Chapter 113
"You're quiet tonight, love," he whispered, his voice soft balm against the silence of the car. "You know I'm here, right? Whatever it is, you don't have to face it alone."
Jacqueline's gaze flickered slightly, her mind caught between opening up and keeping everything locked away. She merely released a sigh, leaned deeper into his chest, the beating heart giving her a rhythm of calm. Alessandro didn't press her; he knew she would talk when the time came.
As they pulled up to the residence, Alessandro saw the familiar guards in their black suits, standing vigilant. They stepped forward, each giving a respectful nod as Alessandro helped Jacqueline from the car. He took her hand as they moved up the stairs-the silent understanding between them deeper than any words could describe.
By the time they reached the front door, they bowed in silence once more, awaiting any further instruction from Alessandro.
"We will be good here. Thank you, gentlemen," Alessandro said, nodding at them. "You are dismissed for the night."
He escorted Jacqueline up the stairs, through the grand hallway, his arm firmly around her. Every step they made resounded in the silence, each one closer to their sanctuary. Finally, they reached their bedroom. Alessandro guided her inside and closed the door behind them.
Jacqueline stood in the middle of the room, quiet and mute, as if she had almost turned to stone. Alessandro approached her, speaking in low tones: "Jacqueline, talk to me. I know this is all so much to bear, but you don't have to do this alone.
She looked up at him, her eyes glassy, vulnerable in a way he had seldom seen. "It's not that easy, Alessandro," she whispered, her voice little more than a murmur. "There's so much. so many things I thought I'd buried, things I'd tried to forget. And now. it's all coming back.
He leaned in closer, his arms wrapping around her, pulling her against him. "I know," he whispered. "And I can only imagine how hard that must be. But I'm here, Jacqueline. I'm right here. Whatever comes, we'll face it together."
Jacqueline felt at his words a flush rise through her face. She leaned into him, his arms anchoring her into a world that could feel as though it was falling apart. Alessandro's presence was steady solace, reminding her that even in the chaos, there was something real, something solid.
I just… I don't know if I'm ready for all this," she whispered, her voice catching. "Everything Grandma Penelope said… it's like my whole life was a lie.
Alessandro gently angled her chin, so that she had no choice but to stare into his eyes. "Then let's take it one step at a time. You don't have to figure all that out tonight," he said, and stroked a strand of hair off her face. His gaze was soft. "Just breathe, and know that you're not alone in this.
Jackie nodded, her hand reaching up instinctively to take his. His touch was warm, steadying her from the inside out in the whirlwind of her emotions. "Thank you," she said softly. "For being here."
Always," Alessandro replied, his voice a silent promise. He took her to the bed, laying her down as he knelt beside her. "Close your eyes, Jacqueline. Just rest for a while. Tomorrow's another day, and we'll face what comes together.
She lay back, her mind still spilling over, but he was like a balm to her frayed nerves. Alessandro pulled the blankets over her, his fingers tangling at her shoulder in a comforting gesture.
As her eyes finally began to close, she felt Alessandro's presence beside her, his hand gently brushing against the strands of hair. "Sleep, amore mio," he murmured. "I'll be here when you wake.
And for the first time that night, Jacqueline finally felt a sliver of peace begin to settle over her. She reached out, finding his hand, holding onto it as finally she drifted into sleep.
Hours passed, and Alessandro stayed beside her, watching the steady rise and fall of her chest as she slept, his mind consumed with the conversation they had shared. He could see the weight she carried, and as much as he wanted to take it from her, he knew that only she could come to terms with everything.
Soft morning light crept through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. Jacqueline stirred, her eyes fluttering open, and the first thing she saw was Alessandro's face, his eyes soft and full of warmth.
"Good morning," he whispered, leaning down to brush a gentle kiss on her forehead.
Jacqueline smiled wryly, her heart swelling at the sight of him. "Morning," she said gruffly, her voice still laced with remnants of her sleep. She sat up very slowly, stretching as she got a good fill of the comforting familiarity of the room.
"Sleep okay?" he inquired as he laid a reassuring hand on her back.
She nodded, very aware of his hand against her skin, drawing in a deep breath. "Better than I thought I would," she confessed. "Thanks for staying with me.
Alessandro chuckled low in his throat. "Where else would I be?" He took her hand in his, pressing a kiss against her fingers. "Today's a new day, Jacqueline. Whatever happens, just remember I'm right here with you."
Jacqueline felt a wash of gratitude as she looked into his eyes. "You make everything seem a little less daunting," she said quietly. "I don't know what I'd do without you.
Alessandro's lips arced into a soft, warm smile. "You'd be just fine," he said, low and sure. "You are stronger than you think you are, Jacqueline. And whatever the future holds, I have no doubt that courage will see you through it."
She leaned into him and let the strength in his embracing arms shore up her own. "Grazie, Alessandro. For everything."
He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her near as he kissed the top of her head. "Anything for you," he whispered.
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