Roman Romance

The moment the private jet's wheels landed on the runway in Rome, a thrill surged through Sophia. Italy—ancient, timeless, filled with love and passion. A city filled with endless history. As soon as she stepped off the plane, the warm breeze blew across her skin. Travel had always been her dream, a hunger to chase the world's beauty—its sunsets, its secrets, its soul. But growing up, vacations were all about practicality. Her father was a man with a busy schedule and sudden emergencies. Because of this, they kept their trips short—day drives to the coast or weekends in the countryside, always close enough for him to race back if work demanded.

"The world will always be there," he'd say, "but responsibilities come first."

Sophia loved him, yet those words always bothered her. Then As she grew older, her life was filled with new chains, business parties, late-night study sessions poring over textbooks, and learning from her father to master the ropes of his empire. She'd excelled, driven by duty and a quiet hope to make him proud. 

Bobby's hand tightened around hers breaking her train of thoughts as their private car pulled up in front of them.

"Mrs. Knight," Bobby said smoothly, his voice carrying the teasing edge she adored while opening the door for her

She met his smirk and with a soft laugh answering "Yes, Mr. Knight?"

"Ready for the most romantic trip of your life?"

Sophia squeezed his fingers. " Well after all this talk you better not disappoint."

Bobby chuckled, leaning down until his lips brushed her ear. "Sweetheart, I plan on ruining every future trip for you because nothing will ever compare to this."

Their hotel was like a dream, a historic palazzo reborn as a five-star sanctuary. A massive crystal chandelier and their suite's towering windows framed the ancient city of Rome, its silhouette stark against the setting sun. Sophia moved to the balcony, the city alive below like a living tapestry. Tourists walking cobblestone paths, the distant clatter of glass, the noise of people talking, the hum of life. She'd seen photos, but this was different.

Bobby stepped behind her, his arms sliding around her waist, lips brushing her neck. "Welcome to Rome, Mrs. Knight," he whispered, his breath a warm shiver against her skin.

She leaned into him, grinning. "You're enjoying that title."

"What, calling you my wife?" His smirk pressed into her shoulder. "It's never getting old."

She turned in his embrace, hands resting on his chest. "Better make it worth it, then."

His eyes darkened, playful but fierce. "Count on it." His kiss was slow, deep—a vow sealed against the backdrop of the city's eternal heartbeat.

That night, as they lay tangled in crisp sheets, Sophia traced the planes of Bobby's face in the moonlight. "I can't believe we're here," she murmured. 

He caught her hand, pressing it to his lips. "You deserve this, Soph. All of it, and I promise there will be many more."

She smiled, but a shadow flickered in her chest—years of duty whispering that freedom came with a price. Bobby saw it, his gaze softening. "Hey," he said, voice low. "You're not that girl anymore, running laps for your dad."

Her throat tightened, but she nodded. He was right. Italy wasn't just a destination it was a kind of reclaiming. And with Bobby beside her, she'd chase every horizon she'd ever dreamed of.

He pulled her close, kissing her deeply " Now what do you say we enjoy our first night in Rome, my beautiful wife" 

The next afternoon, Bobby and Sophia ventured into the streets of Rome strolling hand in hand through narrow streets past pastel-colored buildings, and their flower-filled balconies. Small shops buzzed with life—locals sipping espresso, the clink of cups mingling with the trill of Italian chatter. Sophia's heart quickened this is what she'd dreamed of 

When they reached the Trevi Fountain, time seemed to pause. The massive Baroque towered before them, glowing in the afternoon light. Its turquoise water flowing from Neptune's chariot, the god's stone seahorses rearing as if caught mid-leap. Tourists gathered pressing close, throwing coins over their shoulders, each splash a wish. Sophia stood still, the sheer scale of it taking her breath away.

Sophia's eyes sparkled as she looked over at Bobby. "Ever made a wish like this before?"

he smiled as he met her gaze. "Never had a reason to. But I do now."

He put a coin into her palm, his fingers lingering against hers. "Make a wish with me?"

Sophia's smile softened, the coin pressing into her skin. They turned their backs to the fountain, shoulders brushing, the moment was filled with quiet intimacy. Together, they tossed their coins, the faint plinks lost in the rush of water. Sophia closed her eyes, her wish forming in her mind "I wish for this happiness to last forever."

When she opened them, Bobby was watching her. "What'd you wish for?" he asked

She tilted her head, smirking. "If I tell you, it won't come true."

He hummed, stepping closer to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. " I don't need to make a wish, I've already got everything I want right here."

Her heart melted, beating faster in her chest. Rising on her toes, she pressed a gentle kiss to his lips. The fountain's roar faded, the crowd blurred, and for that moment, it was just them

Their next stop was Vatican City, a short journey from Rome, a realm of reverence and wonder. As their car rolled into St. Peter's Square, Sophia's breath caught. St. Peter's Basilica was straight ahead, its majestic building glistening beneath the afternoon sun. Pilgrims murmured prayers, tourists moved in hushed awe, the faint toll of bells echoing from the Vatican's heart. 

Inside the Basilica, had left Sophia breathless. The golden ceiling soared high above adorned with intricate carvings of cherubs and saints entwined in eternal dance. Sunlight streamed through towering stained-glass windows casting rainbows of color across the stone floors. In the center, Michelangelo's Pietà stood behind protective glass, its haunting beauty arresting her steps. The Virgin Mary cradled her son, her sorrow carved so vividly into the marble that Sophia swore she saw tears glisten in the stone. She lingered there, transfixed, her chest tight with the weight of it.

Bobby stood beside her, hands in his pockets. He wasn't one for art, his world was numbers and deals, but even he couldn't resist this. "It's… beautiful," he admitted, his voice quieter than usual.

Sophia smiled. "You sound surprised."

He shrugged, a grin breaking through. "You know I'm more of a business kind of guy But even I can admit this place is something else."

They wandered deeper into the Basilica, past altars adorned with gilded relics and Renaissance canvases that seemed to breathe with life. Every corner held a new marvel. The distant hum of a choir weaving through the air. Sophia felt like she was walking through a dream 

Then came the Sistine Chapel. The moment they stepped inside, Sophia's breath caught. Above them, Michelangelo's legendary frescoes stretched across the ceiling, a world of angels, prophets, and the divine spark of creation. The colors almost seemed as if they were glowing. Sophia's breath caught, her neck craning as she took in. The sheer scale surprised her, yet the intimacy of it pulled her in.

Bobby leaned close, whispering in her ear. "I'm pretty sure Michelangelo painted this while thinking of you."

Sophia stifled a laugh. "You're ridiculous."

"I'm serious," he grinned. "Look at that angel up there. Looks just like you."

Sophia rolled her eyes, nudging him. "You're impossible."

He took her hand, his voice dropping to a softer register, the teasing fading into something real. " Soph. This trip, this moment it's perfect because you're here. I'd take you to a thousand chapels just to see that look on your face."

Her heart swelled, blooming beneath her ribs. She squeezed his fingers, the weight of his words settling into her like a promise. In that silent, sacred space, surrounded by centuries of faith and art, she knew—she had never been happier. This wasn't just a visit to Vatican City; it was a step into the life she'd always longed for, hand in hand with the man who made it all feel possible.

Back in Rome Bobby had planned a surprise 

Sophia gasped as she stepped onto the rooftop of one of Rome's most exclusive restaurants, the city stretching out beneath them in a sea of twinkling lights. lights hung overhead, casting a golden glow, and their private table was adorned with red roses, flickering candles, and a stunning view of the city in the distance.

"This is… breathtaking," she whispered.

Bobby pulled out her chair with a grin. "Nothing compared to you."

Sophia rolled her eyes, settling in. "You're extra romantic today."

He smirked, taking his seat across from her. "Gotta make sure you never regret marrying me."

She laughed, her heart full after the amazing time they'd had so far, 

As they ate, they talked about everything from childhood memories to silly dreams and the future ahead of them.

"I can't wait to see more of Italy," Sophia said, cutting into her pasta, the aroma of truffle in the air.

Bobby reached across the table, rubbing his thumb over her knuckles. "let's make it a trip to remember."

His voice was low, laced with promise.

Sophia shivered, a thrill running through her. And in that moment, she knew—the night was far from over.