Episode 4

Upon hearing the news, Alexa found herself wondering what had happened; she was intrigued, and that night sleep eluded her.

She still remembers that after she left, she only saw Marco once – it was when his wife went to a fashion show in London; after that, she only caught glimpses of him on television, his visage causing her heart to nearly leap from her chest each time.

After much contemplation, she decided it was time to return.

That day, she called Lucio and informed him she was coming home, that it was to be a surprise for everyone but her dearly missed friend; she fondly remembered her young friend Hannah, whom she had left behind yet stayed in touch with.

Lucio agreed and told her he'd send his driver to pick her up, adding that the twins would be thrilled to see her, they missed her dearly.

She smiled at her father's words and replied, "I've missed them too."

Alexa made up her mind; that very day, she would return to Italy.

The flight hours were long but, upon landing, many of the onlookers were captivated by the beautiful young woman; that brunette was strikingly attractive, enchanting with her dazzling smile, her face radiant with joy at being back.

She was making her way forward when she suddenly bumped into a man with a vaguely familiar air; something about him immediately altered her mood, yet she apologized and continued on her way.

Meanwhile, the man thought to himself, "Wow, you've certainly grown," and after waiting a few more minutes, he saw a youth who bore a striking resemblance to him, said, "Back again, you little scamp?"

"Dad, I'm here because my girlfriend came – she must have arrived earlier."

"Well, I look forward to meeting the girl who brought my boy back home."

"Dad, please. I'm not a boy; I'm a grown man."

"All right, Luke, you're a man now, and I'm proud of you."

With that, they departed, heading towards a car.

Alexa was already in the car sent by Lucio, and upon arriving home, she entered with the utmost care to avoid making noise. Suddenly, she heard the patter of little feet running towards her and looked down to find Alex and Xander, the mischievous twins named in honor of their father.

As they saw her, they began shouting and laughing with glee, which brought Mariana downstairs because of the noise; to see her little one after such a long absence filled Mariana with joy, so much so that she also wanted to shout. But she settled for a tight hug, and at that moment, Lucio arrived with charming Hannah.

Mariana looked at Lucio, "You knew, didn't you?"

"Darling, it was meant to be a surprise. How do you like it?"

Mariana only nodded before Hannah and Alexa embraced and jumped with joy at seeing each other again.

"My friend, you're back! I missed you so much. I know you must be tired, but how about going out tomorrow? Say yes, please, yes?"

Alexa smiled and asked, "Is it okay with my dear parents?"

"Sweetheart, just behave yourself, okay? Only toast with drinks, nothing further."

"I promise, mom." After a delightful evening, the friends parted ways, agreeing to meet the next day.

On the other hand, Marco's mood was foul as the devil's; that cursed Monique hadn't just been unfaithful, she had aborted their children. So, as soon as he found out, he divorced her without giving her a dime, since he had evidence of her infidelity. Day by day, he grew colder; now an older man who had achieved nothing he truly wanted in life, except for piles of money. Whenever someone approached him, it was because of his status. His assistant Marcelo and close friend mentioned an invitation to a new club where many influential people gathered, suggesting they go there to unwind that night.

Marco simply nodded, thinking some distraction wouldn't hurt.

That evening at the club, a couple of men in suits entered, drawing the gaze of most of the women around. Secluded in a private room, they talked over drinks about work, friends, and family.

Marco talked about his mother Romina, a worldly woman who loved to travel but always coddled Marco as if he were a baby upon her return, detesting Monique for she never liked her. However, she respected her son's choice, giving the woman a chance to prove her wrong. Yet, it turned out she was an opportunist who never really cared for her son.

As the men conversed, Marco's gaze landed on a stunning young lady who had just walked in; she was exceptionally beautiful and had an air about her that caught his attention, though he typically preferred older women. This young woman radiated a genuine beauty. When Marcelo noticed her, he reacted with surprise, prompting Marco, who saw the expression, to inquire, "What's wrong? Do you recognize her?"

"Of course I do, and so do you," Marcelo answered.

"Who is she?" Marco asked, intrigued.

"That's Alexa, Alexander Ferreti's daughter," Marcelo revealed.

"Little Ale, that's indeed a surprise. Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go greet her."

Marcelo found Marco's reaction odd, but it seemed his mood had improved, leaving behind the infernal temper he'd had earlier.

Following Marcelo to her, Marco saw the young woman surrounded by peers. He hesitated to approach, but Marcelo boldly called out, "Hello, Alexa."

Upon hearing her name, the young lady turned around and met the eyes she had longed for, pushing aside Hannah's friends to stand up and embrace Marco tightly, exclaiming, "I'm so happy to see you."

Marco, for some reason, felt strangely affected by her proximity and, inhaling her scent, thought she smelled wonderful.

"I'm happy to see you too, little one. You look beautiful..."

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