~Lorenzo~
The sight of Alessia wrapped in that hug with Mateo hit like a gut punch, his arms around her waist, her face buried in his shoulder.
I froze in the doorway, the stack of folders heavy in my grip, a surge of ownership rippling through me.
Our arrangement was clear: casual, no claims. But seeing her like that, laughing up at him, made me boil inwardly. I cleared my throat, the sound slicing the air.
"Mateo, didn't know you were back in town."
Alessia pulled away, her cheeks flushing as she smoothed her blouse. "Ren! It's a surprise visit. Mateo just landed."
"Good to see you, Lorenzo." He extended a hand, his grip firm but his smile was easy. "Alessia's been singing your praises... says you're running a tight ship here."
"Trying to," I replied, shaking it, my voice level despite the coil in my chest. "What brings you here?"
"Reconnecting old times," he said, slinging an arm around her shoulders casually. "We're grabbing dinner later, to catch up on everything."
