Emilia took her hand in hers. “Yes, the villa looks amazing, and what you have achieved is incredible, not just tonight, but with everything. I saw it when I met you in Amalfi all those years ago—a spark within you. Kim, you should be so proud of yourself. Your parents should be, too, and while maybe it is not possible for them to tell you now, I am certain they will realize it in their hearts in time.”

At this, tears now started to form in Kim’s eyes as she turned to look at the older woman who had been more of a mother to her than Gloria ever was.

“In any case,” Emilia continued, “know that I am proud of you, as is Antonio. And again, I am so sorry. I don’t know why I even thought for a second...”

“Hush now, please. Forget about that.” Kim reached across and pulled her into another embrace. “I hope you realize that all this is as much yours as it is mine. You know that none of it—the villa, the business—would have been possible if it weren’t for you, Emilia. I owe it all to you.”

The older woman held her tightly, and Kim once again felt terrible for neglecting her the way she had. But that was about to change. Emilia had always been there for Kim whenever she needed her. Now it was time to return the favor.

She would spend some time with her in Milan and then work with Antonio to assess what was best for this wonderful woman they both adored, and how to handle what was to come. They needed to put Emilia’s mind at ease, too, and ensure that no matter what happened, she felt secure and loved. It was the least she deserved.

“So for tonight, let’s you and I just enjoy the moment and celebrate it together, OK?”

Emilia smiled, now looking much more like her old self, and Kim was about to flag down a passing waiter to get them both a drink, when Gabriel came rushing up, a concerned look on his face.

“There’s something going on, hon. Raised voices—an argument—coming from inside the villa. I think we should check it out.”

Kim’s heart tumbled to her stomach. “An argument? Who?”

“I’m not sure yet. Emilia, Antonio is looking for you.” While Gabriel duly led Emilia back to her husband, Kim raced up the steps and back toward the house, with a growing—and all too familiar—sense of unease.

It had to happen, didn’t it? Another blow, one final kick in the teeth.

For chrissakes... What fresh hell awaited her this time?

Annie clung to Ed, her fingers hooked into his shirt, feeling for the first time in forever like a heavy burden had lifted.

He would make this OK, he would help her and Charlie. She didn’t have to worry anymore.