No More Lucky Star novel Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Five years later. Talia was packing up again–but this time, she was actually excited about it.

After moving through six different countries, she’d finally found her perfect spot; Crema, a charming little town in Italy’s Lombardy region. Something about this place in Cremona Province just felt right–the rolling hills, the slower pace, the way people actually smiled at strangers on

the street.

For the first time since leaving the States. Talia felt like she could actually breathe.

Bella, come help Mommy with these boxes!”

She called downstairs to her four–year–old, humming as she taped up another moving box. The afternoon sun was streaming through the windows of their new villa, and everything felt bright and hopeful.

When she didn’t hear a response, Talia called again. “Isabella?”

Still nothing

attered boxes and nearly tripping over a lamp.

A flutter of concern hit her chest. She hurried downstairs, weaving through the scattered

“Bella”

The front door was hanging wide open.

Panic shot through her like lightning. “Isabella! Isabella Swann!

“Stop playing games, sweetie! Mommy’s not in the mood for hide–and–seek right now!”

Telia burst into the sunny courtyard, her heart racing. Even though they were in this safe little Italian town, the thought of losing her daughter

made her feel sick

“You looking for someone?”

A warm, accented voice came from the house next

door

Talia spun around to see a tall, dark–haired man standing on his front steps, cradling Isabella in his arms. Her daughter was sound asleep. looking completely peaceful.

. “Oh my God, thank you so much”

“Bella!” Talia rushed over, relief flooding through her as she gathered her little girl close.”

The man handed her a handkerchief, his smile kind. “My door was open for the breeze. Found this little angel sleeping on my living room rug–1 think she followed my dog inside and wore herself out playing.”

A fluffy white Maltese appeared in the doorway, tail wagging.

Talia laughed through her relieved tears. I’m so

door handles now.”

1. s. “I’m so sorry. V

We just moved in today and everything’s been total chaos. I had no idea she could work

“Welcome to Crema,” the man said warmly. “I’m Luigi Marrone–looks like we’re neighbors.”

The name sounded vaguely familiar, but Talia was too focused on Isabella to think about it. “I’m Talia, and this little escape artist is Isabella. Thank you again for watching her.”

“Anytime. Crema’s a safe place, but it’s good to know your neighbors.”

Back home, Talla tucked Isabella into her new bedroom and kissed her forehead. Looking around at their fresh start–new house, new possibilities–she felt something she hadn’t experienced in years: genuine happiness.

new country.

You Wanted Her Hanny WITH MY GLORY I Made You Childless WITH YOUR BLOODLINE

Chapter 10

She’d built this life from nothing. Just her and Bella against the world, and they were doing pretty damn well

Around midnight, Talia woke to Isabella stirring beside her. She reached over to adjust the blanket and felt burning skin.

“Bella, baby, you okay?”

Isabella rubbed her eyes sleeptly. “Mommy, my head feels really hot.”

Talia grabbed the thermometer from their travel kit. High fever.

She threw on clothes, ready to find the nearest hospital, then realized she hadn’t bought a car yet. They were pretty isolated out here, and getting a taxi at this hour would be nearly impossible

Swallowing her pride, she knocked on Luigi’s door. He answered almost immediately, still fully dressed.

“Mr. Marrone, I’m so sorry to bother you, but Isabella has a fever. Could I possibly borrow your car?”

“Don’t even think about driving in a panic in a new place.” Luigi said, already grabbing his keys. Tll take you both.”

“I can’t ask you to-”

“You’re not asking. I’m offering”

Luigi drove through the winding Italian countryside with calm efficiency, getting them to the regional hospital in record time.

He didn’t just drop them off, either. He stayed through the entire night, bringing Talia coffee and keeping her company while they waited for Isabella’s fever to break.

When they finally got home the next evening. Talia felt overwhelmed by his kindness. After a good night’s sleep, she spent the morning cooking–her way of saying thank you.

“Mr. Marrone? I brought some food as a thank–you for last night.”

Luigi opened the door with a genuine smile. “You didn’t have to do that, but it smells incredible.”

Isabella pecked out from behind Talia’s legs, suddenly shy. But the moment she spotted the little white dog, her whole face lit up.

“Mommy, can I please play with the puppy?”

“Oh, sweetie, I’m just dropping off food-

“Of course you can,” Luigi said warmly. “Come on in and meet Bianta properly

He looked at Talia, “I was just about to start dinner. You should stay–both of you.”

“That’s really sweet, but we’ve already imposed enough-

“Mommy, please!” Isabella was already nagging on her hand. “I want

to play with Bianca!TMTM

Before Talia could protest further, she found herself being pulled through Luigi’s front door into what felt like the beginning of something new.