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Not after what happened before.

When Alessio disappeared after our whirlwind romance the first time, I thought I was just unlucky in love.

He broke my heart.

And maybe he broke something inside me, too.

Eventually, I accepted it.

Or at least I pretended to.

I buried myself in work.

Told myself my career would be enough.

Told myself I didn’t need anyone.

That I didn’t need forever.

That love wasn’t worth the risk.

I became very good at pretending.

Then I got hired for that private concert.

And bam.

There he was.

Looking older.

Sadder.

But still, so damn beautiful.

And still capable of making my heart stop with one look.

And somehow—despite everything—I went and did the one thing I said I wouldn’t do.

Despite the pain.

Despite the abandonment.

Despite every promise I'd made to myself.

I fell head over heels all over again.

Because Alessio makes me feel things no one else ever has.

Safe.

Wanted.

Cherished.

Protected.

Loved.