CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY NINE – THE MAN SHE LOVES

Rebecca's heart swelled with love and pain for this man who had been so hurt, so betrayed. She took his face in her hands, forcing him to meet her gaze. "Listen to me, Luca Castelli," she said fiercely. "I am not Irina. I am not here to use you or betray you. I love you. All of you. The good, the bad, the parts you try to hide from the world. I see you, Luca. And I'm not going anywhere." Luca's eyes searched hers, desperate to believe. "How can you be so sure?" he whispered. Rebecca smiled softly. "Because I know who I am. And I know what I want. I want you, Luca. Not your power or your money or your name. Just you." She took a deep breath, knowing her next words would change everything. "I want to build a life with you. To face whatever comes our way together. To be there for you in the good times and the bad. To hold you when you're scared and celebrate with you when you succeed. I want all of it, Luca. If... if that's what you want too." Luca stared at her, his expression a mix