Chapter 29
As winter approached, blanketing the rolling Tuscan hills in a pristine, glittering layer of white snow, the estate transformed into a magical, secluded wonderland.
It was the week before Christmas, and the grand foyer of the villa was dominated by a massive, twenty-foot pine tree. Elena had insisted on decorating it themselves, completely dismissing the professional interior designers Julian had originally hired.
Boxes of glittering ornaments, sparkling lights, and thick velvet ribbons were scattered across the marble floor.
Julian was precariously balanced on a tall wooden ladder, attempting to string the heavy, glowing lights around the upper branches under Elena’s strict, highly specific direction.
"A little higher on the left, Julian," Elena instructed, taking a step back to evaluate his progress. "No, your other left."
Julian sighed in exasperation, pausing his task to look down at her. "I run a multibillion-dollar global conglomerate, Elena. I command armies of lawyers. And yet, I am currently being micromanaged by a woman holding a box of plastic reindeer."
"They are vintage glass reindeer, Julian," Elena corrected him with a completely straight face, though her eyes danced with obvious amusement. "And you are doing a wonderful job. Keep going."
Julian chuckled, shaking his head as he continued wrapping the lights. He loved this. He loved the simple, chaotic domesticity of it all.
Isabella was sitting safely on a thick, fluffy rug near the roaring fireplace, completely mesmerized by a shiny red ornament she was trying to fit into her mouth.
Julian climbed down the ladder, dusting off his hands. He walked over to Elena, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind and pulling her flush against him. They stood together in comfortable silence, admiring the beautifully decorated tree.
"It's perfect," Julian murmured, resting his chin on the top of her head.
"It really is," Elena agreed softly.
May you like
She turned around in his arms, looking up at him with an expression of profound, quiet love. "We survived the fire, Julian. We really did."
"We did," Julian confirmed, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. "And we are never, ever going back to the dark."
