Amelia awoke with a sense of determination that morning, something stirring deep within her chest. The house was quiet, with no sign of Dante yet, and she felt like today was the day to shake off the suffocating feeling that had begun to settle around her. She needed a change, a break from the constant pressure and shadows that followed her every step. It wasn't just about Dante anymore; it was about her, about reclaiming a little piece of herself.
After a quick breakfast, Amelia made up her mind. She would go out, do something for herself, even if it was just for a few hours. She wasn't sure where she would go, but the thought of stepping outside the grand walls of the estate, of getting lost in the bustling city, filled her with a sense of liberation she hadn't felt in weeks.
She made a simple decision—to go shopping. It had been ages since she had picked out something just for herself, without any concern about it fitting into Dante's world or expectations.
"Eva," she called as she walked into the staff area, "I'm going out for a while. I'll be back soon."
Eva looked up, her expression calm but curious. "Are you sure, Miss Moretti? The boss might—"
"I need some time for myself," Amelia interrupted, smiling reassuringly. "Don't worry. I'll be fine."
With that, Amelia left the house, feeling a weight lifting from her shoulders as she stepped into the fresh air. The streets were busy with people, but for once, it felt good to blend in, to not be the object of anyone's attention. She walked past the usual high-end boutiques but chose to head toward a quieter part of town, where the local shops offered more variety and less pretense.
Amelia wandered through the aisles, taking in the vibrant colors of clothing, the fresh scents of flowers, and the chatter of people around her. It was a world away from the cold, controlled environment of her mansion, and it felt like she could breathe again.
As she perused a small boutique filled with colorful scarves and accessories, she struck up a conversation with a woman in her early thirties who seemed to have a similar interest in the items on display. Her name was Clara, and she was warm, down-to-earth, and quick to smile.
"I'm sorry," Clara said, laughing a little as she noticed Amelia's hesitation while looking at a bright yellow scarf. "I swear, I don't usually push things onto people, but that scarf? It would look amazing on you. The color would totally pop with your complexion."
Amelia chuckled, feeling a spark of connection. "You think so?"
"Absolutely. I'm not usually one for bold colors, but you could pull it off. Here," Clara said, handing the scarf to her. "Try it on."
Amelia found herself grinning as she accepted the scarf, surprised at how natural the conversation felt. She stepped into the changing room, quickly wrapping the scarf around her neck. When she returned, Clara looked at her with wide eyes.
"See? I told you," Clara said. "It's perfect. You're taking it, right?"
Amelia smiled, something light and carefree bubbling inside her. For the first time in a while, she felt like herself again. "You know what? I think I will."
As they chatted more, Clara invited Amelia for coffee at a nearby café. They exchanged numbers, and Amelia agreed to meet up again. It felt so refreshing to talk to someone who didn't know her as Mrs. Moretti, the mafia wife. For once, she was just Amelia—a woman with her own hopes, dreams, and interests.
The afternoon passed in a blur of laughter, shopping, and good conversation. For the first time in a long while, Amelia didn't think about Dante, or the mafia, or the weight of expectations. She was just enjoying the moment.
When she finally made her way back to the estate, she felt lighter, like a part of her had come back to life. She entered the house, but something was different—there was a sense of calm in the air, something that hadn't been there before. It was as if her brief escape had allowed her to breathe easier, and now, the house didn't feel as oppressive.
As she made her way through the hallway, Eva approached her, her usual composed expression slightly softened.
"How was your day, Miss Moretti?" Eva asked with a small smile.
"Surprisingly refreshing," Amelia replied. "I made a new friend, went shopping, and just… had fun for once."
Eva's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "That's good to hear. The boss is still away. He said he'll be back soon, though."
Amelia's heart skipped at the mention of Dante. She hadn't thought about him much during the day, but now, a familiar pull began to stir within her. Despite everything, she missed him.
"Thank you for letting me go," Amelia added.
Eva gave her a gentle nod. "Of course, Miss Moretti. You deserve to have some time for yourself."
As Amelia made her way up to her room, her mind began to wander. She couldn't deny the sense of freedom she had felt today, but she also couldn't ignore the emptiness that crept in now that she was alone. She missed Dante more than she cared to admit. The house felt quieter without him, even though it was only one day.
But the day had reminded her that she was still Amelia Grey, that she could still enjoy small pleasures, make friends, and live her life. And in the moments when Dante returned, she would be ready to face whatever came next together.