Chapter 0562

Nina

I meandered through the marble halls of the museum, the art surrounding me a comforting distraction that I sorely needed. Each painting and statue had its own unique beauty to it, and I eventually found myself in the Ancient History section, gawking at a pair of clay vases with depictions of women on them.

"Lovely, aren't they?" A voice suddenly pulled me out of my reverie. I glanced up to see a museum attendant standing there, an older man, his hair neatly combed to the side. "The vases."

"They really are," I said, leaning in to look a little closer. "The details are phenomenal."

The attendant nodded. "It's quite spectacular for this time period. The way that something so precious can be preserved for so long, hidden in the earth... It's a testament to life, isn't it?"

I couldn't help but chuckle. How astute of him, "It sure is," I said. "No matter the complications, beauty and simplicity always shine through."

Later, as I stepped into the Impressionism section, my phone buzzed.

"On my way to pick you up." Enzo's message read. My heart did a little leap; I was eager to see him, to apologize, to lay to rest the uneasiness of last night.

But just as I was about to slip the phone back into my pocket, a shadow flickered along the periphery of my vision. My pulse quickened; it was the third time today I had seen that clusive shadowy entity. It was like it was following me, always just out of sight, always just out of reach.

I wanted to call Enzo, to hear his voice tell me that everything was fine. But I hesitated, my thumb hovering over the call button, and I ultimately pocketed the phone.

I would be visiting the right specialists-or perhaps even a witch-for whatever this ailment

the scent of coffee and pastries was enough to wash away my worries. I ordered

to approach the conversation with Enzo tonight. I owed him an apology. I owed us a chance to lay it all out, to clear the confusion and hurt that I had

Mila had no chance, and besides, we were starting a family together. How could I

a steaming cup and on

you," I said, the warmth of the drink seeping through the cardboard as I picked it

eye, and I picked up a few little things to bring home as gifts: some cards, chocolates, a mug with a Monet painting on it for Lori, and a plushie of a cat in a painter's beret for Jessica. By the time I rang up, I received another text from

finally come together. No arguments tonight. Just me and Enzo, just the two of us, on a mini

I climbed into the car and buckled my seatbelt, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. I

he replied, clearly forcing a smile. He seemed distant, his gaze fixed on the road ahead

was your day?" I asked, watching

like a door slamming shut, and I instantly knew that something was

you ask about my

was just waking up. "I'm sorry. How was

the corners of my eyes. "The museum was really fascinating. So many artworks, sculptures, pieces

I was thinking we could just do room service at the hotel," he

me," I said, hoping to inject some levity into the conversation. "We could order some delicious food, cuddle up with a movie, maybe get a little frisky?" I

his smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "Yeah, sounds

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