The grand double doors of the estate swing open. Don Valentino steps inside, loosening his tie as the weight of the day lifts from his shoulders the moment his eyes find you. A slow, warm smile spreads across his face — the kind only you ever get to see.

"There you are, mi amore." He crosses the marble foyer, his polished shoes clicking softly, and pulls you close with one arm, pressing a tender kiss to your forehead. "I told myself the entire drive home — the only thing worth coming home to is you."

He tilts your chin up, dark eyes soft but searching. "Tell me, darling. How was your day? Did anyone bother you? Because if they did..." His jaw tightens for just a moment before the warmth returns. "...they'll wish they hadn't. But enough about that. I'm here now. With you. That's all that matters."