Chapter 115: Day

The next morning, Emily woke up feeling better.

She looked up and found Matthew still sleeping beside her. Smiling softly, she snuggled closer into his arms, closing her eyes for a few more minutes, enjoying the comfort.

The serene silence of the room lulled her, until she fell asleep again.

Hours later, when Emily woke again, she found the bed beside her empty. Blinking a few times to adjust to the light, she looked around the room, searching for Matthew.

"Mat?" she called in her hoarse morning voice.

Yawning, she ran a hand through her disheveled hair and got up, going to the bathroom to wash her face. As she returned to bed, the bedroom door opened, revealing Matthew entering with the doctor.

"Good morning, love," he said softly, smiling at her.

Emily waved with a small smile before sitting up in bed.

The doctor approached, examining her carefully for a few minutes before declaring

"Everything is fine now. You can be discharged this afternoon."

Emily nodded gratefully, while Matthew was already typing something on his phone.

As soon as the doctor left, Emily asked

"Mat, did you bring my clothes?"

Matthew pointed to the suitcase next to the table.

"They're over there."

Emily picked up her suitcase and went to the bathroom to change. Dressed in clean clothes, she picked up her phone and opened Instagram.

When she found no mention of the attack she suffered, she raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Looking at Matthew, she asked:

"Did you hide my situation from the media?"

Matthew let out a light laugh.

"Let's just say I have connections with some media companies."

Emily was surprised by the revelation, although she was already getting used to the reach of the Lancaster family's influence in various circles.

That afternoon, Emily was discharged.

In the car, as she stared out the window at the rapidly passing landscape, she suddenly asked,

"Any news about the man who attacked me?"

Matthew, taken aback by the question, calmly replied,

"Not yet, but it won't be long before he's found."

Emily nodded, going back to contemplating the landscape in silence.

After a few minutes, she realized they weren't heading in the direction of the hotel. Looking at Matthew, she frowned.

"Where are we going?"

Matthew replied softly,

"Home."

"Home? What house do we have in Florence?" she asked, intrigued.

Matthew laughed.

"We didn't have one, but I bought one."

Emily sighed, resigned, and nodded.

When they arrived, her mouth fell open at the grandeur of the mansion before her.

"Was something so huge really necessary, considering we're only going to be in Florence for a few months?" she asked hesitantly.

Matthew laughed, hugging her around the waist.

"Of course. My wife deserves the best."

Emily sighed in defeat, but couldn't hide the smile on her lips.

Emily walked hesitantly through the mansion's entrance as she admired the architectural details. The place exuded sophistication and luxury, with marble columns, large windows, and perfectly manicured gardens.

Matthew led her to the front door, opening it with a gentle gesture.

"Welcome to our Florence retreat," he said with a warm smile.

She stepped inside, impressed by the interior of the mansion. The foyer was decorated with crystal chandeliers, a white marble floor, and stairs with gold banisters that seemed to lead to a palace.

"Matthew, this... is incredible," Emily said, astonished.

"Only the best for you, love," he replied, noticing her awed expression.

A team of staff was lined up in the lobby, waiting to greet them. An elegant-looking man, who looked like he was being the house manager, stepped forward.

"Mr. Lancaster, Mrs. Lancaster, welcome. I'm Alberto, and I'll be at your disposal for anything you need during your stay."

Emily smiled, still a little taken aback by the formality.

"Thank you, Alberto."

Matthew leaned toward her.

"If you need anything, just ask him."

"That's a bit... over the top, don't you think?" she said quietly.

Matthew laughed.

"Over the top would be not making sure you're as comfortable as possible."

Emily shook her head, unable to contain her smile.

"Come on, I want to show you something," Matthew said, taking her hand and leading her upstairs.

When they reached the second floor, he led her to a large balcony that offered a stunning view of the city of Florence, with its red rooftops and the hills in the background.

"This is my favorite place in the house," Matthew said, leaning against the railing.

Emily looked around, enchanted.

"It's beautiful, Mat."

He smiled and took her hand.

Emily felt a wave of calm as she took in the view. For the first time since the incident, she could breathe more easily.

After a moment of silence, Matthew suggested,

"I'll order us something to eat, and then we can relax. How about that?"

Emily nodded, grateful to have him by her side.

"Sounds perfect."

While Matthew went off to set things up, Emily stood on the porch, enjoying the gentle breeze that ruffled her hair.

A short time later, Matthew returned to the porch pushing a cart laden with delicacies. There were fresh fruits, assorted cheeses, artisanal breads, hot dishes, and desserts decorated like works of art.

Emily's eyes widened in delight.

"Matthew, this is... unbelievable. You brought an entire feast!"

"Nothing less than you deserve, love," he replied, pushing the cart closer to the table. "Come on, try it."

She picked up a piece of soft bread with flavored butter and took the first bite. Her eyes widened even more.

"This is amazing! Everything is so delicious..."

Matthew smiled, sitting next to her as he watched her savor each dish with genuine enthusiasm.

Between bites, the two began to laugh at the light-hearted comments. Emily, so enchanted, even made jokes about never wanting to leave Italy again.

In the midst of the light atmosphere, Matthew's cell phone vibrated on the table. He calmly wiped his hands with a napkin before standing up and walking to the window to answer it.

A firm voice answered on the other end of the line.

"Boss, we found the man you asked for."

Matthew looked at the landscape, his face closing in on a serious expression.

"Great. Capture him and take him to that place. I want reports as soon as possible."

"Yes, sir," the voice answered before the call ended.

He sighed, remaining silent for a moment as he observed the view of the city. Taking a deep breath, he put the cell phone in his pocket and returned to where Emily was.

She looked at him curiously, tilting her head slightly.

"Who was it? Anything important?"

Matthew smiled softly, pulling out a chair to sit next to her.

"Company business, nothing you need to worry about."

Emily nodded, accepting the answer as she continued to eat.

"Well, you can take care of your business later. For now, come and try this. It's delicious!"

He smiled, taking a piece of fruit from her plate.

"I guess you're right."