~LAUREN’S POV~

I stood in the doorway of Alexandro safe home, my throat tight with surprising emotion as I hugged her goodbye. Despite only knowing her for days, I felt like I was leaving family.

"I'm going to miss you," I said, meaning it more than I'd expected.

Isabella cupped my face in her hands, her green eyes, studying me intently. "You're good for him," she said. "He smiles now. Do you know how rare that is?"

Before I could respond, she turned to Alexandro, who was checking his watch behind me. "You," she said sharply, pointing a manicured finger at him, "keep this one."

"Mother," Alexandro warned, but Isabella...