The Summer Villa. Melissa Hill

scoffed. ‘Gabriel loves you. Very much. He won’t leave you, if that’s what’s bothering you. He’s one of the most honest and honourable men that I have ever known. He is also no fool. I expect he knows a lot about what you’ve been keeping hidden from him, and is waiting for you to come to him when you’re ready.’

      ‘Do you think?’ Kim replied as a small glimmer of hope ignited in her chest. The fear of Gabriel leaving was one she hadn’t had the courage to admit, but Antonio, as ever, had got to the bottom of her fears anyway.

      ‘I think you won’t know for sure until you talk to your husband. I can say all the right things in this situation, but it isn’t my assurance you need.’

      ‘You’re so perceptive it’s annoying,’ Kim said with a smile as she rubbed the errant tears from her cheeks. Despite her efforts, they’d defied her.

      ‘When Gabriel arrives, do you have plans to talk to him about this?’

      ‘Not particularly,’ she admitted. ‘There’s so much else going on right now …’

      ‘I think it would be the perfect opportunity for you to talk. The publicity is in place and the renovations are complete – all’s that left now is the party to celebrate Villa Dolce Vita’s introduction to the world. Everything is ready, Kim. And I can keep any last-minute things covered while you have some important time together with your family.’

      Everything he was saying sounded good, but there was still so much for her to consider before her husband and daughter joined her here.

      What if Antonio was right? But what if he was wrong? Gabriel was the best thing she’d ever had in her life and Kim was terrified of losing him.

      Then Antonio patted his knees and sighed. ‘I’d better go. I have another meeting before I fly back to Milan this evening. We will talk again?’

      ‘Sure. Please give Emilia my best. And tell her I can’t wait to see her at the party.’

      She stood and walked Antonio out as far as the door of the courtyard. He hugged her one last time before heading back to his car.

      ‘As you Americans say, you got this. And of course, honesty has always been your finest trait.’

      Kim looked up at the glorious blue sky and closed her eyes.

      If only he knew.