Emily had no idea that she had known Antonio since she was young. Emily and Antonio had met a long time ago. Antonio's family had visited the US when he was in his teens.
To be exact, Antonio's father was invited by Emily's father to her coming-out celebration.
It was strange to realize that Emily had forgotten all about their early acquaintance from their first meeting.
Antonio couldn't help but think back on those earlier times as he anxiously anticipated Emily's arrival.
**
**
Emily Moore's coming-out celebration in 2017 was a lavish event attended by the most prominent members of society. She was making her official debut in high society, a momentous occasion.
Antonio Cuevas, the son of one of her father's closest friends, was among the several notable visitors.
When Antonio saw Emily for the first time that evening, something within him stirred that he hadn't expected.
At eighteen, he was already a charming and self-assured young man, well-versed in the standards of his world.
Even though she was younger than him, Antonio was charmed by Emily's charming purity.
Her elegance and attractiveness struck him, and he stared at her nonstop as the evening wore on.
However, although he deeply connected with Emily, she was still too young to consider a meaningful love relationship.
When Antonio realized this, he vowed to hold off until she was older and at the appropriate moment.
He planned to return and adequately pursue her to develop a meaningful relationship with her.
Antonio quietly told Emily's father about his thoughts before leaving the party that evening, and with his approval, he committed to return for her at the appropriate moment.
Emily didn't know how deep Antonio's intentions were; she just enjoyed the evening like any other young girl, oblivious to his sentiments.
But then the hand of fate became nasty. When Antonio came back to see Emily five years later, he was crushed to learn that she had passed away in a terrible accident.
Antonio hoped to see her again and start the relationship. However, he didn't imagine that she would perish at a young age.
The shock crushed him. The young lady he had long harbored in his heart and admired from a distance was no longer there. Antonio's life progressed, but he never wholly forgot his pledge.
After several years, Antonio kept Emily's memories near his heart while concentrating on advancing his job and traveling.
Then, one day, while on a work trip in Italy, Antonio's life took an unexpected turn.
He saw a familiar figure—a woman strikingly resembling Emily—meandering along a charming Florence street. As he attempted to interpret what he was seeing, his heart raced.
Antonio, unable to suppress his disbelief, walked up to her, and when she turned to face him, everything changed.
Emily was there, still breathing. He was staring at a genuine, breathing lady he assumed was forever lost to him.
He felt an overwhelming blend of astonishment, bewilderment, and exhilaration...
Emily, similarly shocked by the unexpected meeting, related how she had staged her death years before fleeing a dangerous circumstance back in the United States.
Antonio was overcome with relief and hope as he continued to assimilate the information.
After all these years, the lady he had vowed to return for was finally alive and in front of him.
Antonio's affection for Emily erupted with newfound intensity at that exact moment.
He knew that he had never really let go of her, and he wouldn't let another opportunity pass him by now that she was still alive.
Antonio firmly decides to go for Emily again, but with marriage as his goalie, he wants to start a future with her to keep his commitment to her all those years later.
But Antonio soon found that not much had changed. The naive young girl from Emily's debutante ball had changed.
Through adversity and poverty, she evolved into a robust and self-reliant lady.
Winning her heart would not be as easy as he had initially thought. Antonio, though, was unwavering.
He wasn't the kind to back down from a fight, notably when it included love.
***
"Hey! Are you alright? You seem to be out of it. What is it that you're thinking? I had been saying something and didn't even realize you weren't listening."
Emily bantered. A beautiful smile graced her perfectly made-up face.
Hearing Emily's voice brought Antonio back from his reverie. He quickly apologized for his insolence.
"I'm sorry! I was daydreaming..." He chuckled as he gazed at the most beautiful woman on earth right in front of him.
"Are you ready?" He hooked her hand to his before sauntering toward the waiting vehicle part in front of the hotel.
Emily was stunned when she realized where they were heading. When she stepped out of the vehicle, a beautiful yacht was right in front of her. A line of crew members was waiting for them on the gangway.
Antonio, who had opened the door for her, was waiting for her to take his arms and lead her to the waiting yacht for their dinner date.
Once they were inside the luxurious yacht, tears began to form in Emily's eyes.
A breathtaking candlelight dinner was prepared and waiting for them, with some people playing soft music in the background. She was speechless.
**
**
During their dinner, Antonio told Emily precisely what he intended to do when they got back in touch in Italy.
He wanted to pursue her with the same charm and commitment he had always planned, but he knew he needed to show respect for the person she had grown into.
Emily was conflicted after hearing about Antonio's intention. She didn't know how to tell him that she had terminal cancer and has not long to live. He would be devastated. Another thing was Aiden and Jake; she doesn't know yet what kind of future they have coming.
She could only make up a believable story, even to her ears.
"Antonio, I want to thank you for your intention. Unfortunately, a lot has changed since we last met when we were young. As you know, my father's gone, and I had also forgotten to mention to you that I now have a son. His name is Aiden."
She expected Antonio to waver, but to her surprise, he calmed her down and said he was ready to wait because he was understanding and patient.
Now that Emily is back, he is not in a hurry because he has waited years to rediscover her.
With the same unwavering determination that had led him for years, he intended to pursue her, win her heart, and become her husband. 'until death do they part.'
Antonio hoped that by traveling with Emily and taking in the breathtaking scenery of Italy—from the undulating hills of Tuscany to the enchanting canals of Venice—she would come to view him as more than simply a man from her past, but as the man who may be her future.
Unknown to Antonio, he's not the only one thinking the same way...