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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzO3sjDdph5
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9tBrgmhW6
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlhagYGgtz
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5684YRaEHo
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiQ6kdqHmS
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvbWqXrJws
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzVoUFajqJ
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He was actually scared. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tZvAeRZTC
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbWlxBUODe
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFFdn9fdLf
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelbA8s0d0Y
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDusSoUnoi8
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgBDFQW2W8
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yZXhOleRZ
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQx6tT96PjG
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I would die in the arms of the man I loved. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI82AVDkhpH
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rtjHkZsYW
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ffaKfYGgl
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNuhtwVrIL
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8nISchxyE
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But… he didn’t get what he wanted from Alessio. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxUDqnAZbp
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4s30xKRSKR
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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? 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe89Wq3T0Yw
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwUMDMFJKx
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There was nothing though. No bright light. No personal heaven.
One where I was with my parents again. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92uAqdFuBR
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWytDj7YJ7E
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKa67ase5MQ
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUnNszgIDk
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She pushed me to find my confidence. She helped me accomplish things I would’ve never done alone. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRrpf6BZRb
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Without her, my Senior year would’ve been a nightmare. I would’ve been so lost. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNz3zkU2iq
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSMXPgPzsy
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I would’ve probably had a mediocre life and maybe that would’ve been okay. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFkZdfGlKN
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My life could’ve just been boring. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92h0GPkTj0
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Yet, I’m not that kind of person at all. I crave excitement and adventure. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdnamwU78z
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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."595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8C6YabpBtq
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Alessio? He’s here? 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXnpONlFz0
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3iQcCirh9
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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?" 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VbDn93Dz2
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I think back to the horrific scene. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscWXh4Kzhw
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All the dead bodies in the room. Adolfo’s gun aimed at Alessio. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhu5TGydlql
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHCqiGZEvG
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUl2muHdiB
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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.” 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Xb6698MZM
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeQ0plBrUH
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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.595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpmDF7TUJ5
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"We'll see you soon, hun."
I watch them exit and look back over at Kim and Joe. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUiAmNZFmu
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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?” 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLvZHAGHGR
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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.”595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfc4coR6BG
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“Well, be careful! I need you through this pregnancy.” 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvxPr4SAds
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I eye Joe behind her. “She told you?” 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RYHPOf9eA
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He nods and a bright smile lights his face. “I can’t wait to be a dad.” 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1YrLbSKRa
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“You’ll be great parents.” 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgDpZkVnHa
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“You two are next,” Kim winks. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnCJpfjS5y
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“Stop!” I playfully bat at her and hear Alessio chuckle. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpheH5yV3I3
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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.” 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡin089WwEpH
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“I know,” I stroke her back. “We’ll catch up and hang soon when I’m out.” 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7q71X4SN7
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She pulls back and holds my hands. “Love you, sweetie. We’ll see you soon.” 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJc1B8y9vI7
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLJ4J9nRbl
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilRIyiilBT
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjum3DG04SP
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For once, he doesn’t have his dorky grin and sunglasses attached to him. He actually looks timid. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkY4xmEZ9Nb
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I don’t think I’ve ever seen this side of him before. He looked so young and normal. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVNjdGMoGE
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgJdxuScco
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxtFwn2XLx
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2kSieuVmu
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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.”595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSr1YMfZ9IH
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUvXwWWN51
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUe3Iit9QjE
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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.” 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFkSyHc73x
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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…” 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AKvnJm0Bc
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6nzZsRFgV
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“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?”595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30e1CKPTvI
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I stare up into his dark eyes and feel myself being sucked in. I want him more than anything.
He has me forever. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdG9HclqdHG
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeszo1e10X
I’m his.
"Yes." 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQnUNbwKzt
595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWa9O8gj1HE
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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWMVOsZVFj
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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. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8epqTqG7Jc
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Pain, love, desire, and loss.
Nothing can change how I feel about Alessio.
I found all odds and in the end...
I won. 595Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qLkH4d5jC
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