Chapter 522
The years Stephanie spent away from home felt like they lasted forever. She missed Fiorenza so much—everything about it—but especially the people back home. To cope, she threw herself into work day after day. It was the only thing that made her feel better, as if it could numb the deep ache in her heart. But now that she was back, the moment she smelled that familiar soup again, all those long years of loneliness seemed to disappear in an instant.
“Want some soup?” Sebastian asked gently.
Stephanie nodded, responding, “Mm.” Even though the taste had changed over the years, she still craved it. She remembered how Lottie used to make this soup—her specialty. Lottie loved cooking. No matter how busy she was, she always found time to cook for her kids. When Stephanie was little, she had been frail, and it was Lottie who took care of her, helping her get stronger. At first, Lottie didn’t know how to make the traditional soups from Stephanie’s hometown. But once she realized Stephanie had the same genes as her husband, she learned how to make them.
Stephanie took the thermal container and ate the soup straight from it. “Mm, it’s good. Still tastes just like before.”
“Mrs. Lucano said this was your favorite, so she made it first thing this morning before she left,” Henry said.
When Stephanie heard this, her throat tightened, and she felt a lump forming. Her nose stung, and she couldn’t speak. She just looked at Sebastian, her eyes full of emotion. Sebastian met her gaze and instantly understood. He smiled softly, ruffling her hair. “Macro passed along the message.”
Stephanie thought, ‘Macro has a big mouth. He didn’t even notice I might be pregnant, but he passed the message on. What did he say? I’m sick?’ She couldn’t help but wonder how Macro had earned his reputation as a skilled doctor if he missed something so obvious.
She quickly finished the soup, gulping it down. When she handed the empty container to Henry, he glanced at it and smiled, pleased. “Mrs. Lucano was worried that you might not have an appetite to finish it. If she knew you ate it all, she’d be so happy.”
Mothers would always hope their kids will appreciate their cooking. Stephanie hadn’t really wanted to eat it, but knowing how early Lottie had gotten up to make the soup for her, and how much effort she’d put into it, she finished it all.
Henry looked at her with a touch of sadness. “Ms. Giovanni, you’ve really grown up these years.” He felt like she was more mature now, more understanding, and more considerate. He always thought that Stephanie was the gentler, more caring one, while Sofia was more outgoing and wild, always out and about. Back then, Lottie had worried more about Sofia, but she couldn’t seem to control her.
Stephanie glanced at Sebastian. “What do you think about heading to Lorenzo’s place first?”
She had planned to pick up Ella once the plane landed. Sebastian checked his watch and nodded. Then, he turned to Henry, “You go with her to Lorenzo’s place.”
“Got it.” Henry nodded.
Stephanie looked at Sebastian. “Aren’t you coming with me?”
“I’ve got a few things to take care of here. After you pick up Ella, just head home,” Sebastian replied.
Hearing this, Stephanie didn’t push back. She nodded obediently. “Okay.”
Seeing how well-behaved she was, Sebastian gently ruffled her soft hair and kissed her forehead. At the intersection, Sebastian got into a separate car, and several vehicles followed behind him. Meanwhile, Stephanie had three cars escorting her toward Lorenzo’s villa. In the villa, Ella had stayed up the whole night, terrified that something might happen to Lorenzo again.