O L I V I A
I'm dead.
I know I’m dead.
There’s no way I could’ve survived. This was it for me.
This had to have been the end of the road. After everything, this should’ve been what sealed my fate.
I don’t know why I did it. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLufmF0aHS
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All I remember was seeing him. I saw his face and I saw what was meant to kill him.
Something in me broke and I felt like I needed to save him. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32xGd8J1wE
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I had to risk myself for him after everything he’s done for me.
I felt like it was my time to be the hero. To be superwoman. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2w0HcGQxu
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Except it involved a bullet embedding itself into me.
And damn...it hurt so fucking bad. The pain was brief before everything went black but I remember it burned. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpNDs1yORF
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I don’t know how the Romano’s are so fearless when it comes to guns.
It was so painful but seeing Alessio’s face had made it worth it. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhPr1b62D1
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Taking the bullet though didn’t ease the hurt he would heal. I remember hearing him scream my name over and over. Everyone around him was shouting and he looked terrified. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhY2L0ooZP
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I took Adolfo’s bullet but he was still in pain.
Seeing that look on his face would stay with me forever. His dark eyes full of panic and fear.
I couldn’t get his anguished screams out of my mind.
The strong man I knew changed into something else. He was just another human living a painful moment. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBic9B913h
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He was actually scared. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJmCeJXNyQ
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I’ve never seen Alessio scared before.
He was so broken. Tears poured down his angelic face and I felt his hands tremble as he held me.
Everything had happened so fast. I didn’t expect the pain to come on so strongly. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxw1HSSZKN
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I was just grateful for the dark that followed.
His eyes gave me comfort though. Despite the pain that was evident, it felt peaceful staring up at his pitch black eyes and feeling the warmth of his hands on me. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVHYygQM1z
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It felt like I was home for the last time.
I could feel myself drifting but I had been fighting to stay with him. I wanted to hang on for him. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOLiDrx9XX
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Every part of me wanted to tell him it was okay and I loved him. I just couldn’t seem to hold on any longer.
My timing had not been what I expected. I knew what was going on in that room but I wanted to help him. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEs6VsbOpi
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I just wanted to see him and know he was okay. I didn’t want our last kiss to really be a goodbye.
Yet...I was wrong. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQISg89y1Bp
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It was my last night with him. I felt his lips for the final time. His warm fingers and soft skin. Heard his heartbeat and saw his beautiful, sculpted face before everything disappeared.
As I drifted away, I felt okay. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADFH6AzaDt
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I didn’t really feel scared to die anymore. It was time to accept it and I was just ready to let the pain go. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcnaH64uCF
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I would die in the arms of the man I loved. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ59ohOQa8X
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I know I had felt as if I should’ve never pursued Alessio, but now I’m so grateful I did. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWGyLh1ehp
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Seeing him that day in English had sealed our fate. I took the leap and I’m so glad that I did.
Alessio never really knew what love was supposed to be. He was subjected to such violence and darkness for years. He never had someone really love him. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfE3mGt7Uc
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I got to be that person.
He was only brought into this world to be a mold of Adolfo Romano. A man so sick in the head he was ready to kill all of his children. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhKN0UzTbu
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A man who hunted down children to avenge his own pain.
In the end, he got what he wanted. He was the one to bring me down. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9vSmJUtCt
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But… he didn’t get what he wanted from Alessio. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmU3c4RlF96
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Because he isn’t just chaos and destruction. He’s more than anyone could ever truly know.
Alessio always put his family first. He’s gentle and kind. He has a great sense of humor and he lights up any room.
And I fell madly in love with him. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrzdwoCaM4
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My time with him may have been cut short but I’m glad I had him while I did.
I just wish I wasn’t trapped in my damn mind.
If this is death, it’s already so fucking boring. What am I supposed to do forever? 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVHhEsCXeu
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Talk to myself.
I thought there would’ve been some kind of grand entrance to heaven. Everyone always talks about seeing some kind of white light. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZN5iFkStk
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There was nothing though. No bright light. No personal heaven.
One where I was with my parents again. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxl9HogOF4
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Giovanni would be there with Anna and Beto. Kimberly would be there...and Alessio would be waiting for me.
I'm going to miss them.
I wish I could’ve told my parents I loved them one more time. I wanted to let my dad know I forgave him for hiding his past. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZyWYzGUHn
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I just wanted them to know I didn’t do this to hurt them.
Then there’s my best friend. Kimberly Simmons. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8gbvLZxJN
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The loud-mouthed girl from down the road who took me under her wing immediately and showed me a whole new Olivia.
She showed me that I’m actually a really fun person. I like to party...sometimes too much. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRa4b4Ud6F
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She pushed me to find my confidence. She helped me accomplish things I would’ve never done alone. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVXNTDccPv
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Without her, my Senior year would’ve been a nightmare. I would’ve been so lost. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2lUJg9DB6
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Maybe I would’ve distanced myself completely. I would’ve kept my head in the books the entire time and kept focused on Art school. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ740vdJVaqE
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I would’ve probably had a mediocre life and maybe that would’ve been okay. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSxh03DSC0
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My life could’ve just been boring. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaoRu01eWG
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Yet, I’m not that kind of person at all. I crave excitement and adventure. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJjfz8kpwC
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And a little danger.
Being part of Alessio’s life was terrifying but it meant being close to him.
I lived as much as I could while I had the time.
"Olivia."
Woah! Maybe I won’t be alone forever.
"Olivia..."
Who the hell is this?
"Please..."
Now this is getting weird...
"Wake up."
Aren’t I dead?
"Her eyes moved." The voice says.
"Olivia...if you can hear me, follow my voice. I need you, baby."575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJriK2jbYMj
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Alessio? He’s here? 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEDVnXYY8u
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Did he die?
"She looks so pale dude. Like a corpse."
"Giovanni! Seriously?"
What the hell…?
"My bad! I was just saying."
"Olivia...if you can hear me, it's mom. I love you so much, sweetie. Please wake up. Come back to us." My mom's voice rings out.
"Bitch, if you make me raise this baby without you! Wake your dramatic ass up."
"F-fuck you, Kim..."
"There's my bitch!"
My eyelids flutter a little and I see a light overhead start to come into view. The ceiling above me is tall and the entire room looks to be white and blank.
"There she is!"
I try to move towards the voice and feel a wave of nausea rush over me. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnPEMR9ZTw
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Someone grabs onto me and helps hold me over a trash can as I puke my guts out into it. Giovanni’s groans of disgust mirror my own retching.
"It's the medicine."
I nod a little and look up to find mom’s face. Her blue eyes are gentle as she looks me over.
“W-what’s wrong?” I struggle out. My throat feels dry and constricted.
"Do you remember what happened, baby?" 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOV9v68d4qj
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I think back to the horrific scene. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpm4J0ThxNv
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All the dead bodies in the room. Adolfo’s gun aimed at Alessio. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseT4L0eWPV
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The searing pain and the sounds of him screaming as I hit the ground. I could feel the warmth of my own blood as it seeped onto my shirt.
"Yes."
“You’re okay,”She promises and reaches out to stroke my cheek. “The doctor’s have been wonderful.”
I peer around the room again and notice the massive windows on the left side next to us looking over a city.
"Where am I?" I ask and glance at the balloons and flowers at my bedside.
"San Diego Medical," Alessio interjects and steps closer. "I didn't want you in the clinic."
His voice comes out rough and he looks exhausted. There’s dark circles under his black eyes and his hair is untamed.
As always, he’s beautiful. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsRWt1cXzJ
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Even in his distressed state everything about him is as perfect as ever.
He studies my face for a moment and moves to sit at the edge of my bed. His muscular arms straining against his white tee.
“How are you?” He asks quietly.
"I'm not sure..."
His head bows, "I'm so fucking sorry, Olivia.”
“Alessio…”I start and try to push myself up into a sitting position. “Please don’t say that.”
I continue on, “I was the one who made the choice to run in there.”
He lifts his head a little. “I should’ve been quicker.”
I sigh a little and lean back in the bed. I get a full view of everyone before us and feel my heart squeeze.
Giovanni, Anna, and Beto are all huddled together on the opposite end of the room. Kim and Joe even made it up here. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnG4sgCyMWc
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I spot my dad next to my mom and realize they are actually holding hands for the first time in a long time.
“You guys are...all okay?”
Giovanni laughs loudly. “Nothing takes us down.” 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JcEes9dS7
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“So...who is going to really fill me in here?”
I know my parents had been unfortunately thrown into the mafia drama, but Kim and Joe were completely clueless. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCH3SsWz9B
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I wasn’t entirely sure what they knew.
“Can I talk to Olivia?” Alessio asks them. “I’d also appreciate it if someone can let the nurse know she needs more medicine soon.”
“Of course! We’ll be back in a few hours,” Mom says and reaches over to kiss my cheek. “I’m so glad you are up.”
I smile back at her and look up to find my dad looking down at me.
“Liv…”He whispers and leans to rest his head to mine. “I know you have a lot of questions, I promise we’ll talk.”
"I know,”I squeeze him tight. “Just spend time with mom.”
He stands back up and pulls her close to him. He kisses her firmly on the mouth and her cheeks redden quickly.
“I can’t leave this one! Go find another.” I tease them and he chuckles.575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfFEKH569Y
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"We'll see you soon, hun."
I watch them exit and look back over at Kim and Joe. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKpyXkAf11
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“You have to stop this shit, Liv!” Kim gushes and tears pour down her cheeks. “Why are you getting involved with such crazy shit?” 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaMZB39tvt
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“I-I don’t know,” I start and look at Alessio. He just shakes his head at me. “I’m sorry.”575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgU5V2idUxh
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“Well, be careful! I need you through this pregnancy.” 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbh4P0ISSjB
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I eye Joe behind her. “She told you?” 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndxVqLOp4F
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He nods and a bright smile lights his face. “I can’t wait to be a dad.” 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdI2zFUusuq
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“You’ll be great parents.” 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZVRXkCipu
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“You two are next,” Kim winks. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo96fsmAWIv
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“Stop!” I playfully bat at her and hear Alessio chuckle. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhivC0XCWMR
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She wraps her arms around me and holds me close. “I was so scared, Olivia. I really am so glad you’re okay.” 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OUoot1xWu
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“I know,” I stroke her back. “We’ll catch up and hang soon when I’m out.” 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCumHkSuw7
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She pulls back and holds my hands. “Love you, sweetie. We’ll see you soon.” 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAHlQMOswE
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“Bye, Liv!” Joe calls out as they leave together.
Beto, Giovanni, and Anna decide to seize the moment and all three come hurrying over to the side of my bed.
I notice Anna first and realize her lip is busted up and she has a bit of a bruise. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfLZbmwZDo
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“I’m so glad you all are okay.”
Anna smiles down at me. “You were so brave.”
I reach out and pull her in for a hug. Tears threatening to spill. " I’m so sorry for what happened.”
“Don’t be!” She laughs and looks at Giovanni. “Like he said, nothing takes us down.”
He nods proudly and flexes his muscles for everyone to see. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRR00EYDe60
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“I’m glad you’re okay,” He knocks my shoulder gently. “I think I underestimated you.”
“I’m full of surprises.” I snort and look over at Beto. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9oi8Ej9bX
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For once, he doesn’t have his dorky grin and sunglasses attached to him. He actually looks timid. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJlvJKkz6d
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I don’t think I’ve ever seen this side of him before. He looked so young and normal. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAwn69hjWV
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“Hey you.”
I smile at him. “Sorry for all the trouble.
“You trouble?” He snickers. “A piece of cake.”
“Alright,” Alessio interjects and wraps his arm around me. “She needs to rest.”
They all three lean in to give me a quick hug before turning to leave. I watch after them as they exit the room before realizing I’m finally alone with Alessio.
I lean back a little in the hospital bed and nervously look at my hands. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uam8FGgUX
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I could feel shame washing over me and I didn’t know what to say.
“Talk to me.”He says after a moment. “Not knowing what you are thinking is driving me insane.”
“I’m sorry.”
He says nothing, instead he pulls me to him and crushes his mouth with mine. His hands cup my face in them and I feel his thumb trace my lower lip.
I kiss him back just as hard and for a moment it feels like the first time. Electricity is running through me and my hands can’t stop touching him. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjXt6YkbE0
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I trace the curves of his biceps and feel his fingers run carefully along the edge of my waist.
My head swims from our embrace and I feel myself floating.
“Okay,”He pulls away a little. “I know you have questions for me.”
"What even happened? After...after I was sho-"
He kisses me again. “Don’t say it.”
“Okay,”I say against him. “What happened to Adolfo?”
He sighs and looks out towards the sun setting through the window. The long shadows casting against his high cheekbones.
"He's dead."
I stare at him. "Did you kill him?”
“No.”He looks back at me with his voice free of any emotion. “ Michele did it.”
"He did?"
“Yes, he was behind you with Robin. As soon as you went down Adolfo was distracted so Michele shot him in the chest. I was too focused on trying to keep you awake.”
I reach for his hand. “I’m sorry, Alessio. I should’ve thought before I ran in there.”
“You’re alive, Olivia. That’s all I care about.” He squeezes my fingers.
“What about everything else? What all really happened?”
“Kim and Joe know nothing about the mafia, but they do think you got involved in a drunken altercation between myself and Tobias. I told them he had some problems and tried to attack us.”
"He's dead too?"
“Yes,”He nods. “I killed him right away. They’re both gone, Olivia, I won’t ever let anyone hurt you again.”
“It isn’t your fault for what happened. I just didn’t know my dad was involved.”
He holds my face in his hands. “I have no hate towards you or your family.”
“You have every right, Alessio.” I cross my arms around my knees. “I’ll never understand why you picked me. Apparently, I’m just cursed.”
“No you’re not!” He argues. “I’m offended you’d even say that.”
“Whatever!” I tease and playfully bat at his chest. He grabs onto my hands and holds them there. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUeTKYVCRd
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“What?”
He continues to stare down at me and his eyes roam over my face. A little smile playing on the corners of his lips.
“Are you going to say anything?” I roll my eyes.
His grip tightens around me and he pulls me close. His lips tickle the edge of my jaw.
"I love you so much, Olivia.”575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgr655pUzL
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I melt into him and smile. “I love you too, Alessio.”
“Listen,” He pulls back and strokes my cheek. “I want to turn this day into a happy one.”
“What do you mean?”
He doesn’t respond, instead he stands up from the bed and fishes something from his pocket. He holds the tiny black box in his hand and looks down at me nervously.
“What are you doing?” I glare at him. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlG2x6WhhV
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He knows I hate surprises.
"Stand up."
I look stupidly down at the floor. "Why?"
“Just do it.” He laughs and helps me to my feet.
I push up from the bed and stumble a little. I almost felt like a toddler learning how to walk with how weird my legs felt.
Alessio notices my expression. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHKoodnqX3
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“It’s just the medicine.” He reassures me. “You’ve been out for a few days so it’ll take time.” 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaifj9zld1
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“Did you just say a few days?” I gasp.
“About six actually. You were in a medically induced coma to help you heal love.”
“Oh my god.” I breathe out and look at the room. “I can’t believe I was out for almost a week.”
“It’s fine, baby. Focus on me.” He says and pulls me to him. “How much do you love me?”
"Obviously a lot."
“How much is a lot?” He teases.
“A LOT,” I snort and kiss him. “Why are you asking? You should know.”
“I want to ask you something.” He starts and pulls my hand to his cheek. “I want you to stay open-minded and listen. I’m nervous as hell right now.”
I stare up at him terrified. “W-what?”
He wastes no more time and lowers down onto one knee. He holds the box in front of him and keeps my hand in his.
“I know I move fast and I know I’ve scared you with this before.” He takes a deep breath. “I’ve never been so sure about something, Olivia. I love you more than you can imagine and I never want to lose you.”
My breath catches in my throat. “I-I…” 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOovu6NUb8i
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“I want you to marry me more than anything. Will you please do me the honor of being my wife? Will you marry me, Olivia Moore?”
He smiles up at me and waits. I can feel his fingers shaking in my hand but can’t focus on anything other than my own heart pounding in my chest.
"I need to sit."
"Of course," He stands and leads me to the bed. “Do you want some water?”
“Please.” I gasp and rest my hands on my knees.
He grabs the water bottle from the table next to us and hands it over. I gulp it down quickly and feel my throat relax a little from the liquid. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77r69tBmem
575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhaw3WwQrz
“Sorry…I just needed a moment.” I apologize and put it down.
"Take your time."
“Okay.” I smile at him. “Continue.”
He pulls my face towards him and kisses me softly. “Do you want to marry me, Olivia Moore?”575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDi9KfaeQVR
575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZ1I1r4q3a
I stare up into his dark eyes and feel myself being sucked in. I want him more than anything.
He has me forever. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqt4ibxaF4
575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoI1FmVdzGO
I’m his.
"Yes." 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFAPxTvbmE
575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwJCgAYgGF
He blinks and stares at me confused.
"Excuse me?"
“What?” I frown at him. “I said, yes!”
“You’ll marry me?”
“I’d love to be your wife, Alessio. Yes, I’ll marry you.”
Before any more time passes by he scoops me up in his arms and presses his lips to me in our heated embrace. Time seems to slow down as we hold one another. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4jn5wCmTG
575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrjr37MzN7
Everything felt so surreal. I wasn’t sure if this was reality anymore.
“To our future,”Alessio begins and slides a massive diamond rock onto my finger. “My soon-to-be bride.”
Our hands fold to one another and I kiss him once more.
I felt everything in that kiss. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpU8uLHid16
575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtLE2ltyZS
Pain, love, desire, and loss.
Nothing can change how I feel about Alessio.
I found all odds and in the end...
I won. 575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3vUxfHgnt
575Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwWH264QwK
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