CHAPTER NINETY NINE – DREAMS AND GOALS

"You know," Luca said thoughtfully, "there's no reason you can't pursue that dream now. You're free to go wherever you want." Rebecca's heart clenched at the thought of leaving. "I don't know if I want to go anywhere right now," she said softly, meeting Luca's gaze. Understanding passed between them, and Luca reached out, cupping her cheek gently. "I'm glad to hear that," he murmured before leaning in for a tender kiss. As the afternoon wore on, they lay side by side on the blanket, watching clouds drift across the sky. Rebecca's head rested on Luca's chest, his arm wrapped securely around her. "Tell me something you've never told anyone before," Rebecca said, her fingers tracing patterns on Luca's shirt. Luca was quiet for a moment, his hand absently stroking her hair. "When I was younger, I used to dream about running away and becoming a sailor," he finally admitted. "I thought I could escape all the expectations and just... be free." Rebecca propped herself up on an elbow, loo