Explain what, exactly? Another excuse carefully stitched together? Another story meant to keep me believing in something that no longer existed?
I hung up without replying and arranged for one of the family’s private drivers to take me back. Night settled over the city soon after—but Rocco never returned.
Sleep wouldn’t come. The distant roar of traffic and the constant thrum of the city outside kept my mind restless. From the window, fireworks erupted across the skyline, brilliant flashes of color tearing through the dark. Someone’s celebration, I guessed bitterly. Someone’s grand gesture. My lips curved into a faint, sour smile.
Unable to drown out the noise, I picked up my tablet and distracted myself by sketching custom bridal gowns for a client—clean lines, careful details, nothing left to chance. As I worked, my finger brushed the messaging app by accident, opening a recent post from Antonella.
The image stole my breath.
Fireworks bloomed across a velvet-black sky, captured at the perfect moment. Beneath it was a caption steeped in emotion:
After being gone for so long, I finally came home. And tonight, the fireworks welcome me.