In just three days, he would finally stand beside Adrian, exchange vows with him, place a ring on his finger, and call him his husband.
He couldn't wait.
Making the moment even heavier with joy was the fact that his mother had arrived a few days earlier and was now staying with them at the estate. Having her under the same roof again, sharing quiet dinners, hearing her voice in the halls, was something Matteo had never let himself hope for. For years he had believed that kind of warmth, and the idea of a real family, simply didn't belong in his life.
Late that night, after Adrian had fallen asleep, the weight of it all finally caught up to him. Matteo carefully slipped out from under the covers, careful not to wake him. He walked over to the couch by the window and sank into it.
