Chapter 41 Arrived in Amalfi
The plane descended through a blanket of soft clouds, revealing the glittering Italian coastline below, a breathtaking stretch of turquoise water meeting cliffs crowned with white villas and terracotta roofs. Deborah pressed a hand against the oval window, her eyes widening at the sight. It was early morning, the sun just beginning to rise, casting the sea in hues of gold and rose. “It’s beautiful…” she whispered, almost to herself.
From the seat beside her, Ylmaz smiled, his gaze soft as he watched her wonder. “Welcome to Amalfi.”
The gentle thud of the landing gear echoed beneath them as the plane touched down on the private runway near Salerno. As soon as they stepped out, a warm breeze greeted them, the kind that carried the faint scent of salt and citrus, mingling with the distant hum of waves. Deborah closed her eyes briefly, inhaling deeply.
“I haven’t even seen the villa yet,” she said with a small laugh, “but I already love it here.”
Ylmaz chuckled. “Just wait until you see where we’re staying.”
A sleek black Maserati was waiting for them by the tarmac, its polished surface gleaming under the Italian sun. The driver, an older gentleman in a crisp suit, bowed slightly as he opened the door. “Buongiorno, Signor D’Arden. Benvenuti in Italia.”
“Grazie, Marco,” Ylmaz replied with an easy smile before turning to Deborah. “He’s been taking care of the villa for years. You’ll like him.”
Deborah smiled politely, slipping into the car. As they drove, the scenery shifted from small coastal towns to winding cliffside roads overlooking the vast blue sea. The ride itself felt like something out of a movie, olive trees lined the edges, bougainvillea spilled over white fences, and locals on scooters zipped past with cheerful waves.
Every turn revealed another breathtaking view, and every view made Deborah’s heart flutter just a little.
“This place…” she murmured, her gaze fixed on the horizon. “It doesn’t even feel real.”
“That’s the point,” Ylmaz said softly. “It’s meant to make you forget the world for a while.”
“Forget the world,” she echoed with a faint smile. “That actually sounds nice.”
After almost an hour’s drive, they turned into a secluded road shaded by tall cypress trees. At the end of the path stood the villa, grand yet serene, surrounded by gardens blooming with lavender, jasmine, and olive trees. A marble fountain gurgled gently in the courtyard, and beyond the terrace, the view opened straight into the endless expanse of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Deborah stepped out of the car and stood still for a moment, taking it all in. “It’s like a dream.”
Ylmaz walked beside her, hands in his pockets. “I used to come here every summer with my family,” he said quietly. “But after all become complicated, I stopped. It… didn’t feel the same anymore.”
Deborah turned to him, a trace of empathy softening her eyes. “And now?”
“Now,” he said, looking at her with a small, genuine smile, “it feels right again.”
Inside, the villa was filled with light, wide arched windows, creamy marble floors, and open hallways that smelled faintly of lemon oil and sea breeze. The decor was simple but elegant... hand-carved furniture, old paintings, and tall vases filled with fresh flowers. It felt lived in, not just luxurious, but warm.
A housekeeper named Giulia greeted them, her face wrinkled with a kind smile. “Benvenuti, Signorina Valmere,” she said in accented English. “The rooms are ready. If you need anything, just ask.”
Deborah smiled warmly. “Thank you, Giulia.”
They followed her up the grand staircase to their rooms. Deborah’s was spacious, with cream curtains, a four-poster bed, and double doors leading out to a private balcony overlooking the sea. The air smelled faintly of the ocean and orange blossoms.
She walked toward the balcony, pushing the doors open. The view hit her like a breath of peace, waves glittering under the late morning sun, seagulls gliding lazily above, and the sound of the sea crashing softly against the cliffs.
Ylmaz appeared at the doorway behind her, watching her reaction. “Worth sneaking out for?” She turned to him, smiling. “More than worth it.”
He chuckled, stepping closer until he was beside her. “You really shocked me, you know. I thought you’d back out at the last minute.”
“I almost did,” she admitted, leaning against the balcony railing. “But then I remembered… if I don’t start living now, when will I?”
Ylmaz’s eyes softened. “You’ve changed.”
Deborah looked at him curiously. “For the better, I hope?” He smiled faintly. “For the stronger.”
They stayed like that for a while, just the two of them, standing side by side as the sea breeze tugged gently at their hair. The silence wasn’t awkward, it was peaceful. Every now and then, Deborah would glance sideways at him, and he’d do the same, both pretending not to notice.
After settling in, Giulia served them lunch on the terrace, a spread of handmade pasta, grilled seafood, fresh bread, and a carafe of chilled white wine. Deborah sat across from Ylmaz, laughing softly as the warm wind played with her hair.
“I could get used to this,” she said, taking a bite of pasta. Ylmaz grinned. “Good. Because I’m planning to make sure you do.”
She gave him a mock glare. “You make it sound like you’re kidnapping me.”
“Technically, you kidnapped yourself,” he teased, and she laughed, shaking her head. They spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the villa, wandering through gardens filled with citrus trees and marble statues, then walking down to a hidden stone path that led to a private beach. Deborah slipped off her sandals and let the cool water wash over her feet.
Ylmaz stood nearby, watching her with quiet fondness. “You look… happy.” She turned her head, smiling. “I am.”
“Then I’ll take that as my success for the day.”
“You’re still the same,” she said with a small laugh. “Always chasing success, even in small things.”
“Only when it comes to you,” he replied softly. She froze for a moment, his words sinking in, carried gently by the sound of the waves. But before she could respond, he looked away, hands in his pockets, pretending not to notice her flustered expression.
As the sun began to set, painting the sky in soft shades of orange and pink, they sat by the shore. Deborah rested her chin on her knees, watching the horizon.
“I wonder what my brothers are doing right now,” she murmured. “Probably searching every airport in Europe,” Ylmaz said with a laugh.
Deborah chuckled. “Casper’s probably furious.”
“I’d pay to see his face when he finds out you’re here,” Ylmaz teased, earning another laugh from her.
For the first time in a long while, Deborah felt light. No cameras. No expectations. No heavy name to carry. Just herself, and the quiet sound of the sea.
Ylmaz glanced at her, his tone suddenly softer. “I’m glad I saw you again, Deborah.”
She met his eyes, the corners of her lips curving into a gentle smile. “Me too.”
"Come, I'm gonna show you something."