you. Not once.”
“That’s not true,” Luca protested, his face reddening. “You must understand–this was a last–minute thing. I didn’t know my mother
invited them, and if I cancel now, it’ll-”
“Ruin your perfect evening with your fiancée and her family? Spare me the excuses, Luca.” Amber’s voice shook with barely contained anger. “I’ll leave. Just tell me–do I need to sneak out the back door, or will the front do?”
Luca’s face flushed with guilt, his eyes pleading. “Amber, I’m sorry. You have to understand–this isn’t how I wanted things to go. If I had
known-”
“It doesn’t matter, Luca,” she said, her voice hollow. “It never has.”
Without another word, Amber turned and walked away, leaving Luca standing in the empty room, his apologies ringing hollow in the
silence.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
