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"But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us while we were still dead as a result of our sins, gave us life together with Christ; by grace you have been saved." - Ephesians 2:4-5

Maldives Islands. July 08, 2026.

Giovanna Rinaldi

Lorena has surprised me once again, I never imagined anything like this even coming from her, thoughts fly to everything I once dreamed of and everything that actually happened. Since my father died, I've never heard from Antonella, my brothers say she's fine and won't even talk about me or Giulia, I thought she'd get angry and want to destroy my life even more. Ettore and I only speak on the phone, he doesn't like coming to Italy very much and prefers to live only in Brazil with Bianca and the children. He ended up moving back to Brazil a few years ago, he says he doesn't feel at home in Italy. Pietro is engaged, he always keeps in touch with me, he has created an incredible bond with his biological father and with Italo.

The doorbell rang, I was startled, there was only one way to get here on the island, so I got up and opened the door to find Brian.

- Brian? - I said in surprise, smiling

- Hi, I'm sorry, I came here, I know you're on vacation with the girls and...

- No, it's fine. Come in. - I said and he came in carrying a backpack on his back

- I couldn't stand it, I miss you.

- Me too Brian, but being away was good, I've understood a lot of things since I got here and found myself alone for the first time, I mean without someone my own age around. It felt really good.

- That's good, I'm glad you're feeling that way, you don't know how much I hope you'll rebuild everything in your heart and feel safe to start a real relationship.

- I know, Brian, and I'm moving towards it. You're so different.

- I'm not, all men should be like that, understand that their partner also needs to love themselves and not just him.

- It took me a while to realize this, I put Lorenzo at the top of my priorities and I only realized this after the first betrayal, but I was weak to take him back and think he would change, but it's that saying: he who betrays once, betrays always.

- Don't feel that way, you've taken a big step forward in terms of your self-esteem, don't diminish yourself now.

- All right, how about a walk along the beach?

- Isn't it dangerous for the girls to stay here alone?

- They're not alone, Mariam came with me.

- Mariam is here? That explains a few things.

- What are you talking about?

- My father came with me, but he stayed at the hotel.

- Your father and Mari?

- No, not yet. Do you remember Mia's sixth birthday?

- Of course, I was still pregnant with Aurora, and what happened?

- He likes her, but Mariam won't let him. My father has been trying ever since, I haven't seen him like this since my mother died.

- Your mother died when your sister was born, didn't she?

- Yes, my father took care of us alone and for the first time I saw him falling in love again.

- It's hard for Mari, he had two boyfriends and one of them was her fiancé and they both died and she decided not to open up to anyone else, but I think we can play cupid.

- That's going to be quite a job. - she said and smiled

- Well, I'll tell Mari I'm going for a walk on the beach with you. - I said it and he agreed. I went upstairs to Nicola's bedroom door and knocked.

- Mari?

- Yes, darling.

- I'm going for a walk on the beach and you can keep an eye on the girls, please.

- Of course, darling, just be careful.

- Brian's coming with me.

- I heard him talking to you, listen darling, Brian is a good man and he likes you and I'm sure he'll make you very happy.

- I know, Mari, and I want that, but not now.

- You're right Giovanna, I'm loving seeing your evolution, go for a walk with Brian and let time do the rest.

- Thank you Mari. - I said and smiled at her, left her room, went back downstairs and found Brian fiddling with his cell phone. - Brian? Let's go?

- Sure. - he said and took my hand and we left the house.