It's been a few days since Aurora's birthday. I haven't left Sicily, lost in thought, my heart torn about whether I should forgive Stefano. Getting that heartfelt apology and tender kiss from him was everything I had dreamt of for so long. But now, faced with the reality of it, I find myself utterly confused about how to respond. Is his gesture, his words, enough for me to finally forgive him and take a chance on building something real together? Honestly, I don't have a clue.

As I lie in bed, my mind swirling with conflicting emotions, a sudden knock at the door jolts me from my reverie. Climbing out of bed, I pad over and open it, my eyes widening in surprise to see Stefano standing there. I thought he had said he would give me time and space to process everything, so why is he here now? And is that... fur on his shoulder?

"Can I..." he begins, but his words are abruptly cut off by a loud, explosive sneeze that makes me jump. That's when my gaze falls to the pet carrier at his feet. Why does he have that?

"Stefano, what—" I begin, but I'm interrupted by a familiar meow that sends a jolt of recognition through me. My eyes widen in disbelief. "Is that...?"

He nods, sniffling, his green eyes watery. "It's Fiona. Your cat. I flew her in from Miami."

Speechless, I reach out with shaking hands as he passes me the carrier. Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I open the cage, and Fiona leaps out, rubbing against my legs with an indignant meow, clearly unhappy about her long journey. But the warmth of her soft fur against my skin, the comforting weight of her presence, fills me with comfort I didn't realize I'd been missing so desperately.

"Can I come in?" Stefano asks, his voice nasally and strained as he struggles to breathe. "I need to talk to you."

Concern floods through me as I watch him fight against his allergic reaction, his face reddening and eyes watering. "Stefano, you're allergic to cats. You shouldn't be here like this," I say softly, my heart clenching.

He nods miserably, but his jaw is set with determination. "I know, but I need to tell you something important. And I couldn't think of a better time than now."

Realization dawns on me then, the pieces clicking into place. He has flown Fiona here, despite his severe allergies, because he knows how much it would mean to me. He is using her presence to show me the depth of his feelings, to prove he is serious about us.

"Stefano," I breathe, overwhelmed with emotion. "You flew my cat across the ocean, knowing you're deathly allergic to her, just so you could talk to me?"

"I'd do anything for you, Andrea," he says thickly, his voice heavy with feeling and congestion. His emerald eyes meet mine, blazing with an intensity that makes my knees weak. "I know we have a lot to work through, and there's no excuse for how I've acted. But I want to make you a promise..."

He steps into the room, closing the distance between us. But before he can continue, another explosive sneeze racks his body, making him double over.

My heart twists with worry as I watch him gasp for air, his allergies clearly overwhelming him. "Stefano, you need to get out of here. Your allergies—" I start to protest, my concern for his well-being overshadowing the deep emotion his gesture has stirred in me.

"No," he insists stubbornly, straightening up and taking a step back from Fiona and me, even as he wheezes and coughs. "Not until you hear me out. Not until you forgive me."

Sighing, I scoop Fiona up and carry her to the bathroom, closing the door to give Stefano some relief from the allergens. When I return, he is still struggling to breathe, but the determination in his eyes hasn't wavered.

"I'm so sorry, Andrea," he begins, his voice rough with emotion. "For everything. For avoiding you, for making you doubt my feelings. I know mere words aren't enough, but like I was saying, I promise to spend a lifetime making it up to you. You mean the world to me, Andrea. You're my heartbeat, Luce del Sole."

Hearing him bare his soul to me for the second time, seeing the raw sincerity shining in his eyes, makes my heart melt into a puddle. But I need to know one thing before I can fully let myself trust him again.

"There's a reason you pushed me away before, isn't there?" I ask softly, searching his face. He nods solemnly. "Can I know what it is?"

"I wish I could tell you everything right now, Luce del Sole," he says regretfully, his hand finding mine and squeezing gently. "But I'm not quite ready yet. Just know that one day, I promise to explain it all to you."

And somehow, that is enough for me. The fact that he acknowledges there is more to the story and that he wants to share it with me when he is ready speaks volumes about his commitment to making this work. I know that's a lot coming from me, but my secret hasn't caused him nearly half of the turmoil his has.

Twining my fingers with his, I feel the comforting warmth of his skin against my palm, grounding me. "It's a start," I murmur, a small smile tugging at my lips. "But first, we need to get you some antihistamines before you suffocate on me."

He grins, then promptly sneezes again, the sound reverberating through the room. "So... does this mean you forgive me?" he asks hopefully, his eyes shining with tentative joy.

Unable to resist, I lean in and brush a soft, sweet kiss against his lips, my heart fluttering wildly in my chest. As I pull back, I feel my cheeks heat with a blush, hardly believing I've just done that. "Let's call a doctor for you first," I say shyly, reaching for my phone.

As I dial the number, I can't stop the smile that spreads across my face. This ridiculous, allergic mess of a man has flown my beloved cat across continents just to apologize and prove his devotion to me. His grand, reckless gesture speaks volumes about the depth of his feelings.

Maybe, just maybe, we really can make this work after all. The future suddenly seems brighter, filled with possibilities, and something I hadn't dared to hope for until this moment.

***

A few minutes later, Stefano and I are sitting on the couch in my room, the air between us electric with unspoken possibilities. His allergies are finally under control thanks to the antihistamines, but I can still see a hint of redness around his eyes, a testament to the lengths he went to, just so I could forgive him and listen to what he has to say.

Stefano takes a deep breath, his green eyes locking with mine. In their depths, I see a swirl of emotions - nervousness, determination, and something else, something tender and raw that makes my heart stutter in my chest.

"Andrea," he starts, his voice low and serious. "I was wondering if you'd like to—"

Suddenly, the door bursts open with a bang, startling us both. We jump apart as Aurora rushes in, her face a mask of distress. Her eyes are red and puffy, mascara leaving dark trails down her cheeks. She looks like she's barely holding herself together.

For a moment, confusion flickers across her face as she takes in Stefano's presence. "Stefano? What are you—" She shakes her head, dismissing the question. "Never mind. Andrea, I need you."

I'm on my feet in an instant, my brow furrowed with worry. "Aurora, what's wrong?" I ask, taking a step towards her.

But Aurora just glances at Stefano, then back at me, her lower lip trembling. "Are you busy tonight?" Her voice is small, strained. She's avoiding my question, and that only makes the knot of dread in my stomach pull tighter.

"No, I'm not," I assure her quickly. "Is everything alright?"

Aurora takes a shuddering breath, wrapping her arms around herself. "Great. Then you can come with me to the club. Be ready in an hour."

My heart sinks. The club is the last place she should be going if she's this upset. But I know my best friend. She's always tried to dance away her problems, lose herself in the pounding music and flashing lights. If that's what she needs right now, then that's where I'll be.

"Alright, no problem," I tell her, trying to keep my voice steady.

As Aurora turns to leave, Stefano stands, his face etched with concern. "Do you have any clue what might be wrong?" he asks me quietly.

I shake my head, my throat tight. "No idea."

Stefano nods, his jaw clenching. "No problem. Once she tells you, let me know what's going on, okay?" He leans in, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead.

My eyes flutter closed at the contact, breathing in his familiar scent. It grounds me and gives me strength. When I open my eyes again, he's already heading for the door, casting one last worried glance over his shoulder before he goes.

As the door clicks shut behind him, I let out a heavy sigh, my mind reeling. In the space of five minutes, the mood has shifted from charged anticipation to stomach-churning anxiety.

I start getting ready mechanically, my thoughts a tangled web of worry for Aurora, curiosity over what Stefano was about to ask, and a sense of foreboding about the night to come.

I have a sinking feeling that whatever's going on with Aurora, it's not something a night of drinking and dancing will fix. But she's my best friend, my sister in all but blood. Whatever she's facing, I'll be right there beside her, holding her hand through the storm.

Even if it means putting my own heart on hold, even just for tonight.

***

An hour later, Aurora and I make our way to the club, the pulsing bass of the music growing louder as we approach. Once inside, we weave through the crowded dance floor, finally finding a secluded table in a dimly lit corner. As we settle into our seats, I can't help but notice the tension in Aurora's shoulders, the way her eyes dart nervously around the room.

A waitress approaches, and Aurora quickly orders our usual drinks - a vodka cranberry for her and a whiskey sour for me. Then, with a forced smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes, she adds, "And can we also get a round of tequila shots, please? Two each."

The waitress nods and heads off to fetch our order. I decide not to press Aurora just yet, allowing her the space to open up on her own terms.

When the waitress returns with our drinks and the shots, Aurora takes a long sip of her vodka cranberry before breaking the silence. "What was Stefano doing in your room earlier?" she asks, her voice barely audible over the thumping music.

I relay the events to her, and for a brief moment, her face lights up with genuine happiness. "Finally! It was about time," she smiles, but the joy doesn't quite reach her eyes. There's still a shadow lurking behind them, a turmoil she's struggling to conceal.

Concerned, I reach out and gently squeeze her hand resting on her lap. "What's wrong, bestie?" I encourage, my voice soft but firm. Aurora's eyes drop to our joined hands, and I hear a faint sniffle. My heart clenches, wondering what could have happened to upset her so deeply.

She takes a deep, shaky breath before meeting my gaze. "Please, what I'm about to tell you... you have to promise not to tell anyone."

"I cross my heart," I respond solemnly, tracing an X over my chest with my fingers. The gravity of her tone has me holding my breath, bracing for whatever she's about to reveal.

"You know the guy who wants to form an alliance with my family by marrying me," she begins, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes, I do. You even had a date with him last night," I reply, confusion creeping into my voice. Her family isn't forcing her to agree to the wedding, so I'm surprised that's what has her so worked up.

"Yes, I did," she confirms, her fingers nervously tapping on the edge of her glass. "And you know I have a right to say no to the agreement."

"Yes, so what's the problem?" I lean in closer, trying to understand.

Aurora's eyes dart around nervously before she continues, her voice trembling. "The guy is not allowing me to decide if I want to or not. He has already made sure that I will."

My brows furrow in confusion and concern. "I don't understand. How will he do that?"

"I don't want to go into the details, but he can, and he has," she replies, her voice barely audible over the pounding music.

My eyes widen in shock, a chill running down my spine. "What?" I stare at her, struggling to process her words. The idea that someone could force Aurora, of all people, into marriage seems impossible.

"My family is a powerful family in the mafia world, but even then, we can't control everything," she explains, tears welling up in her eyes.

"What do you mean by that? Talk to me, Aurora," I urge, moving closer and placing my hand on hers. She turns to face me, tears now spilling down her cheeks. She shakes her head before grabbing one of the shots we ordered earlier from the table and throwing it back as if trying to drown her sorrows.

The sharp scent of tequila wafts between us as Aurora sets the empty shot glass down with a soft thud. Her eyes, glistening with unshed tears, meet mine briefly before darting away.

"Did he threaten to harm you? If he did, he is just trying to dig his own grave." Only a madman would try to threaten Aurora, but at this point, I don't know what else to think. He doesn't have to threaten her to marry him. Aurora could fall in love with him and want to marry him. So why isn't he leaving this to chance? An alliance with her family would be beneficial to him, but marriage shouldn't be the only way to achieve it.

Aurora shakes her head, her voice cracking as she speaks. "He didn't, but that's not why I'm marrying him. I signed a contract, so there's no leaving the marriage for me." She breaks down in tears, and I pull her into a tight hug, feeling her body shake with sobs.

"That's impossible. He can't force you to marry him," I say, my heart breaking for my friend.

"He has already; please, Andrea, you mustn't tell anyone," Aurora pleads, pulling back from our hug, her face stained with tears.

"I think we should tell someone; they can have him killed in a matter of seconds."

"I know that but we already have enough enemies, I can't add more to the list. Killing him is only going to start a war, and we can't afford war right now. Stefano is still trying to find a gang he thought he wiped out."

"I know, but..." I trail off, at a loss for words. I wish there was something, anything I could do to help her out of this nightmare.

Aurora shakes her head, grabbing another shot and throwing it back. "No buts. For now, let's just forget I have to marry a monster and drink until we can't feel feelings anymore."

I nod, picking up my own drink and taking a long sip. My mind races with half-formed plans and desperate ideas, but I know she's right. Tonight's not the time to plot and scheme.

Instead, I reach out and take her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'm here for you, Aurora. No matter what happens, you're not alone in this. We'll get through it together, okay? I promise."

She meets my gaze, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, and nods. "Okay. Thank you, Andrea. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"You'll never have to find out," I assure her, mustering a smile. "Now, let's get absolutely trashed and make some bad decisions. Tomorrow's problems are for tomorrow's us."

Aurora laughs, the sound a little watery but genuine. "I'll drink to that."

We clink our glasses together and proceed to do just that, pushing away the looming specter of her impending nuptials, if only for tonight. In the morning, we'll face this head-on and find a way to stop her wedding from happening.