CHAPTER 98

SOPHIA'S POV

The early morning sun rose like melted gold over the sweeping hills of Tuscany, throwing long, peaceful shadows across the courtyard where fresh white roses bloomed along the old stone walls. A soft mountain breeze moved through the cypress trees around the villa, carrying the fragrant smell of crushed olive leaves, wild lavender, and warm earth.

Standing on the main bedroom balcony in a long cream silk robe, I held two-month-old Victoria against my chest, gently swaying back and forth as she slept soundly against my shoulder. Her tiny hand was curled into a small fist against my collarbone, and her breathing was so light and...