Margherita’s POV

“Wake up, sleeping beauty! We have to be on our way—we have exams!!”

Marina’s voice jolted me awake as she shook me nonstop.

“Oh no, just five more minutes, please,” I pleaded, and she finally stopped, stepping off the bed.

“Okay then,” she said, leaving the room.

Finally.

But my relief was short-lived. The next thing I felt was chilled water splashing all over me.

I screamed and jumped up, only to find Marina smirking mischievously, glass in hand.

“Oops, honest mistake,” she said, grinning.

Oh, she’s done for—this little witch.

“Oh, what an honest mistake,” I shot back. Before she could escape, I scooped her up and tickled her mercilessly.

Our laughter filled the room, echoing through the apartment.

Five years.

Five years since everything began. Our bond had only grown stronger, deeper. We’d faced highs and lows, failures and triumphs, but through it all, we were each other’s anchor.

I will never forget the second she walked through that door five years ago. I knew she was mine the very moment I saw her. I never regretted a single moment with her.

She’s my person. My bestie. My heart.

We had become more beautiful, more successful. Marina’s law firm was almost complete, and now she was building a writing empire. Her popularity had soared over the years.

I was proud beyond words. She motivated me to build my own law firm too—just opposite hers. Inseparable.

Everyone in my family knew her, except Massimo, of course—always distant. Yet to the rest, she was literally the apple of our eyes.

“My sweet baby,” I whispered, brushing her hair from her face.

“I love you, Marina,” I said, locking eyes with her.

“I love you too, Margherita. You’re the best—thank you for everything,” she replied softly.

We pecked on the lips and hugged each other tightly. I might have hugged her too hard because she pushed me away, panting.

“Please don’t choke me! We have to prepare for school—you know today is our final examinations,” she said, straightening up.

Yes, exams. But my heart raced for reasons beyond academics. After this, we’d have a 12-month break before graduation. I’d be going to Italy, and I didn’t want to leave her—and I knew she felt the same.

“Margherita!” Her voice jolted me back to reality.

“Fine, I’ll go get ready. See you soon, love,” I said, hopping off the bed.

Yes, I always slept at hers. Don’t judge me. I love her.

I freshened up, dressed perfectly as always, and ran to her apartment. She was already grabbing her keys when I arrived.

“Uhh, someone’s looking fire,” I teased, taking her in from head to toe.

“Thank you, you too. Now let’s go, please,” she said, tugging me along and locking the door.

I slid into the passenger seat of her car, the princess in the passenger seat, as she drove us to school. She didn’t mind at all.

We arrived at school, and as usual, all eyes fell on us. Beauty queens and rich girls—we hated attention, but it found us regardless.

Hand in hand, we walked to her classroom. Our classmates froze as the door flung open.

“Gosh, are we new students?” someone muttered.

Whatever.

We walked gracefully to our seats and sat like queens. Eyes tired from late-night studying, we were ready for this final paper.

Marina sat poised, revising, while I devoured the breakfast we had grabbed on the way. Brainiac and beauty—she had it all.

“Eat your food, beauty,” I said, nudging her.

She dropped her book and took a sip of her coffee.

“Are you ready for this?” she asked.

“For the exam, yes. But for the twelve-month break… no,” I whispered softly.

“I’m not ready either,” she admitted quietly.

We stared at each other, eyes watery, silently holding onto the moment.

“You know I’ll always love you, right?” My voice broke the silence.

She nodded, and I pulled her into a bear hug, unwilling to let go.

The bell rang, reminding us it was time. We pulled away, wiped our tears, and giggled.

“Good luck, bestie.”

“Good luck to us.”

The professor walked in. It was time.

---

Finally, exams were over.

I could barely contain my excitement. Italy, here we come. I missed my family so much. They were sending a private jet for both of us tomorrow.

Yes—Marina had agreed to come after much begging from me and my family. I was ecstatic. My mother was already calling her daughter-in-law, praying she and Massimo would… well, eventually.

“Are you done packing?” Marina’s soft voice broke through my thoughts.

“Oh yes! I’ve been ready for this trip forever,” I replied. We smiled at each other.

“Thank you for coming with me, beauty. I’m super grateful,” I said, giving her my puppy-dog eyes.

She rolled her eyes and grabbed her phone. Oh, what a rudie.

“I’m so excited—you can’t understand. I pray you and Massimo…” I paused, giving her a smirk.

She shot me a look that said, naughty, and said, “You’re so annoying. Just shut up and go to bed. We leave early tomorrow.”

“Okay, boss. Good night, baby.”

“Night night.”

Lights off.

---

Morning came.

“Let’s go, Marina—the driver’s here!” I said, checking myself in the mirror one last time.

“I’m coming!” she shouted from the bedroom.

“Please, ma’am, let me help you with those,” the driver offered, carrying our bags.

“Thank you,” I said sweetly.

Marina emerged, holding one of her Birkins, dressed like a goddess.

“Finally, let’s go.”

She nodded. We got into the car.

“You look beautiful,” I said, admiration in my voice.

“Thank you, you look stunning,” she replied, winking.

We arrived at the airfield. The black jet awaited—one of Massimo’s. I wondered if he’d sent it himself. Did he miss me? Of course. But he would never admit it.

Our bags were loaded, and we boarded swiftly.

“Welcome aboard, ladies,” the pilot said, and we smiled.

In no time, we were in the air. The flight attendants served food, and we chatted until Marina said she needed a nap.

I leaned back, ready to nap as well.

---

“Ladies, I’m glad to announce we’ve arrived in Italy. Your family is right there waiting for you.”

I bolted upright, heart racing.

Through the window, I saw them—finally, home.

Marina was already awake, adjusting her outfit as we prepared to disembark. Our eyes met, and we smiled softly.

“Are you ready?” I asked.

“I’m nervous,” she admitted.

I held her hands tightly. “There’s nothing to be nervous about. Let’s go.”

The door opened, and our eyes met my family.

“Mama, Papa!” I screamed, rushing forward to hug them.

They enveloped me in warm embraces, tears in their eyes.

“I missed you, baby! You’ve grown bigger and more beautiful,” my mother said, her voice trembling.

“My money wasn’t wasted after all,” my father added, making everyone laugh.

“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Moretti,” Marina said softly.

The moment their eyes fell on her, mouths dropped. She was ethereal, perfect, unreal.

My mother held her hands while I hugged Camilla and her little one.

“You look even more beautiful in person, my daughter. Can I touch your cheek?” my mother asked, mesmerized.

Marina nodded, touching her cheek delicately.

“Is she a mermaid?” Adriano asked, eyes wide.

“She’s prettier than a mermaid,” Camilla added, equally mesmerized.

“You’re welcome home, my daughter,” my father said, hugging her warmly.

“Thank you, sir,” Marina replied softly.

“Hello, gorgeous. I’m Camilla. Welcome,” Camilla said, pulling her into a hug.

“Thank you. Where’s the cutie?” Marina asked, searching for Michelle.

“He’s with his dad—you’ll see him once we get home,” Camilla replied.

“I can’t wait!” Marina beamed.

“Hello, I’m Adriano, your cool brother-in-law,” Adriano said confidently.

“Brother-in-law? Who am I getting married to?” Marina asked, amused.

“If possible, me—but my brother would kill me,” he quipped, and laughter erupted.

I scanned the airfield. Massimo wasn’t here yet.

“Where’s Massimo?” I asked.

“You know him,” my mother said, exasperated. “He went for a meeting. He’ll return soon, but not until I demand it. Let’s go home, daughter-in-law—your husband can’t wait to meet you.”

Marina looked confused, but I just smiled, knowing the chaos that awaited Massimo’s arrival.

We all piled into the cars—my mother, Marina, and I together, my family in the second vehicle, convoy style.

Through the window, I admired the Italian city. My mother held Marina’s hand tightly, proud, beaming. Marina couldn’t stop smiling—she always stole the show.

Finally, we reached the mansion.

“Home sweet home,” I whispered as we got out.

My mother still held Marina. I wanted to grab her too. “Mama, can you let go now?” I asked, but she scoffed and continued smiling at Marina.

Seriously?

“Welcome home,” the staff greeted.

“Thank you,” I said, smiling.

Inside, I spotted Mateo, Massimo’s best friend, and Lorenzo, Camilla’s husband. Both rose as we entered. My eyes met Mateo’s; we quickly looked away shyly. Crushes never die.

They were clearly mesmerized by Marina too.

“Is she real?” Lorenzo whispered to Mateo.

Mateo shrugged, still shocked.

“Welcome home, ladies,” Lorenzo said, shaking our hands.

“Thank you,” we replied.

“Welcome home, Margherita and Marina,” Mateo added with a smile.

“Thank you,” we replied in unison.

“Where’s Massimo?” my mother asked, already on edge.

Before anyone could answer… a deep, commanding voice rumbled through the mansion:

“I’m here, mother.”

Silence fell over the room.