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Chapter 32

Iris' Pov

I shiver as a cold breeze hits my barely dressed body, dragging me out of the bliss that is sleep. My eyes flutter open and I blink a couple times to unblur my vision.

The bedroom is dark and I can barely make anything out, the only light comes from the iridescent moonlight which streams in through the open balcony doors, feeling the left side of the bed I notice that I'm.

I sit up confused, brushing the rogue strands of hair that escaped from my bun out of my face, the curtains flap loudly as the bitter cold wind rushes through them. I glanced at the clock that sits on the bedside table.

3: 45 am. December 24th.

Throwing my feet over the side of the bed, I grab blindly at the blanket, securing it around my naked body. The soft patter of my feet can be heard as I walk across the room towards the balcony.

Luca's form comes into view illuminated by the glow of the majestic moon, he has his hands in front of him on the stone handrail, staring off at the evergreen trees which are dusted with snow, dressed only in gray pajama pants.

I step out onto the balcony, feeling the cold nip at my skin making me wrap my arms around myself in an attempt to warm myself. The breeze whips my hair aggressively and I wonder to myself if Luca is even human because unlike myself he has barely even given a shudder.

I lock my arms around his waist, pressing myself against his oddly warm body. Luca emits a soft chuckle.

"Can't sleep?" I ask, my voice coming out a bit gruff from sleep.

My eyes flicker upwards just in time to catch Luca shake his head no, eyes still trained on the landscape.

"Are you alright?" I question concerned, my thumb stroking the area above the waistband of his pants.

"I will be." He sighs heavily, turning around suddenly in my arms, his own hands coming around to settle on my waist.

"I'm here Luca, for anything," I tell him sincerely.

"I know, thank you." He whispers, his eyes making me melt as he stares down at me with so much love and affection.

I peck his cheek lovingly and step away from him, about to make my return to our bed. Luca will come back inside when he wants to, right now all he needs is some space and fresh air.

Luca catches my wrist, stalling my movements. Hazel orbs shrouded with sadness, he bites his lip, not in a sexual way but one of, sudden vulnerability.

"Can I hold you for a little while?" He questions, my heart swells and I nod with a slim small on my lips.

Luca wastes no time, his arms find themselves around my small frame and his thumb strokes my icy cold skin. He kisses the top of my head burying his head there as well.

It feels good to be in his arms.

Breathing in his scent I draw back, my eyes opening on their own to settle on his. I give him a faint reassuring smile and he returns it with a nod and quirk of the lips, his hands fall away from my body.

"Goodnight, Luca." I give him a final look over my shoulder, a sweet smile on my lips.

I make my way back into the bedroom, getting into bed by the cold spot where Luca usually lays. I pull the covers up to my shoulders, my toes curling when I let out a yawn.

I stare up at the white ceilings until my eyes start to droop, waiting patiently for him. But unfortunately I lose the battle against sleep, eyes slipping close and before I know it, soon I've descended into the shimmering realm of sleep.

✨✨✨

I cover my eyes blocking the glare of the sunshine which streams in, groaning I roll over in bed without feeling the usual sort of blockage created by Luca.

Cracking an eye open, I look around the room, my eyes coming in contact with nothing but a vacant droopy room.

It's a somber gloomy morning, after all that was expected. Today, December 24th, Luca lost his older sister to cancer.

I kick the covers away from my body, getting out of bed. The balcony doors had been closed and the drapes pushed to the sides presumably by Luca, making my way into the bathroom, I do my business.

Reaching for my toothbrush and the tube of toothpaste, I squeeze a dollop of toothpaste on to the bristles. Brushing my teeth, I splash my face with cold water to wake me up once I've finished. I stroll from the bathroom, making my way towards the closet.

I scan through each rack of Luca's dress shirts, grabbing a white one from where it hung, I slip it on and button it up to the top. Putting the rack back to its original position.

I turn the silver handle of the bedroom door, walking down the empty hallway which is further depressing as it's so dimly lit, Entering the kitchen, I give a slight stretch. The usually bright and chirpy Rosie silently flips pancakes.

"Morning. " I greet as I step into the kitchen.

Her head snaps up and she smiles her motherly smile at me. "Good morning, Iris."

"Did you see Luca this morning by any chance?" I inquire, taking a seat on the bar stool.

"I did, for a brief second. He left this morning for work before the break of dawn,"

"Oh." My brows furrow as I frown disappointedly.

"He does this every year, during this time, buries himself in work trying to block out his emotions." She sighs heavily, eyes still trained on making breakfast. "Then after work, he visits her grave.... and sits there for hours. "

"I hate it that I can't do anything to make him feel better." I pout, shoulders slumped in despair.

Rosie smiles, laughing softly. "I dare to disagree, sweetheart, I feel like you've helped him make a certain improvement."

The sound of the doorbell causes our conversation to come to a pause, sending a look to Rosie, she only gave me a small shrug of her shoulders. I grab a blueberry from the fruit bowl before I make my way into the foyer, towards the front doors.

I pull the door open, feeling the frosty wind whip my face. A small man with a mustache stands there at the door shaking, though it was not from the cold instead it's from the fear of Gabriele and Lorenzo who stand on either side of him, glaring down at him.

"I'm sorry, can I help you?" I question with a gentle smile, sending a brief glare at the men by his side.

"M-mail." He stutters out and all but shoves the stack of letters into my arms.

"Thanks. Um...do you need me to sign something or?" I ask, popping the fruit into my mouth, eyes watching the man's frightful figure.

"N-no." He shakes his head hastily and with that, he was running away from the door.

Poor bean.

"Pussy." Lorenzo chuckles once the guy is out of sight.

I narrow my eyes at them both before shaking my head and closing the door once again. I saunter into the kitchen, scanning through the letters. Some are brochures promoting beauty tools, others are some utility bills but the one that catches my eye is the one addressed to me by the New York Board Of Psychology.

I throw the other letters carelessly on to the counter, earning a scowl from Rosie. Ripping the letter open I silently pray that it's some good news and not another false accusation.

"What is that?" Rosie inquires, glancing over my shoulder at the letter.

My eyes skim the letter, reading every word as my heart instantaneously fills with absolute glee.

I hold the letter to my chest and let out an ear shattering squeal, bouncing on my feet with a broad grin like a kid hopped up on red bull. I'm ecstatic.

"This is great, I can finally go back to work, Thank fuck." I cry out with relief.

"I'm proud of you." Rosie grins, placing her hand on my shoulder. "And, I'm sure, Luca will be too when you tell him. "

"Do you think I should call him now?" I question, rubbing the back of my neck sheepishly.

She nods her head and gives me pat on the back, I smile, grabbing the mouthwatering plate of pancakes, bacon, and eggs from the counter which she's set down for me and run up the stairs like an excited teenager.

Skidding into my room, I place my breakfast on the bedside table, belly flopping onto the messy bed. I scoot over on my stomach, reaching for my phone on the left bedside table, I scroll through the apps and I tap on the Facetime icon.

Clicking on Luca's name which sat at the very top, I tap it, as I wait patiently for the call to connect I attempt to make myself look decent.

"Buon giorno, cicino." He says in that husky voice as soon as he comes on screen.

"Good morning, handsome." I chirp happily, my world instantaneously lighting up.

"You look like a treat, dolcezza." He teases, giving me that signature smirk of his as his eyes run over me.

Rolling my eyes at his ridiculously untrue compliment, a small smile slips on to my face.

"Guess what? " I say, sitting up on the bed.

"Iris, I'm not playing that game. Tell me." Luca mutters like a grump, spoiling all my fun.

"Sometimes you can be no fun. " I sigh with a pout.

Luca roll his hazel orbs, cracking a smile. "Just tell me, amore."

"Fine." I frown before immediately perking up. "The New York Board of Psychology sent me a letter saying that they're reinstating my license. Crazy, right? I thought I would have to become your certified trophy wife."

"Esso ha preso lui abbastanza a lungo. " Luca speaks to himself softly, his eyes switching to the left.

"What?" I inquire, furrowing my brows.

I really need to take a class to learn Italian because damn, do I hate it when he does that.

"Nothing, il mio amore. I was just saying that's great news. " He chuckles softly, my annoyance dissipating. "We can celebrate tonight."

"I'm totally down for that," I reply reaching over and grabbing strawberry from my plate of breakfast, biting into the sweet fruit, a bit of its juice runs down my lips.

"Oh, and I was wondering if perhaps, you'd like to accompany me in visiting Iliana, this afternoon." Luca's eyes darts briefly to my lips as I lick them, eyes darkening before he swallows and goes back to what he's saying.

"I'd love to, Luca. " I respond, my eyes going wide in surprise, I was glad that he wanted include me in something that meant a whole lot to him.

The corners of his lips curl up into a heart-stopping grin and I couldn't help but smile as well.

"So, what are you doing?" I inquire, sitting up and grabbing my plate off the bedside table, resting it on my lap.

Luca switches the camera around so I'm presented with the image of his messy desk, which is swamped with papers and folders piled high. My eyes widens and I mouth a silent 'wow'.

"Shit, now I feel like I'm disturbing you," I mumble, rubbing the back of my neck sheepishly.

Luca grins and shakes his head. "You could never disturb me, tesoro mio besides this is my usual daily work."

"That's a lot of work."

"It looks like that doesn't it. "

I nod. "Yes, yes it does."

"I was almost finished plus I needed a distraction anyway, I was getting bored. " Luca gives a lopsided grin.

"I'm glad, I can be of service." I giggle.

Luca flashes me a charming grin before groaning, eyes trained on something/someone out of my line of vision.

"I'll call you back, il mio amore. I seem to have stumbled on a problem." Luca mutters, an annoyed look on his face. "Ciao, Arsenio. "

"Bye, Luca." I say softly.

Luca ends the call and I sigh, dropping my phone on to the bed and shoving a piece of savory bacon into my mouth. As I eat my breakfast my mind flits over to Lila, who I haven't heard from in a while.

Which is my fault partly, I'd been so caught up with Luca and me, I'd completely forgot about her.

I reach for my phone once again, dialing her number I hold the phone to my ear waiting for her to answer. I patiently wait for her to pick up.

"You little jellybean, how dare you abandon me for some good dick." She cries dramatically, making me roll my eyes. "I haven't heard from you in like a month."

"Tsk, you're exaggerating and I haven't abandoned you, I just. .." I trail off, my mind going blank with trying to find a suitable excuse.

"Uh huh." She snickers, I can practically see her hand on her hip, lips pursed.

"I'm so very very sorry and I promise to.... take you out for drinks. You know girl's night out like the old days. " I apologize.

"I don't know." Lila says unsurely.

"Come on Lila, you know you can't pass up on a good Blood Mary at Fire N' Ice. Not to mention I heard there is a hot new guy, he goes by Big Joey." I try to persuade her, playing into her weaknesses.

She hesitates before saying rather vaguely. "As much as I'd love to see this Big Joey, I can't, I need to take care of some really important stuff. Sorry, Iris."

"It's fine, Lila." I say forcing some cheer into my voice. "We can always get lit together on New Years."

She laughs her familiar sweet laugh. "That we can do. Talk to you later babe."

I hum my goodbye, ending the call. Finishing up the last bite of my breakfast I lay the plate on the bedside table, scooting out of bed, phone in hand.

Strolling towards the bathroom, I unbutton the short I wore, letting it slip from my hand. Placing my phone on the counter, I step into the shower, cool water hitting my back with a force.

I wash my body using my kiwi-strawberry scented body wash. Running my hands over my face, I attempt to dry my face of the water.

The shrill ringing of my phone makes my brows crinkle, turning the water off, I grab a towel from the racks drying my self as I make it over to my phone.

"Hello?" I inquire, phone to my ear.

" Iris, hey. " A small voice greets in a somber way.

"Hey, Ezra. Are you feeling alright?" I ask instantly worried about her.

"Hmm? Oh yeah, I'm fine. It's just that I need to talk to you. Perhaps take a walk in Central Park or something?" She responds, still not sounding much like herself. "I mean if you can that is?"

"It's fine, Ez. I'll be there. I'll call you, okay? " I speak without a second of a doubt.

"Thank you, you are amazing. " She replies relieved, her words make a soft smile cross my lips.

"No thanks, necessary. See you then." I concludes, pulling the phone from my ear as she wishes me goodbye and hanging up.

Shaking my head I dry myself as I make my way into the bedroom, letting my phone fall on to the bed. I walk towards my dresser, pulling the drawer open and grabbing a pair of matching lacy violet underwear.

Securing my towel around my torso, I lay them on my bed next to my phone. Next I move into the closet, scanning the racks for something to wear.

I pull the gray sweater from the racks along with a pair of tight black jeans. Going over to my vanity, I grab my brush and brush the tangles from my hair before braiding it into a French braid.

Once I'm done, I stroll over to the bed, letting my towel fall and slipping my undergarments on and next my pants and sweater.

I grab a gray beanie from the shelf, covering my newly braided hair. Tugging my black suede knee high boots on, I pick my grey leather handbag up.

Dropping my phone into my bag as well as all other essentials. I drape my bag over my shoulder, ready to go but not without grabbing hold of my black winter coat and my black mittens then I head out the door.

I walk down the staircase, making my way to the second garage where my Rolls Royce Phantom is parked, just waiting there for me. Plucking the car keys from the wall of which it hangs, I unlock the car sauntering over to it.

I pull the door open and slide in, placing my handbag and coat on the passenger seat. Turning the key in the ignition, the car starts up with a purr.

Opening the garage door with a push of a button I drive out onto the snow-covered road, the garage door closing behind me.

Driving out of the estate, I turn the radio on and jam out to Drake and Blocboy Jb's 'Look Alive', mouthing along with the words, the heater is on full blast and I adjust my rearview mirror slightly.

I drive for nearly 20 minutes before I come up on to the crowded streets of New York City and it didn't help either that it was rush hour.

My fingers tap in a rhythmic pattern on the steering wheel as I wait in traffic.

Sighing annoyed, I grab my phone from my bag, dialing Ezra's number.

"Hey." Ezra answers after the first ring.

"Hey, Ez. I'm currently stuck in traffic on East 63rd Street but I'm pretty close, so meet me at the entrance on 5th avenue by uh...Sands Point Enterprises?" I say moving further up the line.

"Okay, go it." She replies. "I'll see you there."

Hanging up I toss my phone back on to the seat and turn on to 5th avenue, searching for a suitable place to park. I drove further down 5th Avenue before finally spotting an area which I could park in without the liability of getting my ass towed.

I indicate and drive on to East Drive, parking along the side behind a cherry red Honda Civic, turning the car off I pull the key from the ignition. Gathering my coat I tug it on, grabbing my phone as well I stick it into my pocket, and get out of the car into the freezing New York cold.

I shut the door behind me and ensure it's closed before strolling into the entrance of the park, I walk along the Park road, my eyes searching for the blonde girl.

"Iris!" Someone calls out, eyes scan the slightly crowded area before landing on the small fashionable girl who holds two coffee cups in hand.

Smiling, I stroll over to where she stands. Once I'm before her she extends a coffee cup towards me which I take gratefully.

"I thought you'd appreciate some hot chocolate." She chirps sweetly, pushing her blonde hair from her face.

"I do. Thank you." I grin broadly, taking a sip of the warming chocolaty beverage, I moan happily.

"You're welcome." She giggles with a cock of her head.

"So, what is it that you wanted to talk to me about?" I ask as we start to walk side by side at a comfortable pace.

She sighs and bites down on her lower lip before reluctantly saying. "I'm pregnant."

"Oh?" I mutter. "How far along are you?"

Don't act so innocent Iris, you literally were eavesdropping on the last night.

"I'm not sure maybe a month or so along." She shrugs kicking snow, eyes trained on her boots.

"Who's the father?" I inquire softly though I already know the answer.

".........Nikolai." She responds rather resentfully after what seemed like a millennium.

I say nothing waiting for her to fill the silence.

"He and I have been sleeping together for quite some time now. You know just a quick fuck, it's usually when he's in town or when I'm in town." She says, her eyes coming up to meet mine. "Estevon doesn't know that we...hook up."

"Does Luca know?" I question, brows furrowed.