Chapter 45

Work had been relentless back then. With Royal Investment's IPO in full swing, Matteo was practically living on planes, and Mila wasn't faring much better. Still, no matter how exhausted she was, she always made a point of stopping by the house before bed. It had become her sanctuary. Just being there seemed to wash away the day's fatigue. At the time, she truly believed they were building a forever together. She never imagined Penelope would move in before she even had the chance. "I just haven't found the right place yet," Mila told Logan, using the excuse to dodge his questions. Logan seemed to sense the unspoken weight behind her words. "You will, eventually." Later, passing a flower shop on her way home, Mila realized the bouquet on her table had long since withered. The apartment felt emptier without them, so she stepped inside. The shop assistant eagerly recommended the red roses, praising their quality. "Red roses, then," Mila said, agreeing without overthinking her ch