Chapter 129

Althaia

I felt my heart stop beating.

I was afraid to even close my eyes or blink, in case this was some kind of an illusion; a beautiful one that I would never get to see if I did.

Had I died, and were we now reunited?

With my shaky hand, I reached out and touched his face. He leaned into my touch, and a sob escaped my lips as tears welled in my eyes.

“Damiano?” I sobbed in a whisper.

“I’m right here, piccola.” He kissed the palm of my hand and pulled me into him.

I cried into his chest, wrapping my arms tightly around him. It was real. He was right here in front of me, holding me tightly in his strong arms as he buried his face into my neck.

My husband is alive.

Damiano wiped my tears away when I had calmed down, his hands cradling my cheeks before leaning down to capture my lips. As our lips touched, the stress and anxiety melted away, replaced by a deep sense of serenity and relief.

I couldn’t breathe.<