💮͓̽His Mistress💮

Even If It Hurts.

💎 Angel💎

The drive was long—long enough that my back ached from sitting so long, but the moment we arrived, I had to admit: it was worth every second.

A modern, wooden cabin stood like something out of a travel magazine—clean lines, wide windows, and the kind of cozy luxury only the D'Amanos could pull off so effortlessly.

Despite the sandals on my feet, I could feel the heat of the sand radiating up through the soles.

Tall palm and coconut trees swayed gently with the wind, framing a breathtaking view of the rolling waves. It almost felt like we had arrived on a private island.

"Aunt, can I get down?" Nikki asked from my arms, her eyes wide with excitement.

I shook my head gently. "No sweetie, the sand's really hot. I'm sure you don't want to burn those tiny feet, do you?"

She quickly shook her head and clutched me tighter.

Raul was already helping to unload the bags as we stepped inside the cabin. The interior was just as stunning as the outside—luxurious but still warm and inviting.

"This is beautiful," I breathed, turning in a slow circle to take it all in.

I found myself wondering how much the D'Amanos' architects were paid to bring visions like this to life.

"¿Mamá, dónde está Joanna?" Raul asked with a furrowed brow, and I realized I hadn't seen the other sister he had mentioned—the architect.

"She went on a trip with her friends but she'll be joining us this evening," Jasira said casually, and he nodded.

"Alright, everyone get some rest. We'll have lunch in an hour," she called out with that warm, commanding tone of hers. We all murmured our agreement.

"Nikki baby, come here," Mia said, beckoning her daughter.

Nikki slipped down from my arms and skipped toward her mother.

"Let's get you all cleaned up, then you can go play."

The little sweetheart nodded enthusiastically and waved at us as they walked off.

"Sis, can I talk to you?" Luca's voice pulled my attention.

I paused, instinctively reading his tone.

"Should I wait for you?" Raul asked, concern etched into his expression.

I smiled reassuringly and shook my head. "No, go ahead. I'll catch up with you soon."

He nodded and left with a final glance over his shoulder.

Bianco clapped Luca on the shoulder, muttering something about finishing their game before following him. I raised a brow—when did they get so close?

Luca and I stepped outside again, walking quietly until we stood side-by-side at the shoreline, arms crossed, the sea breeze tangling in our hair.

"What is it?" I finally asked, turning slightly toward him.

"Dad's coming to Spain for the summer," he murmured quietly.

I blinked, unsure if I'd heard him right. My gaze drifted back to the horizon.

"I don't think that'll sit well with the D'Amanos," I said, barely above a whisper.

"He's not joining us here," Luca explained. "He just... wanted to have a vacation nearby so he could see you. Would you—could you give him a chance to explain?"

I didn't respond right away. My heart felt like it was caught between anger and longing.

"I want to... I really do," I admitted quietly, "but I'm not sure I'll have the time."