Stephanie's POV

*

The warm Italian summer sun seeped through my purple and black themed lace curtains, casting delicate patterns on the walls of my room as I stirred in bed and slowly parted my eyelids. My phone chimed again, the familiar ping pulling me out of a sweet, drowsy haze. I groaned, pressing the pillow over my head, but curiosity got the better of me.

Pushing myself up, I blinked against the golden glow filling the room while imagining what it must look like outside right now. I loved admiring nature and taking pictures of the sunset, the beach, my family yard etcetera. Sighing, I opened the glass door and stepped into my balcony. Outside, the morning was a painting come to life – soft streaks of orange and pink spread across the clear blue sky. The cicadas had already started their morning hum, mingling with the sound of birds chirping in the garden. Dad's mansion, with its sprawling green lawn and centuries-old olive trees, looked like something from a postcard.

With a reluctant sigh, I went back in and picked up my phone from the side table, noting the dozens of messages as I sat down. Typical. Even here, in this quiet corner of Trapan where my dad's mansion was located in Sicily, there was no escaping the world beyond. But for now, it could wait.

Swinging my legs over the edge of the bed, I padded across the cool marble floor once more and pulled open the French doors. A warm breeze hit me, carrying the scent of fresh basil and lemons from the garden below. I glanced over the stone railing and smiled. The backyard stretched out like a paradise, a mix of wildflowers and manicured pathways that led down to a small pond where the water shimmered under the sun's embrace.

The morning felt sacred here, untouched by the rush of daily life. Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes, savoring the peace before the chaos inevitably beckoned me back. Just for a moment, I let the summer air fill my lungs, letting Italy work its magic once again.

The messages kept flooding my phone screen so I huffed and went to pick it up and as my eyes focused, I recognized the names of my cousins as they popped up on the top of my screen. It was from my messenger group chat which I'd created few years ago and named, *The famous clan*

Such an iconic name for a cousins and siblings group chat.

A sigh escaped my lips as I opened the message, a frown instantly morphing on my forehead while my eyes scanned the contents. Each of the entries had their own version of teasing.

Tonia: *Welcome to the big leagues, Steph!*

Jason: *Hope you don’t trip in those designer heels tonight. You're the star of the show, so own it okay baby?*

Luca: *Think you'll survive working with Dad?

This last one came from my younger brother who was unfortunately a twin to Lucia, the sweetest sister ever. Luca never missed a chance to poke at my nerves.

Smirking, I brushed the tendrils of my hair out of my face as I read their texts with a mixture of both anxiety and excitement for what was to come. It was surreal, really. After years of watching my father, Sucre Ambrosia, the infamous Italian business mogul and love of my mom's life dominate the business world, today marked the first day I would be stepping into the spotlight myself. The Ambrosia name would no longer just be his; it would be ours—mine.

Did I introduce myself yet? No?

Okay. I am Stephanie Ambrosia the second, a 25 year old Harvard graduate in business administration, a part-time vet, part-time model and business consultant. Yes, I learned a lot while in school. And the knowledge helped me to network, and make influential friends who would help if I got into a situation in the future. I'm beautiful, young, talented, humble like my mom and proud like my dad. And yes, I'm single but not really searching.

I caught myself smiling like a fool while daydreaming of how I would informally describe myself if I was in a reality TV show or something. Which would never happen, causing me to scoff at my own ridiculousness.

Groaning, I finally got off the bed with the determination to begin my day and did a quick prayer. If there was one thing my —now old and frail but still as cute and as dominating as ever — greatgrandma taught me, it was to never not thank God for the privilege of life and love whenever I got out of bed. I wasn't about to abandon that right now.

I brushed my teeth and quickly went downstairs to find something to eat, a glance at the grandpa clock at the staircase confirming my horror. The time was past ten. Wow.

On getting downstairs, everywhere was occupied. There were workers carrying this or that, maids going and coming. I walked to the kitchen and fixed a cup of orange juice and stared out the window into my mom's well watered garden which has been extended from the backyard to the side of the house, wanting to have some time to myself and connect with nature. I looked back at my life, my journey and couldn't believe how far I'd come.

I was a girl with big dreams. And I would achieve each and every one of them eventually.

“Good morning, Miss Ambrosia,” a soft voice called out, pulling my attention from the phone. Francesca, one of my makeup artists, had arrived and was standing at the kitchen entrance. I hadn’t even noticed  that I was no longer alone in my small haven.

“Morning, Francesca,” I murmured, stretching before rinsing my cup and gasping when I realized I should've prepared earlier so I wouldn't be distracted during my makeup session. “You're awfully early! I haven't even bathed.”

Francesca smiled knowingly. “I guessed as much. Mrs. Ambrosia told me you were still sleeping when I bumped into her at the entrance. Take your time. I'll be waiting in the makeup room.”

"Uhm, give me thirty minutes." I murmured, chuckling at her instruction for me to take my time. Francesca charged per ten minute. Imagine how much each ten minute would cost. And whether I was ready or not, she would get her payment.

Francesca nodded and went up to the makeup room while I rushed back to my room to bathe. Then I hurriedly joined her, settling into the chair by the vanity. As she began working on my makeup, I let my mind wander. The party tonight was everything—an introduction into the Ambrosia empire. The thought made me both excited and nervous. Years of training, studying business under Dad’s guidance, all led to tonight. The guest list would be a mix of industry titans, celebrities, and family, everyone watching to see how I carried the mantle.

But at the back of my mind, there' was a nagging thought—a name, really. Dixon. My best friend. I hadn’t heard from him in weeks. Not since...well, before I got too busy with preparing for this event. Childhood best friends, and yet lately it felt like we were drifting apart. Dixon was two years older, always teasing me about being the baby of our group of friends, but also fiercely protective in ways that made my heart do a little flip. He was the kind of best friend I didn't hear from everyday but we were still emotionally connected. I should bug him later today.

“Are you nervous, Steph?” Francesca asked, breaking my reverie. Everyone called me Steph. Except my mom who still sometimes called me her baby and my greatgrandma who calls me her angel. With the chestnut foam on her hand, Francesca's fingers glided across my cheeks, blending foundation flawlessly.

“Nervous? No,” I replied, a small smile playing at my lips. “Just...anxious about the whole thing. You know how these things go.”

"It’s a big day, indeed. The day you've been looking forward to has finally arrived. But you shouldn't be nervous. You're good with people, you're literally a model. You've got this!" She chuckled lightly.

"Yeah, thanks Fran." My smile reached my eyes.

She hummed in acknowledgement, focusing on her work. Then my eyes fluttered to a close as she applied the eyeliner, giving in to the soothing brush strokes. What was I really anxious about? The party, sure. But it was more than that. It’s the expectation, the strategizing I would have to go through while dealing with people. My dad was ruthless in business and stuck to his rules. I...was still a baby in the process but every step would surely take me forward.

Then another reason for my anxiety, if I would admit it to myself would be the fact that I hadn’t seen Dixon in so long. We hadn't spoken. I bit my lower lip again. I had to call me. My mom said she spoke with aunt Veronica, Dixon's mom and confirmed that he would be attending this evening's event. Meaning he might be on his flight right now.

Once again, I did a mental check of everything I was supposed to do today and added the last, important thing to the list.

*Call Dixon.*

~

The evening came quicker than I expected. The mansion was already buzzing when I stepped out of my room, the warmth of the golden lights illuminating the grand foyer. I took a deep breath, smoothing down my gown—something sleek, timeless, in shades of midnight blue. Francesca had outdone herself with the makeup, and I felt every bit the heiress people expected me to be tonight.

“Stephanie!” My younger sister and the last born of the family, Valentina, rushed over, pulling me into a quick hug while staring up at me with black, shiny eyes. She really looked up to me, being the older sister I was and I would never disappoint her. “You look amazing! Everyone’s here, but guess what? They keep asking about Dixon.”

“Of course they do,” I muttered, rolling my eyes. Valentina’s smirk said it all. She’d been one of the loudest in teasing me about her handsome Dixon whom she'd been calling Uncle Dixie at first. Throughout my makeup and dressing session, she wouldn't stop rambling on and on about him. Cute brat!

“And where is he?” she pressed, her pitchy voice full of mischief. “Are you sulking because he’s not here yet?”

“Sulking? Really, Valentina?” I shook my head, brushing off her comment. “mom just brought you back from boarding so stop thinking nonsense. I’m fine. Don’t let the media get wind of that ridiculous idea.”

“Oh, I’m just saying,” she laughed, waving her hand dramatically. “You’re all smiles, but the moment someone mentions him, you go all serious. Maybe he’s the reason you’re not fully enjoying your own party?”

How old was she again?

I opened my mouth to reply, but I caught a glimpse of my father, speaking to a group of investors across the room. Business mode kicked in, and I shot Valentina a quick look. “Please, let’s not make tonight about Dixon. We have enough people to impress without that kind of gossip. Now be a good girl and go play with our cousins.”

She pouted but let it go. Of course the few paparazzi that'd been invited snapped away.

As we moved further into the party, more guests approached, congratulating me on stepping into the family business, asking about future plans. But each time a family member cornered me, they found a way to bring up Dixon. My cousins, in particular, were relentless. I and Dixon had been inseparable as children. He'd even been brought here to Italy when my parents were relocating from Canada because I'd thrown lots of tantrums back then when I heard I would be separated from him. We were that closeeee.

I rolled my eyes and spoke to two investors for a project I'd just handled as a business consultant, which had been monitored by my dad.

“Heard from your shadow yet?” Luca grinned as he approached me, nudging me as he handed me a glass of champagne.

“He’s not my shadow,” I said through gritted teeth, trying to keep my composure. “He’s just...busy.”

I'd forgotten to call Dixon. But I left text messages for him. I just hadn't checked my phone to find out if he'd replied them or not.

“Mmmhmm,” Luca drawled, clearly enjoying himself. “Busy or avoiding?”

I took a long sip of the champagne, the bubbles tingling on my tongue as I glared at him. But my brother wasn’t wrong. The silence from Dixon felt...strange. Out of character. He’d always been the first one to congratulate me on anything important, so why not tonight, of all nights? And why wasn't he here anyway?

The rest of the evening was a whirlwind. Handshakes, introductions, more teasing, my first official public speech, taking pictures with business associates and all. But through it all, I kept catching myself glancing at the door, waiting for a familiar figure to walk in. Waiting for my best friend Dixon.

The grand chandelier above casted a warm glow on the crowd, its golden light reflecting off the crystal glasses and fine jewelry of the guests. The scent of roses and fresh linens filled the air as waiters weaved through the sea of elegant gowns and tailored suits. I’d shaken more hands than I could count, each conversation blending into the next. Corporate executives, business partners, family friends—they all wanted a moment of my time.

“Stephanie, darling, you must meet Mr. Alberti.” My mother’s voice broke through the hum of the crowd. Monica Ambrosia, forever the poised diplomat. She stood beside a tall man in his late fifties, his suit sharp enough to cut glass, eyes as calculating as my father’s.

“Mr. Alberti,” I greeted him, offering my hand with a smile. “A pleasure.”

“The pleasure’s mine,” he replied, his tone smooth and practiced. “Your father has told me so much about you. I’ve been looking forward to this introduction.”

I nodded, trying to focus on the conversation, but my mind kept wandering. Dixon hadn’t shown up yet. Every time I glanced at the door, my heart gave a little jolt, hoping to see him walk in. But each time, it was just another unfamiliar face entering.

Alberti continued talking—something about mergers and market strategies—but I couldn’t shake the growing sense of unease. Dixon wouldn’t miss this...would he? He’d always been there, even for the small moments in my life. So why not tonight? Where was my best friend?!

“So, Stephanie,” Alberti’s voice cut through my thoughts, his eyes studying me closely. “What are your plans for the Ambrosia empire? Surely, you have your own vision for it, which will be separate from your mom's company, PetsMoni.”

I blinked, trying to pull my attention back to the present. “Well, I’ve spent the last few years learning from the best,” I said, offering a diplomatic smile. “I hope to bring a fresh perspective, focusing on expanding into new markets, especially with digital innovations.”

He nodded approvingly, and the conversation continued, but I barely registered his response. My fingers tightened around the glass in my hand as I glanced once again toward the entrance. Still nothing.

“You seem distracted,” a voice murmured beside me. I turned to see Luca, always lurking with a smirk. “Waiting for someone?”

“I’m not distracted,” I said, forcing a smile. At this point, it would be safe to say I was getting cranky indeed. Everyone knew Dixon was like my shadow. He was broody , calm, rarely spoke but when we were together, everything just clicked. And my best friend's absence obviously disturbed me more than I would care to admit. I gave Luca a tight-lipped smile so he would leave me alone. “Just…observing.”

Luca chuckled, clearly not buying it. “If you say so. But everyone’s noticed, Steph. You’ve been glancing at that door every five minutes so you have to put your emotions in check. This night is yours. Own it sis.”

“Maybe I’m just hoping for someone more interesting than you to walk in,” I quipped, taking a sip of champagne to hide my annoyance.

He laughed, giving me a playful shove before walking off, but his words lingered. Everyone had noticed. Great. The last thing I needed was for people to start thinking my mood depended on whether Dixon showed up or not. Especially extended family.

It had been hours now, and the party was in full swing. My father, ever the charismatic host, was surrounded by a group of foreign investors, his deep laughter cutting through the buzz of conversation. I’d done my rounds, exchanged pleasantries, and mingled with some business associates myself. But still, no Dixon.

Just as I began to lose hope, the energy in the room shifted. A murmur passed through the crowd, heads turning toward the grand entrance. My heart skipped a beat as I followed their gaze.

There he was.

Dixon.

My freaking best friend!

He stood in the doorway, tall and confident, his dark hair tousled just enough to look effortlessly charming. His suit was tailored but not overly formal—Dixon had never been one for the pomp and pageantry of these events. His eyes scanned the room, searching, until they finally landed on me.

And there it was—that familiar half-smile that I’d known since we were kids. My chest tightened, a mix of relief and...something else. Happiness and gratitude, probably. He was okay and he was here. My broody, Moody, grumpy but cute best friend was here! Haha.

With an exaggeratedly expressive beam, I excused myself from the conversation I was barely part of and made my way through the crowd, heart thudding in my chest. As I approached, Dixon opened his arms wide in an exaggerated gesture I was all too familiar with.

“Look who’s finally gracing the party with her presence,” he teased, his voice low and smooth, just like always. I giggled and let him hold me for much longer, sighing as my body finally relaxed.

“I think you’ve got that backward,” I said, crossing my arms with a mock glare as I put distance between us. “You’re the one who’s late. To my event Dixon. How could you do that, you son of a bat!”

He smirked, stepping closer, and for a moment, the noise of the party faded into the background. It was just us, like it always was.

“You look...different,” he said, his eyes scanning my face. There was something more in his gaze, something that hadn’t been there the last time we saw each other. Which was five months ago. Too long if you asked me. Phone calls and FaceTime didn't always cover it, even though I still did most of the talking.

“Well, it’s not every day I get introduced to the business world,” I replied, trying to sound casual, even though my pulse was racing. “I had to dress the part.”

“You pull it off perfectly Steph." Dixon complimented gruffly—his gaze softening, the playful edge in his voice gone.

There was a beat of silence between us. I opened my mouth to say something, anything, but the words caught in my throat.

“You didn’t think I’d miss this, did you?” Dixon asked, his tone more serious now. His question caught me off guard. He looked a little disappointed when he read my expression and I shrugged. It wasn't exactly my fault.

“I don’t know,” I admitted, my voice quieter. “You’ve been...distant.”

“I know. I’m sorry,” Dixon apologized, running a hand through his hair, looking suddenly uncomfortable. He never apologized instantaneously, except to me of course. “Things have been...complicated.”

“Complicated how?” I asked, my heart sinking slightly. Was he in trouble? Was it an issue with his birth father again?

Before he could answer, someone called my name from across the room, pulling me back to the reality of the party. The moment between us shattered, and I was reminded that we weren’t alone.

“Later?” I asked, hoping for a chance to really talk.

“Yeah,” he said, his eyes holding mine for a second longer before I was pulled away.

As I was whisked back into conversations and introductions, I could feel Dixon’s presence in the room like a weight. He was here, but something had changed. And I couldn’t help but wonder what “complicated” really meant.

My dad called Dixon into his office just when I was wrapping up with things to get back to him and to my disbelief and slight annoyance, they spent eternity talking in that office. 

And as I did a recollection of all that had happened throughout this event, I realized my siblings were right. I was so caught up with Dixon that it was concerning. I had a life and I needed to face it, because I couldn't dwell on how my brain usually went on overdrive whenever I saw my best friend.

I needed to get myself in check.

*
I'm a year late from this story. Oh welp. I had to take time to graduate and rest my brain. Idk how frequent updates will be but I'm pretty excited about this chapter! Ignore the different quotation styles, I wrote and edited with different text apps. Ok bye. Btw I missed y'all xoxo.