Chapter 10

• Emilia’s POV.
• I paced outside the operating room, my stomach twisted into anxious knots, and my hands clasped tightly together as if the sheer force of my grip could channel all my fears and hopes for Matteo’s surgery. The hours felt endless, every minute stretching painfully, as though time itself was punishing me. I had done all I could, but that was the agonizing part. I couldn’t do anything now but wait.
• “Please, let him be okay,” I whispered, closing my eyes tightly, willing away the panic rising in my chest. My mind replayed every memory I had with Matteo, from his infectious laugh to his stubborn refusal to let life break him. He deserved a chance. A chance to live, to be free of this pain. I couldn’t imagine a life without him.