Chapter 113

Genevieve felt as if her entire body had melted the moment she heard Matteo’s soft, familiar voice. She swallowed hard, fighting to suppress the tremor that suddenly seized her hands. Slowly, she turned to face him. Her breath hitched sharply at the sight before her. Matteo looked impeccable in his perfectly tailored black suit, complemented by a slim black tie. His face was freshly shaven, his hair slicked back neatly, and his hands were tucked deep into his pockets. Then, with a smile that revealed the charming dimple she adored, he weakened her resolve so completely that she had to lower herself onto the stool behind her.

Matteo’s gaze dropped to the floor briefly before he took a step toward her. His hands stayed buried in his pockets as she observed him carefully stepping over the scattered candles. Just before reaching her, he lifted his right hand and plucked a random flower from a nearby vase. Standing before her, he extended the white peony toward her, and she accepted it with a shy, tender smile.

“Matteo…” she breathed.

“How are you feeling?” he asked gently, placing a hand over her stomach—the same way she had done countless times before.

Gen covered his hand with hers. “We’re doing well.”

His lips curled into a wider grin. “We…” His eyes met hers, sparkling with a raw, unfiltered joy that made her inhale sharply once again. “I love hearing that.”

With a tenderness that stole her breath, Matteo cupped the side of her face and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. When he pulled back, his forehead rested against hers.