CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY ONE - WHEN MASKS SLIP

Amelia and Alessandro sat side by side, their fingers intertwined as they sipped champagne and gazed out at the lush gardens below. Amelia turned to Alessandro, a soft smile playing on her lips. "It's been a while since we've had a moment like this, just the two of us." Alessandro nodded, his dark eyes reflecting the warmth of the fading sunlight. "You're right. With everything that's happened, I've almost forgotten what peace feels like." "Do you think we'll ever truly have it?" Amelia asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Before Alessandro could answer, the sound of approaching footsteps caught their attention. They turned to see Marcus, one of the long-time attendants, hurrying towards them with an urgent expression. "Mr. De Laurentis, Miss Hartwell," Marcus said, slightly out of breath. "I apologize for the interruption, but I thought you should know immediately. Miss Mari has returned." Alessandro's body tensed, and Amelia felt his hand tighten around hers. "Mari?" he rep