When Aurora Media announced that the joint project with Voss Enterprises would expand to their international branch in Verona, Italy, Lila's first thought was escape. A week away from the city, surrounded by art, design, and the soothing rhythm of creation — exactly what she needed.
Then she saw the itinerary.
Lead representatives: Lila Hayes & Ethan Voss.
Her heart sank.
Emily, ever the optimist, tried to lighten the mood. "Hey, at least Verona is romantic. If anything, you'll come back with either closure or inspiration."
Lila forced a laugh. "Let's hope it's the latter."
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The flight was long and quiet. They sat across the aisle, each pretending to be deeply invested in their laptops. But every so often, Lila caught Ethan glancing her way, a small, wistful smile playing on his lips.
When they landed, the Italian sun greeted them with warmth and color. Verona's narrow streets, draped in flowers and lined with old stone buildings, felt like a world far removed from heartbreak. Lila's heart softened despite herself.
Their meetings went smoothly. They visited galleries, discussed campaigns with local designers, and explored the architecture that would inspire their new visuals. For once, Lila and Ethan worked in sync — their ideas flowing effortlessly, their creative chemistry undeniable.
But one evening, after a long day of scouting, the team decided to have dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Adige River. As twilight painted the sky in gold and violet, Lila found herself seated beside Ethan.
The air was soft, filled with laughter and clinking glasses. Then Ethan leaned closer and whispered, "I used to dream of bringing you somewhere like this."
Her pulse quickened. "Don't," she said softly, but her voice lacked conviction.
"I can't help it. Verona reminds me of everything I wanted for us."
She turned to him, eyes glistening. "You had everything, Ethan. And you threw it away."
He met her gaze steadily. "And I've regretted it every day since."
Silence stretched between them — not cold, but fragile. A moment balanced between pain and longing.
When the evening ended, they walked back to the hotel together. The streets were quiet, the moonlight silver against the cobblestones. Ethan stopped midway, his voice low.
"Lila… if I could rewrite that day, I would have run to you, not away."
She looked up at him, eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "It's too late for rewrites, Ethan. All that's left is the ending."
Then she turned and walked ahead, the sound of her heels echoing through the stillness — leaving Ethan frozen beneath the Verona moon, haunted by the love he'd lost and still couldn't let go.
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