CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY NINE - PIECES OF THE PAST

The bustling streets of the city were a blur as Amelia rushed to her next appointment. Her mind was preoccupied with thoughts of the bakery's latest order and the upcoming De Laurentis family dinner she had to prepare. Lost in her own world, she didn't notice the tall figure rounding the corner until it was too late. "Oh!" Amelia exclaimed as she collided with the stranger, her purse slipping from her shoulder and spilling its contents onto the sidewalk. "I'm so sorry, miss," a deep, vaguely familiar voice said. "Let me help you with that." As Amelia crouched down to gather her belongings, she looked up at the man who was now kneeling beside her. Her eyes widened in recognition. "Uncle Michael?" she gasped, hardly believing her eyes. The man's face, weathered by time but still handsome, broke into a warm smile. "Amelia? Is that really you? My goodness, look at how you've grown!" Amelia stood up, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and confusion. "I can't believe it's you! W