Chapter 67 HEAD OVER HEELS
••Luciana••
That was how we ended up fifteen minutes late for breakfast.
I couldn’t even wear the dress I originally planned because it required too much fitting and adjusting, and after everything that happened earlier in the room, there was simply no time left. My hair was barely cooperating, and I settled for something simpler.
Roman stepped out of the room first. I followed shortly after, trying to compose myself as if nothing had happened.
Everyone was already seated at the dining table when we arrived.
Lorenzo sat at the head of the table as usual, Nadia beside him, Mildred and Theo already deep into quiet conversation. Breakfast had been served neatly, steaming dishes arranged perfectly across the long table.
I took the empty chair beside Roman.
His hand brushed lightly against mine under the table. We are at breakfast for crying out loud. I avoided looking at him because I knew one glance would expose everything written across my face.
Breakfast went on mostly in silence. Just the sound of cutlery touching plates softly while occasional small remarks passed between Lorenzo and Theo about business matters I didn’t fully understand. Nadia asked Mildred about the party preparations later in the day, and Mildred answered calmly, though she avoided looking directly at Roman after yesterday’s confession.
Roman occasionally glanced at me.
When breakfast ended, servants cleared the table and the atmosphere shifted instantly.
It was time for gifts.
Mildred stood first, carrying a neatly wrapped box toward me.
"This is for you, Luci," she said, her voice gentle.
I accepted it with a smile and opened it carefully. Inside was a soft cashmere scarf in warm cream color, paired with delicate leather gloves and a small perfume bottle that smelled elegant and comforting.
"I thought these would suit you," she said shyly.
"They are beautiful, Mildred. Thank you," I replied sincerely, and her relieved smile made the moment warmer.
Next was Nadia.
She handed me a larger box wrapped in gold paper.
Inside was a stunning silk evening gown, deep emerald green, along with matching earrings and a handwritten note welcoming me officially into the family.
"I wanted you to have something you could wear when you stand beside Roman at important gatherings," Nadia said warmly.
I felt unexpectedly touched.
"Thank you… this means a lot to me," I said honestly.
Then Lorenzo surprised me.
He extended a small velvet box toward me. I hesitated before accepting it, unsure what to expect.
Inside was an antique brooch, elegant and timeless.
"A family piece," Lorenzo said calmly. "You are Orlov now."
I didn’t expect that at all.
"Thank you, Sì." I said respectfully, realizing how significant that gesture truly was.
Theo gave me a new laptop. Even though I have one already it's not bad having a new one for a change.
Then Roman handed me a sleek black envelope.
Inside was a bank card.
"For shopping," he said casually.
He didn’t mention the amount, but knowing Roman, it was definitely not small. Theo chuckled under his breath, already aware of what that meant.
"More Christmas shopping for you," Roman added quietly near my ear.
I smiled, shaking my head.
Guests began arriving shortly after. Close friends and allies of the Russian mafia filled the hall, laughter and conversation growing louder. Desserts were served, glasses clinked together, and the discussions became animated.
The men clearly enjoyed their conversations about territory, alliances, and plans that went far beyond me.
I sat politely, smiling when spoken to and answering questions when directed at me, but I knew my presence wasn’t required anymore.
So I signaled to Roman subtly. It was time for me to leave for Sicily.
I stood up. "Please excuse me," I said generally before stepping away from the table.
Roman followed immediately.
"The pilot should be ready," he said as we walked toward the stairs.
"Okay, let me get my things," I replied, heading upstairs.
"Or do you want me to accompany you there?" he asked.
"There’s no need, Rom," I smiled.
He watched me closely, almost reluctant to let me go.
"Please take care of yourself," he said softly.
"I will."
I had already packed my suitcase earlier, so I only grabbed it before heading downstairs again. Roman followed me all the way outside, ignoring the curious looks from the staff.
The jet was already prepared.
Cold air brushed against my skin as we approached it.
Roman pulled me into a tight hug.
"Be safe, baby," he murmured.
His scent surrounded me, warm and familiar, making it harder to leave.
"I’ll see you soon," I replied.
He kissed my forehead gently before letting me go, though his hand lingered in mine for an extra second.
Then I boarded.
The flight took off smoothly, and excitement slowly replaced the sadness of leaving him behind. Damian and Antonio had no idea I was coming. The surprise alone made me smile throughout the flight.
Hours later, the aircraft landed.
The moment I stepped out, the familiar scent of Sicily wrapped around me. The air felt lighter, warmer, filled with memories of who I used to be before everything changed.
I was still trying to arrange a cab when a familiar car pulled up suddenly in front of me.
The window rolled down.
"Hi, bitch," Damian waved casually from the driver’s seat.
My jaw dropped.
"How the fuvk are you here?" I asked, completely shocked.
He stepped out laughing, pulled me into a hug before he opened the passenger door for me before lifting my suitcase into the boot.
"Who else?" he said smugly. "Your husband, of course."
"Roman told you?" I asked, still stunned.
Damian leaned against the car, crossing his arms dramatically. "Told me? That man practically gave me a security briefing," he laughed. "He called two days ago saying you'll be coming to Sicily for Christmas and whether I could personally come pick you up."
I blinked.
"He said you might try to take a cab alone and that he didn’t trust anyone else with you."
I couldn’t hide my smile. I got into the car slowly, still processing everything. "He really did all that?"
"Oh, Luci," Damian laughed as he started the engine, "he sounded like a man sending his heart across continents."
I looked out the window, warmth spreading through my chest.
"He told me to make sure you eat properly, that you get enough rest, and that if anything feels off, I should call him immediately."
I shook my head, smiling uncontrollably. "He didn’t used to be like this."
Damian glanced at me knowingly. "I know Roman Orlov before you," he said. "Cold, controlled, always calculating. The kind of man who would delegate emotional responsibilities to assistants."
I laughed softly.
"Now he personally arranged airport pickup, tracked your landing time, and called again this morning to confirm I was already here waiting."
My cheeks warmed. We drove through familiar streets, memories rushing back with every turn.
Damian glanced at me again. “So tell me honestly,” he said, amused. “What exactly did you do to that man?”
He laughed, shaking his head.
“Because he is gone.”