CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR – HIS GIRLFRIEND

The beautiful woman approached Luca with a graceful confidence that made Rebecca feel instantly inadequate. As she drew near, Luca's face lit up with recognition. "Irina!" he exclaimed, opening his arms wide. The woman, Irina, stepped into his embrace, wrapping her arms around his neck and placing a lingering kiss on his lips. Rebecca felt her heart sink to her toes. After what seemed like an eternity, they broke apart, and Luca turned to Rebecca with a somewhat sheepish expression. "Rebecca, I'd like you to meet Irina Petrova," he said, his arm still around the woman's waist. "My girlfriend." Rebecca felt as if all the air had been sucked out of her lungs. She struggled to keep her face neutral as she extended a shaky hand. "N-nice to meet you," she managed to stammer. Irina's perfectly manicured hand clasped Rebecca's briefly, her grip surprisingly firm. "Charmed, I'm sure," she said, her voice dripping with a sweetness that didn't quite reach her eyes. "And you are...?" "This