Chapter 4 A New Life

• Alessia's POV
• I packed the little I could, dragging my luggage behind me. I was leaving everything behind. I booked a flight to the United States, far away from the chaos in my life.
• In the U.S., I built a new life. During my first month serving as a waitress to raise some extra cash and keep a low profile.
• I fainted while delivering a cup of coffee to a customer. Nothing could have prepared me, when the nurse told me I was pregnant.
• Seven months after arriving, I have both my twins, a boy and a girl, Lorenzo and Elena.
• They were my light in the dark, the reason I kept going when it seemed impossible. I worked hard to provide for them, juggling my studies and motherhood as best I could.
• After a year, I graduated first in my class, and my cybersecurity skills were soon recognized, making me one of the most sought-after analysts in the field.
• Companies vied for my services, and I felt like I finally had a handle on life. Lorenzo and Elena grew up to be intelligent, inquisitive children; Lorenzo loved solving puzzles, and Elena shared my fascination with computers. Seeing them flourish served as a daily reminder that leaving Italy had been the right decision.
• Six Years Later:
• When I checked my work email one morning, I saw a message that made my stomach turn. I was asked to move to Italy to finish a task.
• “What in the world?” I muttered. Italy was the last place I wanted to ever go to.
• I reread the email three times hoping I had misread it but I didn't. I quickly sent an email to my firm. As I considered turning around, my heart raced…the risk, the suffering, and the memories.
• I sent my supervisor an email right away to request an alternative posting. I pleaded my case over the phone when that failed.
• “Alessia,” my boss said, “it's a done deal. This client expressly asked for you, and you're the best we have. There is no escape from this situation.”
• I hung up, feeling trapped. Why did it have to be Italy?
• I picked my phone and dialed Ella's number. She was still my best friend and we had kept in touch over the years even after I left.
• “Alessia, you can't avoid Italy forever. It's still your home. Don't you think this is a fight from the universe?” She asked, trying so hard to explain the situation.
• “A sign?” I scoffed. “More like hell. It's my past coming back to haunt me.”
• “Alessia, stop it. I don't see it that way. Maybe it's a sign for you to face your past. You can't keep running all your life,” she said gently. “You're not alone. Please, come back. I have missed my best friend and I want my twins to enjoy their home land.”
• “Your twins?” I asked, chuckling.
• “Yes, you might have given birth to them, but I'm still their godmother,” Ella chimed.
• “Hey, just remember. I'll always be by your side. We'll figure it out together,” she cooed.
• I wanted to argue, but couldn't. I exhaled and accepted my fate. “You do know how to sweet talk your way into everything.”
• “It's one of my many talents,” Ella praised and hung up.
• I thought about quitting my job, but the truth was I couldn't afford to at the moment. The firm had paid me double of what the other company would and raising twins wasn't cheap. The money allowed the twins and I to have a stable comfortable life.
• I ran my hand through my hair and glanced at the email. I was stuck and I knew it. I took out my MacBook and signed the contract for the new job.
• A few days later, I told Lorenzo and Elena about the move, and I was surprised they were excited.
• “We’re going to Italy?” Lorenzo asked. “Where’s that?”
• “It’s far away,” I said, forcing a smile. “It’s where Mommy grew up.”
• “Will we see Grandma and Grandpa?” Elena asked.
• I froze for a moment before shaking my head. “No, sweetheart. They’re… not around anymore.”
• “Will aunt Ella be there?” Lorenzo asked. He was super cute when he got excited.
• “Yeah, she'll be waiting for us,” I answered.
• “Yaaay!” They cheered and I watched them happily. I felt a little sadness in my heart as I remembered my family. I couldn't tell the twins yet, they were too young to understand the world I had escaped from.
• The hardest part was packing up. It was bittersweet as I had built so much here. The friends, career, and a sense of safety.
• *******
• It was a lengthy flight to Italy, and every hour made me more anxious. By the time we touched down, I thought my heart would crack open.
• At the airport, Ella was there to greet us. She rushed over to embrace me tightly.
• “Welcome home,” she replied, grinning.
• With a worried glance around me, I whispered, “This doesn't feel like home.”
• I loaded the twins and our bags into Ella's car with her assistance. She told me everything I had missed on the way to her place.
• “There hasn't been any crazy activity in the city in years. And did I tell you my clothing business has been growing. I'll take you around for a tour later,” she remarked, looking at me.
• “I can't wait,” I answered, smiling. The twins are their ice cream Ella had brought for them and argued endlessly as we drove. They stopped once we got to Ella's house and I finally had a moment of peace.
• Settling into Ella’s apartment was chaotic but comforting. The twins adored her, and she spoiled them with gifts and toys.
• ******
• I took in a deep breath and exhaled as I kept reciting to myself. “You’ve got this, Alessia.”
• When I was sure I had convinced myself, I adjusted my white sleeves and stepped into the company, handling my paperwork to the receptionist with a bright smile.
• She responded with a lovely smile and directed me to a conference room.
• While I waited, I felt anxious. Something felt off, but I couldn't tell what it was. I tried to calm myself the best I could.
• I shouldn't feel this way. It wasn't my first interview. I heard the door creak open, followed by the click of measured, deliberate footsteps.
• My heartbeat rose and I counted silently. I slowly lifted my gaze and froze. My hands gripped the papers in my hand as I stared at the one person I had never hoped to see.
• “Dominic,” I whispered, my heart pounding in my chest.
• “Hello, Alessia,” he replied coldly.