Chapter 25 - 26
Elodie’s POV~
Six years later.
I stepped out of the airport into the cool night of the Bellini Pack. My suitcase rattled behind me as I drew in a deep breath. The clock had already passed nine. Today was my birthday.
I unlocked my phone. Messages from colleagues, friends in the tech world I’d fought so hard to rise in, lit up the screen. Not one from Dante.
My smile faltered. Two months away from him and Liora, and he hadn’t even remembered. I had pushed aside crucial work on the neural network launch just to spend this day with my family, hoping for a simple moment together.
By the time I arrived at the villa, it was past ten. The house was quiet. Sabina froze when she saw me.
“Madam... you’re here?”
“Where are Dante and Liora?” I asked, setting down my designer bag.
“Master hasn’t returned yet... and Miss is in her room, busy.”
I handed her my luggage and went upstairs, my heart tightening with every step.
Liora was sitting at her little table, pajamas rumpled, eyes glued to a tiny charm bracelet she was threading with care. I called softly, “Liora?”
She looked up and brightened. “Mommy!” But then immediately went back to the bracelet, humming under her breath.