Shadows of Affection (GxG)

Chapter 44: Cracks in the Armor

Alessia's chest tightened with a dull, throbbing ache. She wasn't angry with herself; this was deeper than anger. It was a remorse that clung to her like a shadow, whispering that she had pulled Lily into a world she didn't belong in. A world where love and peace were luxuries, always threatened by the blade of betrayal or the next power move.

"If she hadn't met me..." Alessia muttered to herself, her voice hollow. "She would've been free. Unharmed. Happy."

But it was too late now. They had found each other, and Alessia couldn't imagine life without Lily. Yet, that very love now felt like a double-edged sword—one that both filled her heart and threatened to shatter it.

Her phone buzzed again, pulling her from her thoughts. More messages. More business. More of everything that wasn't Lily.

For a brief moment, Alessia considered not going. What if she stayed, fought for her time with Lily, and let the French mafia figure things out themselves? But no, she couldn't. Not without risking everything she had built and protected.

And that was the cruel reality: the world she had been born into was the same one that was slowly pulling her away from the woman she loved more than anything.

With a long, deep breath, Alessia stood up. She had to pack. Tomorrow, she would be in France, and once again, she would leave Lily behind.

Alessia's heart felt heavier with every step she took back toward their bedroom. Her feet dragged across the floor as if the weight of her decisions had seeped into her very bones. The phone call with Marcello still echoed in her ears, but it was the thought of Lily's face, the sadness she would have to witness again, that made her stomach churn with guilt.

When she reached the door, Alessia paused, taking a deep breath before quietly entering the room. She found Lily sitting on the bed, sketchbook in hand, absentmindedly tracing lines with her pencil. There was a calmness in her posture, but Alessia could sense the subtle tension in her shoulders—Lily had been waiting for her.

Alessia approached slowly, her voice soft but firm as she called out, "Il mio dolce angelo... My sweet girl."

Lily turned her head toward Alessia, a small smile flickering on her lips, but the moment their eyes met, she knew something was wrong. Alessia sat down beside her, reaching out to gently tuck a strand of hair behind Lily's ear.

"I have to leave again," Alessia whispered, the words catching in her throat.

Lily's smile faded, replaced by a look of quiet understanding, but Alessia could see the sadness beneath it. She could feel it in the way Lily's body tensed, in the slight tremble of her hands as she closed the sketchbook and set it aside.

"When?" Lily asked, her voice soft, barely masking the anguish she felt.

"Tomorrow morning," Alessia said, her heart sinking as she watched the light in Lily's eyes dim. "It's France. I'll be gone for two weeks."

Lily exhaled slowly, her chest rising and falling as she processed the news. Alessia could see the conflict in her expression—the sadness, the frustration, but also the understanding. Lily knew this was part of Alessia's life, part of the price they paid for being together.

"It's okay," Lily finally said, though her voice wavered. "It's your job... I know." She tried to smile, but it didn't reach her eyes.

Alessia reached out and cupped Lily's cheek, her thumb gently brushing over her skin. "Amore mio, I don't want to leave you. Not now. Not ever."

Lily placed her hand over Alessia's, squeezing it gently as if trying to offer her own comfort despite the hurt. "I know, baby. I know. But you have to, right?"