#Chapter 108 - A new level

Aldo The Marcello estate hadn’t seen a night like this in far too long. Since Layla and I had wed on this same lawn—nearly a year ago now. How had it been so long? How had time passed so quickly? And more importantly: How had we been married for so many months, yet shared so few moments like this one. It truly was a beautiful moment, a breathtaking scene. Glowing lanterns swayed across the gardens, and tables filled with food—and surrounded by people—lurked beneath colored tents splattered across our lawn like pastel mushrooms. The laughter of children echoed across the landscaped greens. Adults lingered in clumps beside the tents, or along the stone pathways, nursing drinks or hors d'oeuvres. The smells of roasted meat and fresh-baked bread wafted through the air, mingling with the rich aromas of fine cigars and aged wine. On the patio, the rhythmic beat of the live band had lured out a collection of listeners, and even coaxed a few couples out to dance. I sat at the b