The soft morning light filtered through the bedroom curtains, illuminating the space with a golden glow. Matthew was the first to wake up, his eyes slowly opening as he adjusted to the light. He looked to the side and smiled when he saw Emily still sleeping peacefully, her face serene and her hair spread across the pillow.
Leaning over to her, Matthew placed a light kiss on Emily's forehead, causing her to murmur something inaudible before moving slightly, her eyes still closed. He couldn't help but smile as he observed how peaceful she was, as if time had stopped around her.
After a few minutes, Emily began to wake up, blinking slowly as she turned to look at Matthew. Her eyes met his, and a sleepy smile appeared on her face.
"Good morning, my love," Matthew said, his voice husky in the morning.
"Good morning," Emily replied, her voice soft, as she stretched her arms out and snuggled closer to him. "Did you sleep well?"
"With you by my side, always," he replied, gently caressing her face.
Emily laughed lightly, blushing as she remembered the night before.
"You're terrible, you know that?" she said, hiding her face against his chest.
Matthew chuckled softly, wrapping his arms around her. "That's not what you said last night."
Emily lightly slapped his shoulder, laughing louder now. "Stop it!"
They stayed there for a few more minutes, exchanging affection and enjoying the comfortable silence they shared. Eventually, Matthew suggested
"How about we have breakfast together?"
"Sounds great," Emily replied. "But only if you cook."
"A request I can't refuse," he said, smiling before getting out of bed and putting on a light shirt.
Emily watched him for a moment, admiring the way he moved with confidence and elegance. When he left the room, she stood up, pulled on a silk robe, and walked downstairs, still tying the belt of the robe, her bare feet gliding softly across the marble floor. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee already filled the air, mixed with the sound of utensils in the kitchen. She found Matthew with his back to her as he stirred something in a frying pan.
"This smells good," Emily commented, leaning against the doorframe and crossing her arms with a smile on her face.
Matthew turned his head slightly, a mischievous smile on his face. "Just the smell? Wait until you taste it."
"Humble as always," she teased, walking over to him. Without warning, she slid her arms around his waist, resting her chin on his back. "So, what's on the menu today, Chef Lancaster?"
Matthew chuckled and glanced over his shoulder. "Pancakes with fresh fruit and honey. A classic."
"I'm convinced. Keep going," she replied, laughing softly as she picked up a cup of coffee already brewed from the counter.
She sat at the kitchen counter, watching him as he worked. It was something she loved to do, watching Matthew in such simple, intimate moments, seeing the serenity and focus on his face as he prepared each detail to perfection.
"You know, that's kind of unfair," Emily commented, taking a sip of her coffee.
"What?" Matthew asked, turning to face her with a raised eyebrow.
"You're good at everything. Business, sports, even cooking. How can anyone compete with that?"
He let out a hearty laugh as he placed the freshly made pancakes on a plate. "Well, you're the only person I know who can leave me completely speechless, so I guess we're even."
Emily laughed, shaking her head. "Flattery isn't going to earn you any extra points."
"No?" He walked over to her, setting the plate of pancakes down before bracing his hands on the counter, leaning toward her with a sly smile. "What if I told you that you're the only reason my day starts off so well?"
Emily tried to look impassive, but the smile that formed on her face betrayed her. "Maybe you've earned a few points," she replied, nudging him lightly with her fingertips.
Matthew smiled before stepping back and pulling out a chair for her at the table. "So, ma'am, your meal is served."
She stepped down from the counter and walked over to the table, sitting down with a slight nod. He sat down next to her, and they both began to eat.
Emily cut a piece of the pancake and tried it. Her eyes widened in approval. "It's amazing!"
"I did," he replied, with a smug smile.
"Okay, you win. Admit it, you're good at this," she said, laughing as she took another bite.
They spent a long time at the table, chatting about little plans for the day, Emily's filming, and Matthew's meetings. It was rare that they had moments like this, where they could just be together, without distractions or outside pressures.
As they finished, Matthew looked at her thoughtfully.
"What do you think about going out again today? Take a walk around Florence?"
Emily raised an eyebrow in surprise. "I thought you had plans."
"I can postpone them. I want to spend the day with you."
She smiled, leaning across the table to take his hand. "I'd love to."
"Great. Then finish your coffee, because the day is just beginning," Matthew said, squeezing her hand gently before starting to mentally plan what to do to make this day even more special.
Emily opted for a fitted gray wool dress, with a burgundy scarf elegantly thrown around her neck and ankle boots that completed the casual yet sophisticated look. Matthew chose a long-sleeved black blouse and dark jeans that shaped his figure, combined with a light coat. The simplicity of their look was enough to draw attention, but at the same time not stand out too much.
They walked side by side through the entrance of the mansion, where a car was waiting for them. Matthew opened the door for Emily, who entered with a small smile.
"A movie early in the morning?" she asked, leaning toward him as the car began to move.
"I thought it would be a good idea. Besides, Florence is said to have small, charming theaters that show classic films. I thought you'd like it."
Emily smiled. "You know you don't have to impress me, right?"
Matthew laughed, putting his arm around her shoulder. "Who said it's to impress you? It's for me. I want to see your face light up watching something you like."
She shook her head, laughing softly.
A few minutes later, they arrived at a small neighborhood movie theater, whose charm lay in its details: old signs, classic movie posters, and a facade of restored Renaissance architecture. It was as if time had stopped there.
Matthew took the tickets while Emily looked at the walls decorated with images of Italian cinema icons.
"Federico Fellini, Sophia Loren... I love it here!" she said, delighted.
"Wait until you get inside the room. It looks like the original structure has been preserved since the 50s," Matthew commented, handing her the tickets. "We're going to see something special."
Emily raised her eyebrows. "Special how?"
"An Italian romantic film, of course. Nothing better for the Florence atmosphere."
She laughed, linking her arm through his as they walked to the screening room.
The interior was even more impressive than Emily had imagined: crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, red velvet armchairs, and a nostalgic aura that seemed to transport everyone present to another time.
They sat in the central chairs, and Matthew discreetly took a scarf from inside his coat to place it around Emily's legs.
"Always so thoughtful," she whispered, squeezing his hand.
When the movie started, the lights dimmed and a sense of intimacy filled the room. It was a love story set in post-war Italy, full of emotions and twists. Emily was completely involved in the plot, sometimes whispering in Matthew's ear or smiling when he looked at her instead of paying attention to the movie.
"You're not watching," she whispered, pretending to be scolding.
"I'm watching something much more interesting," he replied, his playful smile illuminated by the screen.
Emily shook her head, but couldn't help but smile.
When the movie ended, Matthew held her hand as they left the theater.
"So, what did you think?" he asked.
"It was beautiful. But you should have paid more attention," she teased, squeezing his fingers.
"I paid attention to the important parts," he replied, leading her back to the car.
After the movie, Matthew took Emily to a charming café on a busy street corner overlooking Piazza della Signoria. The tables outside were adorned with small vases of flowers and neatly folded napkins. The aroma of fresh coffee and freshly baked bread filled the air.
"There's nothing like an Italian coffee to start the day," Matthew said, helping her sit down in an elegant wrought-iron chair.
"You really planned everything, didn't you?" Emily asked, adjusting her dress as she looked around.
Matthew smiled, sitting down across from her. "I just want you to enjoy every moment here."
A waiter arrived quickly, bringing a menu in Italian. Emily took a look and, even with her fluency, asked Matthew for a suggestion.
"What do you recommend, Mr. Expert?"
"Cappuccino to start and maybe a cream-filled cornetto. You'll love it," he suggested, closing the menu.
As they waited for their order, Emily observed the people around them. There were tourists with cameras, locals chatting animatedly, and street musicians playing soft melodies.
"This place has a unique energy, doesn't it?" she commented, turning to Matthew.
"That's why I chose to bring you here. Florence has a vibrant soul, just like you."
She laughed, blushing slightly. "You really know how to be charming, Matthew Lancaster."
"Just being honest," he replied, with a smirk.
When the waiter brought their orders, Emily was impressed by the presentation of the cappuccino, decorated with a heart in the foam, and the delicious aroma of the cornetto.
"This looks amazing!" she exclaimed, picking up the cornetto and taking her first bite.
Matthew watched her, pleased. "So?"
"Perfect. I think I'll need to bring some of this home."
"Or we could just go back," he suggested casually.
Emily laughed, shaking her head. "Always with the best ideas."
After enjoying their breakfast, Matthew suggested they take a walk. Hand in hand, they strolled through the cobblestone streets, passing craft shops, galleries, and small boutiques.
"You won't be able to resist going into one of these stores, will you?" he teased, seeing her looking at a window full of delicate jewelry.
"No way!" she replied, pulling him inside.
Emily was fascinated by the handmade rings, necklaces and earrings, each piece more intricate than the last. She tried on a pair of earrings with small green stones that highlighted her eyes.
"What do you think?" she asked, turning to him.
"They look perfect. I'll buy them for you," Matthew said without hesitation.
"No need, Matthew, I can..."
"Consider it a gift to remember this day," he interrupted, smiling.
Emily sighed, but accepted.
After a few more stops at shops and galleries, the couple headed to the Ponte Vecchio. The sun was already higher, reflecting on the waters of the Arno River.
"They say this bridge is a special place for couples," Matthew commented, stopping in the center.
Emily looked at him with a smile. "Are you trying to impress me again?"
"Always," he replied, leaning in to kiss her softly.
The kiss was brief but full of meaning, with the city as the backdrop. Emily felt her heart warm.
"This trip is becoming one of my favorites," she admitted.
"We still have a lot more to do," Matthew assured.
With a smile, the two continued walking along the bridge, enjoying the moment and each other's company.