This had to have cost a fortune. The sewing machine alone is five figures.
“Oh God. Did he really do this?”
Abella seems to understand I’m in shock, so she gives me a minute before she breaks the silence.
“It’s a really nice gift,” she offers.
“It’s everything I could ever want,” I choke out. “But it’s too much.”
“Why?” She examines me.
“It’s so much money.”
“You deserve this, Gabi,” she says softly. “And clearly, he wanted you to have it. It’s hardly going to put a dent in his bank account, so don’t worry about that.”
I let out a shaky exhalation, unsettled by the fact that she knows exactly who did this. But if everything goes to plan, I’ll know by the end of this weekend, too.
“Are you okay?” she asks.
“Yes. I think so. I just need to text him.”
“Alright, I’ll give you some privacy. When you’re done, we’ll eat.”
I thank her and pull my phone from my dress pocket as she leaves the room. It takes me a minute to figure out what I want to say, but in the end, I settle on the truth.
BiteSizedGabi: I honestly don’t even know how to thank you for something like this. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted.
Eros415: Seeing you happy is enough.
Those words trigger another flutter in my chest, because I know he genuinely means them. Unlike the other men in my life, he doesn’t mock me for my dream or treat it like a dumb hobby. He told me he wanted me to do what I love. But it isn’t just that. It’s the fact that he set up the space exactly as I would have wanted it. He chose the colors I like. He even labeled the drawers on the new cabinet the way I would have.
He pays attention to all the little things. He takes care of me. He makes me feel warm, safe, and…loved.
That thought slams into me with terrifying clarity.
I don’t want this to be casual.
I think I actually want him…to love me.
29
GABRIELA
I spendthe first part of my day playing around with some of the new tools in my workspace and working on my muslin.
It’s a huge relief to know I don’t have to worry about anyone messing with my materials or projects anymore. Having my own space where I can work without the sensory overload of the studio will make a huge difference in my focus and productivity.
This really is a dream come true, and after I graduate, these tools will give me a solid starting point as I develop and launch my collections.
For the first time in years, I’m confident about my future. I have a clear trajectory, and once I’ve officially called off the engagement to Riccardo, I’ll be able to breathe again. I know it won’t be easy, particularly when Michael finds out, but I can’t allow that fear to control me anymore. He’ll be angry, but I’ll have the protection of the Vitale family, so as much as he may want to, he can’t punish me.
By the time I pack my bags and all of Beppe’s things to set off for the island, I’m feeling lighter than I have in months. I’m looking forward to a weekend with the girls, despite the changes Sunday will bring.
When I arrive at the Vitale estate, Julian informs me he’ll spend the weekend in the guards’ quarters, in case I need anything. He tells me he’ll deliver my bags to my room, and I thank him before we part ways.
I find Nonna in the kitchen as usual, baking to her heart’s content.
“Gabriela,” she calls out when she sees me, gesturing me over. “I made your favorite. Try one.”
