Shadow Of The Past | ✔️

8| "I only fell in love with one women"

ACE

"Okay, drive safe, il mio ragazzo," my mother says, planting a gentle kiss on my forehead.

"Okay, see you there," I reply, stepping towards the front door. As I open it and begin to step out, my mother calls out.

"I love you!"

"I love you too." With that, I leave, heading towards my matte black Audi R8, and making my way down the long driveway.

The security guards open the gates for me as I exit. I had promised Elena I'd meet her today, so I decide to visit her store before heading to the award ceremony.

After a twenty-three-minute drive, I pull up at Elena's store. I've known her since I was seven years old.

I remember coming here after school to find a Valentine's Day gift for a girl named Julia, whom I had a crush on. The store's beautiful decorations caught my eye, and I saw plenty of Valentine's Day-themed items in the window.

Elena greeted me warmly and asked if she could help. I told her I needed the perfect gift for Julia, and she guided me through choosing a bouquet of lilies, her favorite flowers, along with a dolphin-themed stuffed animal and chocolates. Elena helped me write a heartfelt card, advising me to speak from the heart rather than following anyone else's advice.

Julia and I dated for three years before breaking up when she cheated with a guy named Reid William Garrett. After a couple of years single, I met Naomi when we were partnered for a project. Bringing her home to meet my family led to us growing closer, and soon she became the love of my life—until I lost her, my own fault.

Damn it, Ace. You did this to yourself.

I miss those days we had together.

Returning to the present, after paying and chatting with Elena, I promised to come back and share how the gift went over. And true to my word, I returned the next day.

From then on, I found myself visiting Elena's store every day after school. Over time, we became close, and she treated me like family.

The bell rings as I walk in, and Elena's face lights up with happiness. She rushes around the counter and embraces me with open arms, and I return the hug warmly.

"How's it been, Elena?" I ask.

"Amazing," she replies, pulling away with a smile. "I just met this beautiful young lady, Naomi. She was here with her daughter, Amara. They're the sweetest people I've met so far."

Wait—Katherine and Amara in Italy? Could it be them?

"I think you two would get along," Elena suggests, breaking into my thoughts.

"Elena, I've only ever loved one woman," I say firmly.

"Okay, okay, just trying to help," she chuckles.

We lapse into silence until Elena speaks again.

"But what if it's the Katherine you told me about? What if it's Amara, your daughter? She does have your genes."

"I don't know, Elena. There are plenty of Katherines and Amaras out there."

"So, are you going anywhere special?" Elena asks, gesturing to my black dress shirt, dress pants, and black kicks.

"To that award ceremony thing."

"Oh, it's today?" Elena exclaims in surprise.

"Yeah, I can't believe it either," I admit, not feeling up to it.

I'm tired. Tired of everything.

"Why didn't you remind me?" Elena lightly hits my arm.

"I didn't know you wanted to come."

"Well, I did."

"Sorry," I say softly.

"It's okay. I had to be here anyway."

"Stop. Now I feel bad."

"Don't you dare fucking feel bad."

Wow.

"Did you just curse?" I ask in disbelief. Elena never curses. Ever. I'm beyond surprised.

"Yes, I did," she says matter-of-factly.

I playfully roll my eyes. "Well, I'm off before I'm late."

"Okay, get there safe."

"Bye, Elena. See you soon."

"Okay, bye-bye now."

I leave and climb into my car, starting toward the venue for the award ceremony.

I never listen to music when I drive. I don't know why; I just don't. The sound of the engine is all I need.

I turn a corner and see a huge white building ahead. Cars line the streets, and paparazzi swarm.

It's chaotic. I regret not getting private parking.

After a long search, I find a spot far from the building. I park, throw on my black blazer, and walk to the building's entrance.

As I approach, the paparazzi descend.

I walk past them into the building, refusing to answer their questions directly.

Inside, people in gowns and tuxedos fill the room. I scan the tables until I spot my family sitting near the front.

I make my way through the tables, greeted warmly as I take my seat next to my father.

I didn't expect my whole family to be here. Grandma, grandpa, aunts, uncles, cousins—they're all here.

They continue chatting, but I'm elsewhere. I can't stop thinking about Katherine and Amara.

Elena mentioned meeting a woman named Naomi with a daughter named Amara. Could it really be them?