Gianna's POV

A gentle touch brushed against my cheek, and my lips curved up almost instinctively. The subtle tang of citrus filled my senses with every breath, and for the first time, I felt complete. The remnants of my past anxieties lingered faintly, but Stefano's words and even the smallest of his gestures slowly coaxed peace into my heart.

There were moments I found myself clasping my cheeks or pinching my arm just to ensure I wasn’t trapped in some dream. The nightmares were ...