Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 28286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 141(@200wpm)___ 113(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 141(@200wpm)___ 113(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
“I’m okay. More than okay, actually. I’m in New York.”
“New York? What are you doing there?” Her surprise is evident, and I can picture her wide-eyed expression.
“I met someone. His name is Lorenzo, and… well, he’s the reason I’m here. I know it sounds sudden, but he’s… he’s amazing, Lila. He makes me feel safe and loved.”
There’s a pause on the other end, and I can almost hear her processing the information. “Mira, this is a lot to take in. Who is this Lorenzo? How did you meet him?”
I bite my lip, trying to find the best way to explain without diving into the complexities. “We met at the resort while I was on vacation. He’s… different, Lila. He’s kind and protective, and he’s given me a home here in his penthouse. I know it sounds crazy, but I’ve never been happier.”
“Wow,” she breathes, shock evident in her voice. “You’ve moved in with him already? What about your job? And your new apartment?”
“I’ll answer all your questions, but I want to do it in person. I’d like you to come visit us. I’ll book you a flight next week if you’re willing to come.”
“You want to book me a flight?” she repeats as if she can’t believe what I’m saying.
“Please.” I pull out the big guns. Since our parents died, I’ve been the stable, reliable sister. I know this is all out of character for me and I need to show my sister firsthand how much Lorenzo means to me.
Her sigh echoes through the phone line. “I… I need some time to process this, Mira. It’s a lot to take in, but I love you. If you want me to come visit and meet him, I’ll come.”
“Thank you, Lila,” I say, relief washing over me. “I’ll make the reservation and email you the plans.”
We talk a bit longer and it feels good to reconnect, to share my happiness with Lila, even if it’s through a screen for now.
After we hang up, I sit back, feeling a weight lifted off my shoulders. The conversation went better than I expected, and her willingness to visit and meet Lorenzo relieves the stress I’ve been carrying around lately.
Standing up, I make my way to the study, where Lorenzo is sitting at his desk, focused on some work. He looks up as I enter, his eyes softening when he sees me.
“How did it go?” he asks.
“Better than I thought,” I reply, smiling. “She’s surprised, but she’s supportive. She wants to visit and meet you.”
He stands, walking over to wrap me in a warm embrace. “I’m glad. She’s important to you, and I want her to see how much you mean to me.”
TWELVE
MIRA
The black SUV glides smoothly through the busy streets of New York with the hum of the city as a constant backdrop. We’re on our way to the airport to pick up my sister and I’m a nervous wreck. Beside me, Lorenzo sits with calm confidence. His powerful presence both grounds and reassures me. Antonio drives expertly, while Renaldo, my new bodyguard, sits in the front passenger seat constantly scanning our surroundings for danger.
My heart races with a mix of excitement and nerves. Lila is finally coming to visit, and I’m eager for her to see my new life and to meet Lorenzo. I know she’ll have questions and concerns, but we’ll have to find a way to get past them because I refuse to give up my relationship with Lorenzo. A glance at his strong profile set in determination reminds me of why I’m here and why this is all worth it.
The airport comes into view, bustling with travelers and reunions, and Antonio expertly navigates the SUV to the pick-up area where we exit the vehicle before making our way to the luggage carousels. As we wait, the minutes seem to drag on forever.
Then, through the throng of people filling the busy airport, I spot Lila. She looks the same as always. She’s petite and determined, with her familiar lively eyes scanning the crowd. When she sees me, her face breaks into a wide smile, and she rushes forward, pulling me into a tight hug.
“Mira!” she says as she rushes over to us.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” I reply, squeezing her tightly. As we pull apart, I introduce her to Lorenzo. “Lila, this is Lorenzo.”
Lila extends her hand, trying to mask the scrutiny in her eyes. “Nice to meet you, Lorenzo.”
“The pleasure is mine,” Lorenzo replies, his voice warm and friendly.
Antonio and Renaldo hover nearby, their presence a subtle but constant reminder of the security now woven into my life. As Lila’s eyes turn to them, curiosity and concern flicker through her gaze.
The ride back to the penthouse is filled with small talk, catching up on her jobs and plans for next semester. Yet, I can see the wheels turning in Lila’s mind, questions lurking behind her polite responses.