Two days after the shipments had officially left the ports, the Romano Industries executive conference room was once again filled with senior managers, logistics heads, security coordinators, and finance officers. The large digital screen on the wall showed maps, shipping routes, live tracking points, port schedules, and estimated arrival times for the three major shipments - Russia, the United States, and Japan.

Everyone was seated around the long glass table, files open, tablets in front of them, discussing the progress seriously. The atmosphere was professional but tense, because until the shipments reached their destinations safely, no one in that room could relax.

Donato was sitting at the head of the table, listening to the reports, but his mind was not in the meeting room.

It was at home.

In his bedroom.

With Kiara.

____

That morning had started normally. Donato and Kiara were getting ready for the office, breakfast was done, and everything seemed fine. Kiara was standing in front of sofa in leaving, adjusting her earrings, waiting for donato, when she suddenly stopped.

Donato noticed immediately. "What happened?"

She closed her eyes slightly and pressed her fingers to her temple. "Nothing... just a headache." But within a few minutes, the headache turned into a migraine. The lights started bothering her, and she sat down on the edge of the sofa, holding her head.

Donato immediately walked to her. "You're not going to the office today."

"I'm fine," she said softly. "It's just a migraine. It will go away."

"No," he said firmly. "You're staying home."

Just then, Aravi and Nonna came into the leaving room. Nonna immediately walked to her and placed her hand on Kiara's head lovingly. "No office today," Nonna said in a firm but caring voice. "You stay home, rest. Work will not run away."

Aravi nodded. "And we also wanted to talk to you about something. So it's good you are staying home today. You rest first, then we will sit together later." Kiara looked at Donato, knowing that now there was no way he would let her go to the office.

"I'll stay," she said softly.

Donato looked at her for a few seconds, then gently touched her face. "Call me if you need anything. Anything."

She nodded slightly. "Go to work. I'll be fine."

But even after leaving the house, Donato didn't feel comfortable leaving her alone.

____

Back to the meeting room:

"And the Russia shipment has crossed the first checkpoint successfully," one of the logistics managers was saying. "No delays so far. Estimated arrival is still on schedule."

Another manager spoke, "The United States shipment is currently in the Atlantic route. Security team has reported no suspicious activity so far."

"The Japan shipment will reach the transfer port in two days," another added. Everyone was discussing numbers, dates, routes, risks, and confirmations. But Donato was not hearing half of what they were saying.

He was thinking about whether Kiara had taken her medicine. Whether she was sleeping. Whether the migraine had reduced. Whether she had eaten something. He was staring at the map on the screen, but in his mind, he could see her sitting on the bed holding her head.

"Sir?" someone called.

Donato looked up immediately. "Yes."

"We were asking if we should keep the same security level for the US shipment or reduce after the second checkpoint."

Donato thought for a moment and then said, "Keep the security. Do not reduce anything until all shipments reach their destinations."

The manager nodded and wrote it down. The meeting continued, but Donato finally picked up his phone under the table and sent a message to kiara:

Donato: Did you take your medicine?

A few seconds later, the phone vibrated.

Kiara: Yes. Nonna made me drink something very bitter also. I think she is trying to kill me, not cure me.

For the first time in that meeting, a very small smile appeared on Donato's face. Another message came.

Kiara: Focus on your meeting, Mr. Romano. Don't worry. I am fine.

He looked at the message for a few seconds before locking his phone and placing it back on the table. But even then, his mind was not fully in the meeting. Because no matter how big the shipments were, how important the business was, or how many millions were at stake...There was one thing in his life more important than all of it.

And her name was Kiara. he didn't even know when kiara become the reason of his peace, of smile, When he start to feel like that to her, when he start to fall for her. but he is sure. that he falling in love with her wife day by day."

____

The Romano house was unusually quiet that afternoon. Soft sunlight filled the large living room, and the calm atmosphere was very different from the busy Romano Industries office. Kiara slowly came out of her room after resting for a few hours. Her migraine had reduced, and she didn't want to lie in bed anymore. She walked slowly toward the living room where Nonna and Aravi were sitting together, talking about something and drinking tea.

The moment Nonna saw her, she frowned slightly with concern. "Oh dear, why did you come here? You should be resting," Nonna said.

Kiara smiled softly and walked toward them. "No, Nonna, I was getting bored in the room. And I am okay now, don't worry."

Aravi smiled warmly and patted the seat beside her. "Come, sit here." Kiara sat between them, and Nonna immediately adjusted the cushion behind her back like she was still a child who needed care.

"You didn't eat properly in the morning," Nonna said. "let me told them to make something healthy for you."

Kiara laughed softly. "Nonna, it was not a serious illness. Just a migraine."

"For me, everything is serious when it comes to my family," Nonna replied proudly.

They all laughed lightly, and for a while they talked about random things - relatives, old family stories, food, festivals, and how Donato worked too much and slept too little. Kiara listened and laughed with them, feeling relaxed and comfortable.

After some time, Aravi looked at Kiara and asked casually, "Kiara, how is Kavya?"

The moment Kiara heard her favorite aunt's name, her face lit up immediately with a big smile.

"Kavya aunt is fine, Mom. She was asking about you all also," Kiara said happily.

Aravi nodded, then after a small pause, she asked carefully, "Kiara... why didn't Mrs. Rajput marry kavya till now?"

Kiara hesitated slightly. "Oh no, Mom, it's not like Dadi Sa didn't try to get her married," Kiara said slowly. "She tried a lot. Many times. But Kavya aunt never agreed."

Aravi frowned slightly. "Why? Why didn't she want to marry?"

Kiara sighed softly and leaned back a little. "It's actually... a long story," she said quietly. "Kavya aunt's marriage was fixed five years ago. Dadi Sa arranged it. And Kavya aunt had agreed also. The man also seemed good. Educated, well settled, good family - everything looked perfect."

Nonna and Aravi were listening very carefully now. "Everything was going well," Kiara continued. "Preparations had started. Both families were meeting regularly. Kavya aunt was not very excited, but she was ready. And I think... somewhere she had started to accept him. Maybe even like him a little."

She paused for a moment before continuing. "But one day, Kavya aunt found out that the man was already married." Both Aravi and Nonna looked shocked.

"What?" Aravi said softly.

Kiara nodded slowly. "Yes. He was already married. He lied to everyone so he could marry into the Rajput family. Money, status, name - that's what he wanted."

Nonna shook her head slowly in disappointment. "Shameless man."

"That broke Kavya aunt," Kiara said quietly. "Not because the marriage broke... but because she felt betrayed. She trusted him. And somewhere she had started to care for him. And then she found out everything was a lie."

Kiara continued, her voice softer now. "She was very angry at Dadi Sa and Dada Sa. She said they didn't investigate properly before choosing a man for her. She said they trusted too easily." Aravi listened silently. "After that day, Kavya aunt changed," Kiara said. "She stopped talking about marriage. She started living her own life, focusing on work, family, everything else except marriage."

She smiled slightly but sadly. "Dadi Sa felt very guilty. She said it was her fault that she didn't investigate properly. She never forced Kavya aunt after that." Kiara continued, "Later, when Dadi Sa tried again to find matches for her, Kavya aunt herself would break those proposals. She would find some reason, some excuse, or sometimes she would directly refuse."

"Maybe she lost trust," Aravi said softly.

Kiara nodded. "Yes. I think she did. She says she is happy like this, but sometimes I feel she just doesn't want to go through that pain again." The room became quiet for a few moments after that.

Nonna finally spoke softly, "Some wounds don't show outside, but they stay inside for a very long time." Kiara nodded slowly, thinking about her aunt. Aravi looked at Kiara for a moment, then gently held her hand and said softly,

"Not everyone is lucky in love, Kiara."

Kiara smiled a little and replied quietly, "I think I was lucky."

The living room had grown quiet after Kiara's last words, the weight of Kavya's past still lingering softly in the air. Aravi and Nonna exchanged a glance - a silent conversation passing between them - and then Nonna gave a small nod.

Aravi took a breath and turned toward Kiara, her expression a little hesitant. "Kiara..." she said gently.

Kiara looked at her. "Yes, Mom?"

Aravi folded her hands together slightly, choosing her words carefully. "You know... we are thinking of getting Albert married."

Kiara nodded slowly. "Yes, I know."

Aravi continued, her voice softer now, "The thing that happened with Kavya... something similar happened with Albert too."

Kiara's expression changed instantly. "What?" she said, shocked.

Nonna nodded slowly this time, her face serious. Aravi began explaining, "Albert was in a relationship a few years ago. He trusted that girl... deeply. He thought she loved him." Kiara listened silently, her brows slightly furrowed. "But she didn't," Aravi continued. "She was with him because of his name... his money... the Romano name. When she got a better opportunity - more power, more benefit - she cheated on him."

Kiara's eyes widened slightly. "She betrayed him," Aravi said quietly. "And not just emotionally... she used him. She used his trust, his love, everything. And when the truth came out... it broke him."

Nonna added softly, "Albert was never the same after that."

Kiara felt anger rising inside her. "That's disgusting," she said, her voice filled with disbelief. "How can people fall so low for money and name? How can someone play with someone's feelings like that?"

Aravi gave a sad smile. "The world is not always kind, Kiara." There was a pause. Then Aravi said slowly, "That's why I was thinking... maybe Kavya and Albert will understand each other."

Kiara looked at her, confused for a second. "I was thinking... how would Kavya be for Albert?" Aravi said. Kiara blinked once... then twice... Her eyes widened completely.

"What?!" she said. "Kavya aunty... and Albert brother?!"

"Yes," Nonna replied calmly.

"Means... Mom, you are thinking about Kavya aunty and Albert brother's marriage?" Kiara asked again, still processing.

Aravi nodded. "Yes, Kiara."

For a moment, Kiara went completely silent. Aravi and Nonna both got slightly worried, exchanging another glance. Did we say something wrong? Maybe she didn't like the idea... But before they could say anything-

"Oh my God, Mom!" Kiara suddenly said excitedly.

Both Aravi and Nonna looked at her, confused. "Huh?"

"This is the best thing!" Kiara said, almost jumping from her seat.

Both of them blinked in surprise.

"I mean it!" Kiara continued, her face glowing with excitement. "Albert brother is perfect for Kavya aunty. And Kavya aunty is perfect for Albert. You thought absolutely right, Mom. They will understand each other better than anyone!"

Aravi and Nonna both sighed in relief and smiled. "Thank God," Aravi said. "We thought you wouldn't like the idea."

"Why would I not like it?" Kiara said quickly. "In fact... I was thinking about this since I got married to Ro." since i saw them together She stopped suddenly. Realizing what she just said.

Both Aravi and Nonna looked at her sharply. "What?" Aravi asked. "What did you see?"

Kiara blinked nervously. "Umm... actually..." She scratched her head slightly, then gave a small embarrassed smile. "When after our marriage, Romano family came to Rajput haveli... I saw Albert brother and Kavya aunty arguing about something."

Nonna raised an eyebrow. "But you know..." Kiara continued, smiling, "they looked so cute together while fighting." Aravi smiled slightly. "And when all of us went for the Rajisthan tour," Kiara added, "I saw Albert brother secretly looking at Kavya aunty. I thought maybe he likes her..." She laughed lightly. "But the next second they started arguing again. Oh God, together they are chaos!"

All three of them laughed. Aravi nodded thoughtfully. "You're right. Even I noticed something that day at the airport... when Rajput family came to say goodbye. I saw Albert looking at Kavya."

Nonna added, "Maybe there is something between them... something they themselves don't understand yet."

"Maybe because they didn't spend enough time together," Kiara said. There was a small pause. Then Kiara's eyes lit up suddenly. "What if we make them spend time together?" she said excitedly. "And let them understand each other?"

Aravi leaned forward slightly. "That's a very good idea, Kiara... but how?"

Kiara smiled. "Dance."

"Dance?" Aravi asked, confused.

"Yes," Kiara said confidently. "Dance is the only thing in the world that can make Kavya aunt do anything. If it's related to dance, she will never refuse."

Nonna smiled knowingly. "That's true i saw her dancing so flawlessly."

Kiara leaned forward excitedly. "Mom, you told me about the Romano company... the one that promotes talent, where competitions happen, and people from all over the world participate..."

Aravi nodded. "Yes." Romano Global Arts & Talent Consortium."

Kiara's smile widened. "Let's use that."

Aravi and Nonna both looked at her curiously.

"I heard from Sofi that the company is going to organize the competition this year too... like every year," Kiara said, her eyes shining with excitement.

Aravi nodded again, now understanding where this was going. "Yes. Just like every year, Romano Global is starting the talent rounds again. In fact, this time we are inviting talent from all over the world - every field."

She continued, explaining in detail, "Participants just need to fill a form and submit their talent details. From wherever they apply - their city, college, or academy - there will be a selection round. If they get selected there, they will get the chance to come here... to Italy, to the main branch... and perform on an international stage."

Nonna listened carefully, nodding.

"And if they win here," Aravi added, "then their life changes. Opportunities come from everywhere - international offers, academy collaborations, contracts. Whoever wins... their career gets a completely new direction."

Kiara's excitement grew even more.

"Then Kavya aunty should participate in this competition," she said immediately. "She already takes part in dance competitions in different places. And she teaches in a dance academy too. If she gets to know about this Romano Global competition... I am sure she will participate."

Nonna leaned slightly forward. "So you are saying... we call Kavya here through this competition? If she wins the selection round, she will come here?"

"Exactly, Nonna!" Kiara said happily. "If I call her directly without any reason, she won't come. But if she has a reason... and that reason is dance... then she will definitely come." She paused, then added softly, "And this will also be good for her. It's always been her dream to open her own dance academy. This competition will give her exposure, recognition... everything she needs."

Aravi smiled, clearly impressed by the thought. "You're right, Kiara... but this is a global-level competition. People from all over the world will participate. Even in dance, the competition will be very strong. I am not doubting Kavya's talent, but still..."

Kiara smiled confidently and shook her head. "Don't worry, Mom. Everyone performs according to their own country's style. Everyone has their own specialty. Kavya aunty can do many forms of dance... but her strength is Kathak." Her eyes sparkled with pride. "And if she participates in Kathak... I am sure she will win."

There was a quiet confidence in her voice - not blind belief, but trust. Nonna smiled warmly. "Confidence like this only comes when you truly know someone."

Aravi looked at Kiara for a moment, then nodded. "Okay," she said. "Then let's do it."

Kiara's face lit up instantly. "Yes! I will tell Kavya aunt about the competition and ask her to fill the form."

Nonna added thoughtfully, "And from our side... we will make sure everything is arranged properly."

Kiara nodded eagerly, already imagining everything. Kavya coming to Italy. Working on the project. Meeting Albert again. Fighting... arguing... understanding. And maybe... slowly... something more. She smiled to herself. "Now let's see," she said softly, "what happens when fate gives them a second chance... together.

When the three of them were busy talking and planning, they didn't notice a man in a dark suit entering the house quietly. He stood near the entrance for a moment, watching the three women sitting together, talking, smiling, planning something like a secret meeting.

A small amused smile appeared on his face. "I thought my wife would be resting now," Donato said casually while walking toward them. "I should come home and check on her... but here, gossip session is going on."

All three of them turned toward him at the same time and smiled. Donato walked straight toward Kiara. His expression changed slightly - the businessman, the boss, the mafia head disappeared, and only the husband remained. He stopped in front of her. "How are you now?"

"I am okay, Ro. Don't worry. It was just a migraine. It's gone now," Kiara said softly.

Donato nodded slowly, then gently placed his hand on her head and brushed her hair back slightly, checking her forehead like he always did. Kiara smiled shyly at the small gesture. Before the moment could become too soft and romantic again-

A loud fake cough.

Both Donato and Kiara immediately looked away. Nonna was looking at them with a straight face... but her eyes were smiling. "So, Donato," Nonna said, "what is the matter? Today you came home very early."

Donato removed his blazer button and sat down comfortably on the sofa. "Well actually, I forgot a file at home," he said casually. "I thought I could ask a worker to bring it, but then I thought... why not I come myself, check on my three precious ladies... and take the file."

Aravi immediately narrowed her eyes and pointed at him. "Liar."

Donato looked at her innocently. "What liar?"

"You didn't come to check on us," Aravi said, trying not to laugh. "You came to check on your wife.

Kiara's face immediately turned red.

But Donato didn't look embarrassed at all. "Exactly," he said calmly.

For a second there was silence. Then all three women burst out laughing.

Kiara looked at him in disbelief. "Ro!"

"What?" he said casually. "Why should I lie? My wife is at home, sick of course I will come."

Nonna shook her head smiling. "Shameless boy."

"Nonna, I am a married man now. I am allowed," Donato replied confidently.

Aravi laughed again. "Poor Kiara. You married a very dangerous man."

Kiara hid her face slightly. "I already know that."

Donato leaned back on the sofa comfortably. "So what were you three planning? It looked like a secret meeting."

Kiara and Aravi looked at each other quickly, then at Nonna. Nonna smiled mysteriously. "Secret."

Donato raised an eyebrow. "Secret? In my house?"

"Yes," Aravi said. "And you are not allowed in this secret yet."

Donato looked at Kiara. "You also?"

Kiara tried to look serious. "Yes."

He stared at her for two seconds... then leaned slightly closer and said quietly, "You will tell me later."

Kiara looked in his eyes and said. "No."

Nonna clapped her hands lightly. "Okay, enough secret, mystery, romance and teasing. Now listen - since you are already here..." She looked at Donato seriously.

"Its lunch time lets have lunch togahter."

Aravi nodded. "Yes, Donato. Let's eat."

Donato sighed dramatically. "I came for a file... now I am trapped for lunch also."

Nonna pointed at him. "spending time with family is not trap."

He smiled slightly. "For you, never."

Then he stood up and looked at Kiara, extending his hand slightly toward her.

"Come, Mrs. Romano," he said softly. "Lunch."

Kiara placed her hand in his, and together they walked toward the dining room, where Aravi and Nonna were already seated. By the time table set, Sofi and Elena had also joined them, filling the room with more warmth and light chatter.

Lunch was lively - conversations overlapping, laughter echoing across the table. Sofi was telling a funny story about something that happened at the school, Elena teasing her in between, while Nonna kept insisting everyone eat more. Aravi occasionally added comments, smiling at the younger ones, while Donato mostly stayed quiet, watching Kiara now and then, making sure she was fine.

After lunch ended, everyone slowly got up and went their separate ways. Donato stood up, adjusting his watch slightly. "I'll take the file and head back." Kiara looked at him and quietly followed him upstairs.

The room was quiet as Donato entered, walking straight toward his desk. kiara following him closely- He turned suddenly. In one swift movement, he stepped closer and caged her gently between himself and the wall behind her.

Kiara's breath hitched slightly. "So, Mrs. Romano..." he murmured, leaning closer, his voice low and teasing. "You're not going to tell me what you were planning, hmm?" His face was close to hers, his breath brushing against her skin, sending a slight shiver through her.

But Kiara, trying to stay strong, whispered softly, "No."

A small, dangerous smile appeared on his lips. "Oh... is that so?" he said quietly, leaning closer and brushing a slow kiss near her ear.

Kiara's fingers tightened slightly against his shirt. "R-Ro..." she stammered.

"What?" he asked softly, his lips moving just behind her ear, his voice low and teasing.

"You... you came for the file," she said, trying to push him lightly, but his hold on her waist only tightened, pulling her closer instead.

"Yes," he replied calmly, his lips trailing slowly from near her ear down toward her jaw.

"Y-you will get late," she said, her voice barely steady.

"I can manage," he murmured. For a moment, everything around them faded again.

But just then-

His phone started ringing. Donato closed his eyes for a second and sighed in irritation. "Everyone is a villain in my romance," he muttered. He pulled out his phone and answered it without even looking at the caller.

"Yeah-"

But whatever the person said from the other side... Made him freeze. His expression changed instantly. The softness disappeared. His grip on Kiara loosened.

"What?" he said sharply.

Kiara flinched slightly at his tone. There was a pause.

"Okay... I'm coming," Donato said quickly, cutting the call.

The room felt different now. Tense. Serious. He immediately walked toward the drawer, opening it and taking out the file he came for.

Kiara followed him, her heart suddenly uneasy. "Ro... what happened?" she asked softly.

"Nothing," he replied quickly, not looking at her. He turned toward her, and for a moment, his expression softened again. He stepped closer and kissed her forehead gently. "Nothing that I can't handle," he said quietly. "You don't have to worry. You rest, okay?"

But Kiara wasn't convinced. "Ro... what happened? Tell me," she asked again, her voice filled with concern.

Donato looked at her seriously this time. "Kiara," he said firmly but softly. "Whatever happened, I can handle it. I will tell you everything when I come back." He paused, then added, "Now listen to me carefully... I might not be able to come back today."

Kiara's eyes widened slightly.

"But you don't have to panic," he continued. "Just trust me. I will come back to you safely... no matter what happens." His voice was calm, but there was something heavy in it. "Until then... you don't go anywhere outside this mansion. Not even a step. Okay?"

Kiara didn't ask more questions. She just nodded slowly. "Okay," she whispered, her eyes slightly moist.

Donato pulled her into a tight hug. She held onto his shirt, clutching it tightly like she didn't want to let him go. "Don't worry," he murmured near her hair. "Everything will be okay. I'll make sure of it." After a moment, he slowly pulled away. He turned and walked toward the door.

"Ro..." she called softly. He stopped. "Please come back safely," she said.

Donato didn't turn back, but a faint smile appeared on his face. "I will," he said. And then he walked out. Leaving behind a quiet room... And a growing fear Kiara couldn't explain.

Thank you 😊🫂