Chapter 272

"Mum, you were so cool," Matteo exclaimed, jumping in front of me, his body trembling with happiness as he firmly clasped my palms and hopped on his feet, "You ran so fast."

And still came up third. I huffed; way to go, putting Sardinia on the pedestal. Aella's mum was second, and we ended up on the floor, laughing and breathing. I feared we might need an ambulance.

Now we were on our way home, Nico's driver/bodyguard behind us, shades on. It sent the message across. We had enough space, while most people who felt they needed to see their scandalous first lady stared on.

My hair was now a raggedy mess; I felt my bones ache, but who cared? With my handbag swinging from my right hand, I felt like my children, on top of the world.

Matteo may not have had what he wanted, but he had me, and I was ready to do anything to make up, including coming third in a parent's racing competition.

I noticed Mia was quiet throughout the walk to the car, even when her brother was