Chapter 94

Chapter Ninety Four

Third Person POV

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Richard and Amber strolled down the bustling Milan Street, their hands intertwined as they savored the sweet indulgence of ice cream on a warm afternoon. Richard glanced over at Amber, her eyes alight with excitement and a faint trace of poutiness playing on her l*ps.

“The art gallery is just a few blocks away, babe. You should finish your ice cream before we get there because they won’t allow us to take it inside. You also need to clean up the mess you’ve made

over your mouth. It’s making you look like a toddler tasting ice cream for the first time,” Richard

remarked.

Amber huffed softly. “I’m not a child, Richard. I managed my ice cream just fine, and I didn’t make

that big of a mess. Also, for your information, I’m very much aware of the rules of a gallery.”

She quickly finished her ice cream, after which Richard helped wipe her l*ps and hands.

As they neared the grand entrance of the renowned Pinacoteca di Brera, Milan’s prestigious art gallery

Amber’s eyes widened in anticipation, a delighted squeal escaping her l*ps. Richard observed her reaction with a fond smile as he admired her genuine excitement.

Entering the gallery, they presented their tickets and passed through the security checks before stepping into the hallowed halls of artistic splendor. Amber’s eyes roamed eagerly over the magnificent artworks, a look of fascination gracing her features as she immersed herself in the world of creativity and beauty. She moved from one masterpiece to the next, her expression a mixture of awe

and wonder.

Lost in the ethereal beauty of the art surrounding her, Amber momentarily forgot to check Richard’s reaction. Pausing in her steps, she turned to him, only to find him stifling a yawn, a faint sign of boredom evident on his features. Amber arched an eyebrow, crossing her arms over her chest as she

caught him in the act.

“Are you that bored, Richard? Do you not like my chosen date spot?” she questioned.

After initially attempting to deny his boredom, Richard relented with a soft sigh, his honesty evident in his gaze. “I guess I’m a little bored, but it’s not because I don’t enjoy being here with you,” he explained. “I’ve been to this gallery a few times before, so it doesn’t hold the same novelty for me. And staring at old paintings just doesn’t excite me as much.”

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Amber’s brows knit together in a subtle frown as she cast an inquisitive glance at Richard, her eyes

narrowing slightly. “Wait, why are you just now mentioning that you’ve been here before? Are your trying to upset me by telling me you’ve brought other women here in the past, so now it’s all old

news to you?”

Richard’s chuckle was warm and genuine as he met Amber’s gaze, his eyes crinkling at the corners with

amusement. “Oh, believe me, Amber, if by ‘other women‘ you mean crazy Bianca, my mom, and Nonna, then

yes, I’ve definitely had some lovely female companions at this gallery,” he quipped, his tone light and teasing.

Amber’s skepticism was evident as she arched an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes as she retorted,

Sure, sure. I totally believe you, Richard. Those sound like thrilling dates.” Her sarcasm was

gentle. With a grin tugging at his l*ps, Richard shook his head in mock exasperation. “You wound me

with your lack of trust, Amber. But really, besides those I just mentioned, which was honestly a

forced family outing when I was much younger, you’re the only one I’ve brought here on an actual

date,” he assured her, his gaze soft with affection as he met her eyes.

Amber’s expression softened at his words, a genuine smile blooming on her face. “Good to know,

Richard. I’d hate to think I was just another name on your list of art gallery companions,” she

teased.

As she turned her attention back to the captivating artworks around them, Richard couldn’t help but

admire the way her eyes sparkled with curiosity. “Why don’t you go ahead and explore some more? I’l

be right behind you,” he suggested.

But Amber paused, her gaze flickering back/to him with a mischievous glint. “How am I supposed to

fully enjoy the art when my date seems more interested in telling me about all his past ‘experience

here than being in the moment with me? It’s obvious you’re not having fun,” she teased, a playful pout forming on her l*ps.

Richard chuckled softly, a fond look in his eyes as he reached out to lightly squeeze her hand. “Amber

don’t pay any mind to me. Just do whatever you want without paying any attention to my reaction. W

still have more places to see after this, so I’m more than happy to let you have all the time you

need here,” he reassured her.

Amber’s smile was radiant as she continued her leisurely stroll through the gallery, her gaze drawn to the various works of art that lined the walls.

As they meandered through the gallery, they eventually came to a stop in front of a renowned painting called The Marriage of the Virgin‘ by Raphael. Amber’s eyes widened in awe as she gazed at it, a

sense of reverence washing over her.

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“This painting is breathtaking.” Amber breathed. Turning to Richard, she added. “You know, this is one of the paintings my dad and I used to talk about seeing together when I was younger. He is such a

big fan of old paintings.”

Richard observed the wistful look that crossed Amber’s features, a fleeting look of sadness clouding her eyes. Sensing her shift in mood, he chose his words carefully, wanting to redirect her focus. “It’s a beautiful painting, Amber. Strangely enough, it happens to be one of my elder brother’s

favorites as well. That’s why it’s stuck in my memory,” he revealed, hoping it was enough to shift

the focus away from her melancholy thoughts.

Amber’s head snapped towards him, her eyes wide with surprise. “You have a brother?” she blurted ou

Richard winced inwardly, realizing he had once again neglected to mention an important part of his

family to Amber. “I’m sorry, Amber. I should have mentioned him sooner,” he admitted. “Yes, I have an

older brother. He’s the second child after Elena.

Amber shook her head. “Richard, you really need to start revealing your family bloodline much sooner

I can’t keep up with all these surprises.” Her tone was light–hearted, a teasing jab at his tendency

to withhold information.

Richard chuckled warmly. “I promise, Amber, besides Giovanni, my elder brother, there are no more

hidden siblings waiting to be revealed,” he assured her.

“Giovanni, you said? What’s your brother like?” she inquired.

As Richard was about to delve into the topic of his elder brother Giovanni with Amber, a sudden

vibration from his pocket interrupted their conversation.

With a quick apologetic glance, Richard retrieved his phone from his pocket and noted that it was hist sister Bianca calling. A flicker of concern crossed his features as he excused himself momentarily, signaling for Amber to give him a moment.

“Bianca, why are you calling? What’s going on?” he inquired, the unsettling feeling in the pit of his stomach growing with each passing second.

The sound of Bianca’s voice on the other end carried a tremor of worry; her words were laced with tension. “Richard, where are you? I’m outside your apartment.” Bianca’s voice came through, her tone

urgent.

A furrow formed on Richard’s brow as he listened intently, a sense of foreboding settling over him. “Bianca, what’s happened? Why do you sound so stressed?” he pressed.

There was a heavy sigh on the other end of the line before Bianca spoke. “Richard, it’s Dad. Mom called me, and apparently, he’s been taken in for questioning by the police. They’re saying it’s about drug use, and they suspect him of possible distribution,” Bianca relayed, and the color on Richard’s face drained as he couldn’t believe his ears.

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