Chapter 14 Alia POV Everyone is about to go on vacation to Bellavista Manor , with colleagues huddled together in excitement . I bet 500 euros that CEO Marco won't participate in this event , says Paul from the accounting department , sl the cash on the table . " Alia ! " Tina spotted me and waved me over . " You work closest to the boss . What do you think ? Will Mr. Vittorio be coming to Bellavista Manor ? I nearly choked on my coffee . " I , uh , wouldn't know his schedule . " " Come on , " she pressed . " You must have some insider knowledge . You're his assistant ! " " Assistant intern , " I corrected . " And honestly , he doesn't share his personal plans with me . " " Well , you have to place a bet , " Paolo insisted , pushing the betting sheet toward me . " Everyone's doing it . Five hundred euros minimum . " My eyes widened . Five hundred euros was nearly half my month's rent . But refusing would only draw more attention , and the last thing I needed was for my colleagues to suspect my relationship with Marco . " Fine , " I sighed , reluctantly writing my name down . " I bet he … won't attend . " As I walked back to my desk , I silently cursed myself . I had no idea if Marco planned to attend , and I'd just gambled away money I couldn't afford to lose . That evening , my phone rang as I was browsing recipes for dinner . Marco's name flashed on the screen , sending my heart into an embarrassing flutter . ' I'm back in Portano , " he said without preamble , his deep voice warming me from the inside . " I'll be home in an hour . " " I'll make dinner , " I offered , already mentally scanning the empty refrigerator . " But I need to go shopping first . " ' No need . I'll bring something ." Before I could respond , he hung up the phone . I quickly rushed into the shower , taking the opportunity to freshen up before he returns home . Forty - five minutes later , I heard the apartment door open , Marco walked in carrying several bags from an upscale market and - surprisingly - a beach tote with sunscreen and a wide - brimmed hat peeking out . " Planning a beach day ? " I asked , eyeing the summer items . " Just being prepared , he replied cryptically , setting the groceries on the counter . We moved around the kitchen in comfortable silence , me chopping vegetables while Marco expertly prepared fresh pasta . The domesticity of it all felt surreal - this man in my kitchen , sleeves rolled up , making dinner as if we'd been married for years Instead of weeks . Over dinner , I gathered my courage . " So … are you going to the company retreat at Bellavista Estate ? " Marco's expression remained impassive as he sipped his wine . " Those company functions don't interest me . " I suddenly fella title happy inside - not because Marco wouldn't be attending the event , but for my five hundred euros . " Besides , he continued , " I go to Bellavista frequently . " i froze , fork halfway to my mouth . " You go there often ? " Something flickered across his face - the realization he'd said too much . Chapter 14 " Why ? Do you want me to go to Bellavista ? " he asked , his voice gentler than usual . I was hoping my bank account wouldn't be five hundred euros lighter , I thought . But I couldn't tell him about the betting poo . " It would be nice , " I said instead , focusing intently on twirling pasta around my fork . " But I understand if you're busy . " w Marco studied me with those piercing eyes that always made me feel like he could see right through me . Finally , he nodded slightly and returned to his meal , the subject apparently closed . The next morning , I woke to an empty bed and the sound of Marco's voice drifting in from the balcony . I padded quietly to the doorway , where I could see him taking call after call . He was already dressed in white silk casual wear that somehow made him look both relaxed and untouchable . The morning light caught his profile , highlighting the aristocratic lines of his face .