Chapter 256 Returning to the Country
Chapter 256 Returning to the Country
The boss was a collector and could tell Olivia really loved these things. He gave her a big discount and even threw in an old design bookmark as a gift.
Olivia held the art book, smiling so wide her eyes crinkled.
Luca took the book from her hands and carefully put it in the canvas bag, afraid to bend it.
After nearly two hours of shopping, the bag was stuffed full.
Olivia's legs were getting sore. She hooked her arm through Luca's and rested her head on his shoulder. "I'm so tired, but really happy."
"If you're tired, let's find a place to eat. We'll head back to the hotel this afternoon to rest." Luca put his arm around her waist, slowed down, and said with concern, "I shouldn't have let you shop this long."
"No more shopping, that's enough." Olivia shook her head with a smile. "I've got so much already. I'm happy."
Luca looked at her smiling face, his heart melting. He reached out, ruffled her hair, and said in a doting tone, "As long as you're happy, shopping longer is fine. But since you're tired, let's eat. I'll get your favorites, then back to the hotel for a nap, and tonight I'll take you to see Paris at night."
Olivia nodded, holding his arm, walking slowly.
Luca held her hand and turned into a side alley with a small, out-of-the-way restaurant he'd looked up ahead of time. It was known for authentic French home cooking.
As soon as they walked in, the owner greeted them warmly in fluent French. Luca replied smoothly, then turned to Olivia. "I checked this place out. Their baked escargot and creamy chicken stew are amazing. You'll love them."
They sat down, and Luca grabbed the menu. Without asking, he ordered her favorites and told the owner to go light on sugar and salt to suit her taste. Olivia watched him, feeling warm inside, and teased, "How come I never noticed how thoughtful you are?"
Luca set down the menu, took her hand, and gently rubbed the back of it with his fingertips. He smiled. "I was bad before, ignoring you too much. Not anymore. I remember all your likes now." He meant it. Before, he'd been all about work, knew nothing about what she liked, and even hurt her a lot. Now, he wanted to give her all his gentleness.
Soon the food came: baked escargot with a great smell, thick and creamy chicken stew, and a fresh fruit salad. Luca served her some stew first, then shelled the escargot and put it in her bowl. "Eat up. See if you like it."
Olivia took a bite, and her eyes lit up. "So good! Better than at the hotel. How did you find this hidden spot?"
"To surprise you." Luca smiled, picked up his fork, but kept watching her. Seeing her enjoy it made him happier than eating himself. They ate and chatted about funny things from the flea market, the friendly vendors, and what Leo might be doing at home. Simple talk, but so cozy.
After lunch, the sun was strong outside. Luca took off his jacket and draped it over Olivia, carefully shielding her as they walked back to the hotel. She leaned against him, feeling his warmth and the faint cedar scent on the jacket, full of peace.
Back at the hotel, Olivia was wiped out. She flopped on the bed and didn't want to move. Luca shook his head with a smile, took off her shoes, tucked her in, and organized their buys. He put the art books in a clean bag by the bed so nothing would damage them.
"Rest too. Don't fuss." Olivia tugged his shirt, her voice soft and sleepy.
"Okay, I'll stay with you." Luca lay beside her, gently pulling her into his arms, careful not to wake her. She snuggled closer and fell asleep fast, her long lashes resting on her eyelids, looking so peaceful.
Luca watched her sleeping face, full of contentment. For this honeymoon, he'd canceled all work, turned off his work phone, just to be fully with Olivia and make up for lost time.
They stayed in Paris five days, exploring streets and alleys, eating local food, visiting the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Everywhere they went, they left laughs and memories.
Then they went to a few more countries. Wherever they were, Luca took perfect care of Olivia.
Olivia let go of all her worries, smiling the whole time.
The honeymoon flew by. Soon it was time to go home. When the plane landed, Olivia felt excited and eager. She missed Leo and home so much.
Just out of the airport, there was Grandpa with Leo and the household staff waiting at the exit.
"Mommy! Daddy!" Leo's eyes lit up when he saw them. He broke free from Grandpa's hand, his little legs running fast, and jumped into Olivia's arms, hugging her neck tight, rubbing his face against hers. "Mommy, I missed you so much. You're finally back!"
Olivia knelt down, hugged him tight, kissed his forehead, her voice choking up. "Mommy missed you too, my baby. Were you good?"
"I was good! I ate and slept on time every day, and I even gave Great-Grandpa back rubs!" Leo looked up proudly, then turned to Luca and held out his little hand. "Daddy, where's my gift?"
Luca knelt with a smile, ruffled his hair, and pulled a big bag from the suitcase. "All here. See if you like them." Leo grabbed it, tore it open fast. Inside was the cloth bunny he'd wanted, plus local toys and snacks. His eyes went wide, and he bounced around hugging them, super happy.
Grandpa came over, watching the family reunion with a kind smile. "Good to have you back. You two look a bit tanned. Bet you had fun."
"Grandpa, we had a great time and missed you." Olivia took his arm gently.
"Good, good." Grandpa nodded, then told Luca, "No matter how busy work gets, spend time with Olivia and Leo. Don't ignore them like before."
"I know, Grandpa. I'll spend more time with them from now on. No more letting them down." Luca said seriously, holding Olivia's hand, eyes full of resolve.
In the car home, Leo played with his new toys nonstop, chattering away.