Chapter Thirty-Five - Echoes of Tragedy

The sleek sports car purred beneath them as Alessandro navigated the winding country roads, his hand resting comfortably on Amelia's knee. "I can't believe you managed to keep this a surprise," Amelia said, her eyes bright with excitement as she gazed out at the passing landscape. Rolling hills dotted with wildflowers stretched as far as the eye could see, a stark contrast to the concrete jungle they called home. Alessandro chuckled, casting a quick glance at his fiancée. "I have my ways. Besides, after everything that's happened lately, I thought we could both use a bit of spontaneity." Amelia nodded, her smile softening. "You're right. It feels like we've been holding our breath ever since Victor showed up." "Let's not think about that now," Alessandro said, giving her knee a gentle squeeze. "Tonight is about us, about remembering why we fell in love in the first place." As they crested a hill, a burst of colorful lights came into view, accompanied by the distant sound of laught