Billy held Monica's hand as they discussed tless topics, from life in Italy to the nuances of living in other tries, which transported them on a jourhrough various cultures. Monica remarked that even in some Italian regions, atmospheres were more akin to German culture—irely, but the borders blurred.

  Unease and ominous versations were left in the past. Monica’s feelings were raw, sensitive, and hurt. She wanted everything with Billy, valuing his hoy and the way he directly told her that the ing months would likely be spent fog on his relentless work and the future of his pany. Yet, he never left her alohis was how they lived now. Perhaps she ushing life aside, too, doubting what the days ahead might bring.

  –When two people marry uhis altar for a sed time, it is said they’ll live happily ever after.– The tuide spoke as he showed them the architectural wonders of Arezzo.

  –Do you ever think about getting married someday?– Monica asked hesitantly, curious about his response.

  –I would, but not now. Marriage isn’t something I’m ready for… but I don’t dismiss my retionship with you because I’m not taking that step.– Billy replied, looking at Monica.

  –That’s not what I asked.– Monica responded, feeling again that their love story had reached another crossroads.

  –What happened? Is the distaween us so great now that you must push me away? You’ve spent so much time thinking only of yourself, and now you’re set on these decisions, ging your mind. I thought things were differeween us—no pressures, just love. Is there someone else?– Monica asked, her gaze soft and devoid of rese. She carried herself with too much dignity to be angry, too fident in matters of love to be shaken. Her cool charm could captivate any man, her doe-like eyes breaking through the sharp demeanor she hid so well.

  –There’s no one else.– Billy replied, his icism rooted in his reasoning that Anne was merely a business arra.

  He could almost feel her sigh, but instead, she focused her attention on the man guiding them from oe to another.

  –It’s just that I see our retionship as special. I care deeply for you. I know you expect more from me, and I don’t want to disappoint you—that could happen. Asking for a itted retionship is entirely yht. Ultimately, it’s more than a simple transa. You want to share your life with me, and I like that—I see it in a positive light. Perhaps I’m overthinking, and what I’m saying now is nothing more than my imagination.– Billy responded.

  He was a fool, once again caught betweeions and logic, struggling to navigate when two wills diverged so sharply.

  –Don’t fuse me… You say little about love, and when you do, it’s plicated. You’re afraid this will end, I know that. I’m older—a woman a decade ahead of you, experienced, with a marriage behind me. But I like feeling loved and protected. My past retionships, though beautiful, turned into headaches. Men who hide things and stop loving, evehey have the most beautiful woman by their side, are never satisfied. If I were to open my heart and give it all, they wouldn’t value it. It’s the dissatisfa of wanting to live differently or dismissing what men and women build together. The pain of being fotten—that’s the greatest hurt. pt burns more than anything else.– She tinued walking, her demeannified and icy. Her words were measured but sharp, cutting like bdes and full of meaning.

  –I see that.– Billy admitted, lost in his thoughts. Anne’s call that m had uled him, leaving his emotions in turmoil.

  –Then it’s better not to ask such things.– Monica said as she moved forward. Her heart pounded painfully in her chest. Perhaps he’ll leave me, f everything just to discard me? Could it be that bloh blue eyes from the interview? A romantic evening had meant everything to her.

  She felt Billy’s hands rest on her slim waist—a waist even more defined now, thanks to her strict exercise and diet routines.

  –I wouldn’t abandon someone who hasn’t abandoned me.– Billy reassured her, trying to calm her spiraling thoughts. He’d do with Alid Gwyh, fetting women as he moved on to other stages of his life. It hadn’t mattered to him at the time; his work ed him, leaving no room to heal properly.

  Anne was at the doctor’s office, her lips pale, her ay evident. She wasn’t sure how to hahis situation. She’d taken a pregnancy test, and it ositive, but she didn’t believe she was truly pregnant. It felt like a trap. She wasn’t ready to be a mother or endure nine months nancy. She only wanted something she didn’t have and had acted out of rebellion. For the first time, that fiery vein that had driven her for so long burned even brighter. The thought of someone like Billy—a man she found worthy—overwhelmed her in ways she couldn’t expin. If not for their closeness, she’d never have attracted a man of his caliber; perhaps he wouldn’t have even noticed her.

  –Mrs. Hall, I’m gd you came in. I’m not sure how to put this, but you’re nnant.– The doctor said.

  –What?– Anne replied, her voice rising.

  –I’m sorry to say this, but you have what we call a phantnancy.– The doctor expined carefully. –Iain situations, not fully uood, some women experiehe symptoms nancy without actually being pregnant.–

  –So I’m not?–

  –No, you’re not. It was a false arm. Though unon, this happens to women with an intense desire for motherhood. I’ll reend some vitamins and refer you to prenatal care. You still ceive up to the age of 37 without risk. Don’t worry—the baby will e wheime is right for you and your husband.–

  Anne wao say something but remained silent. She was stunned. Now she wanted to be pregnant and broke down g like a child, while the doctor, an older man in his sixties, waited patiently. The pain of not being pregnant—it made her feel pathetic.

  –I’ll schedule some appois to help you.– The doctor added.

  …

  In the car, Ahoughts swirled. What if I didn’t tell Billy and orchestrated an unpnned pregnanbsp;She felt a wave of disgust and shook her head.

  –It’s all in my imagination.– Atered to herself.

  Her grandmother, Serena Wis, a sharp and intuitive woman, quickly grasped the situation and offered f words to ease Anne’s flig emotions.

  –Now, you just o breathe. These things happen to many women. Sometimes, what we want most is an uphill battle full of difficulties.– Serena said with tact.

  –Yes, I have to get to the office to resolve some matters. I’ll be home te.– Anne replied, regaining her posure.

  Sitting in the parking lot, she began to steel herself. It was three iernoon—10 PM in Italy. Billy wouldn’t respond at this hour. She’d have to keep her thoughts to herself until the right moment.

  –You just o carry on as you always have.– Anne said, gatherirength. Applying makeup to ceal her tear-streaked face, she prepared to face the day once more.

  ....