Chapter 100

Angela POV

"I truly don't understand why Mr. Blake is so fond of her. A divorced woman with two children."

"She's clearly using her good looks, knowing exactly how Mr. Blake feels about her."

"You women are just too jealous. Mrs. Wilson is genuinely beautiful and carries herself with elegance."

"Elegant? Hmph. She's nothing more than Mr. Blake's mistress."

"I heard Mr. Blake's father strongly disapproves of her. After all, the Blake family descends from Italian and British nobility. How could they possibly accept a divorced woman with two children?"

Their words stung, especially since I understood Italian perfectly after five years in the country. I stepped into the elevator, reminding myself that my main priority was taking care of my children. There was no need to cause a confrontation.

My phone rang just as I settled into the driver's seat. Sophie's name flashed on the screen, and I felt my mood instantly lighten.

"Sophie!" I answered warmly. "How are you?"

"Angela, guess who's coming to see you?" Sophie's excitement crackled through the line. "I'm in Milan for a fashion magazine assignment, and you're just a short drive away! I thought I'd surprise you and the kids!"

"Sophie!" I couldn't contain my delight. "That's wonderful! I'm heading home right now."

"Perfect! I'm already on my way to your place-should be there in about twenty minutes."

"You're always full of surprises," I laughed. "I'll see you soon."

I returned home to find Sophie already there, sitting on the terrace with the twins. Aria was perched on Sophie's lap showing her something on a tablet, while Ethan sat beside them, listening intently.

"Mama!" Aria spotted me first, leaping off Sophie's lap. Ethan followed with a bright smile.

"Sophie Auntie came to see us!" Aria announced, hugging my waist.

I embraced them both. "What a wonderful surprise!"

Sophie approached, looking every bit the Manhattan fashion editor in her designer sundress. "Surprise!" she said before pulling me into a tight hug.

"I've missed you," I whispered.

"Missed you too. You look good. Italian countryside life agrees with you."

"Did you bring us anything from New York?" Aria asked.

"Aria," I admonished gently.

"Of course I did!" Sophie laughed. "What kind of godmother would I be if I didn't spoil my favorite twins?"

Ethan stepped forward, his green eyes-so like his father's-serious. "Thank you for visiting, Auntie Sophie."

"He's getting more formal by the day. Just like-" She caught herself, then turned back to the children. "You two have grown so much!"

She reached into her tote bag. "I brought the latest LEGO set for Ethan, and the limited edition Barbie for Aria!"

The twins accepted their gifts with well-practiced manners.

"Sophie, you spoil them terribly," I said without reproach.

"That's what godmothers are for!" Sophie winked. "Though five years ago, I never imagined I'd become godmother to twins."

I felt a pang in my chest. "And I never imagined I'd suddenly become a mother to twins..."

"Can you help me open my Barbie?" Aria asked Sophie.

"Of course, sweetheart," Sophie agreed, led away by my excited five-year-old.

I watched them go with mixed emotions. These moments were the life I had created from the ashes of my past-a life that held its own kind of contentment.

After dinner and bedtime stories, with the twins tucked safely into their beds, Sophie and I retreated to my bedroom with glasses of wine.

We sat cross-legged on my king-sized bed, the Tuscan moonlight streaming through the open windows.

Sophie didn't waste time with small talk. "So, what's going on with you and Christopher? How far have you two gotten? Have you slept together yet?" Her tone was teasing but pointed, her eyes glinting with curiosity.

I hadn't expected Sophie to be so direct. My cheeks flushed hot with embarrassment, and I fumbled to explain.

"Of course we haven't," I said quickly, my voice a little too sharp.

Then I sighed, setting my wine glass on the nightstand. "I overheard some things at his office today."

"Don't listen to them," Sophie said, waving her hand dismissively. "Those women are just bitter that Christopher only has eyes for you. What I don't understand is why you keep him at arm's length. It's been five years, Angela. The man is devoted to you."

"Christopher and I are just friends," I replied firmly.

"Friends?" Sophie raised an eyebrow. "He caters to your every need, supports your every decision, and looks at you like you hung the moon. That's not friendship-that's devotion. He's gorgeous, wealthy, and treats you like a queen. What more could you want?"

"Feelings don't work that way," I said softly.

"Sophie, I have children. I can't just think about myself."

"But Christopher practically raises Aria and Ethan as his own! He adores them," she countered. Then she leaned in closer, her voice softening but firm.

"Listen, you're still young, Angela. Yes, you're a mother, and you're amazing at it, but you deserve more than just taking care of the kids. You should carve out some time for yourself-enjoy love, enjoy sex. Life's too short to hold back."

I fidgeted with the stem of my glass, her words stirring something restless in me. "Yes," I acknowledged, eyes dropping to my hands. "And I'm grateful for everything he's done."

Sophie studied my face carefully. "Is it because of Sean? After all this time?"

I tensed at the mention of the name I'd spent five years trying not to think about. The father of my children. The man whose features I saw every day in Ethan's green eyes, in Aria's determined chin.

"It's not just about Sean," I finally said. "It's about what I want for my future, for the twins' future."

"And what do you want?" Sophie pressed gently.

I gazed out at the star-filled Tuscan sky. "Independence. I spent my whole life dependent on others-my father, then Sean, and now Christopher. I need to stand on my own before I can consider standing beside someone else."

"And that's why you're thinking of moving back to New York? To establish your own firm?"

"Exactly. I need to know I can succeed on my own terms."

Sophie raised her wine glass. "To independence and knowing exactly what you want."

I clinked my glass against hers, feeling more certain of my path than I had in months.

We talked until Sophie drifted off to sleep. I stood by the window, gazing at the moonlit landscape.

Five years ago, I had fled New York with a broken heart and pregnant with twins. Now I was contemplating a return, stronger and more determined.