The crisp autumn air carried a sense of urgency as the harvest season reached its peak. Workers moved swiftly through the vineyard, their voices rising in cheerful banter as they picked the grapes that would define the year’s vintage. The scent of crushed fruit hung in the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the soil.

Bianca stood near the press house, clipboard in hand, overseeing the operation with practiced ease. Everything seemed to be running smoothly, yet her gaze kept drifting to Matteo, who was working alongside the crew. His shirt was rolled to his elbows, his hands stained purple from the grapes, and his face alight with energy.

She couldn’t deny that he had become a vital part of the vineyard’s operations. But as much as his actions spoke of commitment, the whisper of doubt lingered, a shadow she still couldn’t ignore.

“Signora Rossetti,” Antonio’s voice pulled her from her thoughts. “We’ve got the first batch ready for the press. Shall I start the process?”

“Yes, let’s begin,” she replied, nodding. “And make sure the samples are sent to the lab for analysis.”

Antonio hesitated, glancing toward Matteo. “He’s doing well out there. Better than I expected.”

Bianca’s lips curved into a faint smile. “He’s surprising all of us.”

---

Later that evening, the villa buzzed with the celebratory energy of a successful day. The workers had gathered in the courtyard for a feast, the long table laden with roasted meats, fresh bread, and bottles of wine. Lanterns hung overhead, casting a warm glow that flickered like stars.

Bianca found herself seated beside Matteo, their chairs angled just enough that their shoulders brushed occasionally. It was unintentional—or so she told herself.

“You’ve come a long way since your first day here,” she said, pouring wine into his glass.

He chuckled, lifting the glass in a toast. “And I’ve got the blisters to prove it.”

Her laughter was soft, genuine. “You’ve earned your place here, Matteo. The workers respect you, and the vineyard is better for your efforts.”

“Does that mean you’re starting to trust me a little bit?” he asked, his tone light but his eyes searching.

Bianca hesitated, her fingers tracing the rim of her glass. “I’ll admit, you’ve surprised me. But trust… that takes time.”

Matteo nodded, his expression thoughtful. “I understand. I’m still willing to wait.”

---

The celebration wound down as the night deepened, and the workers began to drift away, their laughter fading into the quiet hum of crickets. Bianca found herself alone in the courtyard, staring up at the clear Sicilian sky. The stars seemed brighter here, untainted by the distractions of the modern world.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Matteo’s voice came from behind her.

She turned to see him standing a few feet away, his hands tucked into his pockets. He looked at ease, yet there was a tension in his eyes that hinted at something unsaid.

“It is,” she agreed, her voice soft. “It’s one of the things I love most about this place.”

He stepped closer, his gaze never leaving hers. “Bianca, there’s something I need to tell you.”

Her heart quickened, but she kept her expression calm. “What is it?”

He hesitated, running a hand through his hair. “When I came back, I thought I could leave everything behind—the mistakes, the regrets. But the truth is, I… I’ve been carrying a weight that I can’t ignore any longer.”

Bianca’s chest tightened. “What kind of weight?”

Matteo’s voice dropped, filled with quiet regret. “When I left Sicily, the people I got involved with  came with a price. I’ve spent years trying to free myself from their grasp, but they… they haven’t forgotten me.”

A chill ran through her. “Are you saying they could come here? To the vineyard? I thought you said things were better with them.”

“I don’t know,” he admitted. “I’ve done everything I can to protect you and this place. But I needed you to know the truth, Bianca. Because if something happens, I can’t forgive myself if you’re caught in the crossfire.”

She stared at him, her mind racing. His honesty was a double-edged sword, cutting through her doubts but replacing them with a new fear. The vineyard was her sanctuary, her family’s legacy. The thought of it being threatened was unbearable.

“Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?” she asked, her voice trembling.

“Because I didn’t want to scare you,” he said. “I thought I could handle it on my own. But I realize now that you deserve to know everything. I don't want to lose more of your trust.”

Bianca took a deep breath, steadying herself. “I appreciate your honesty, Matteo. But if this vineyard is in danger because of you, we need to face it together. No more secrets.”

He nodded, his gaze unwavering. “No more secrets. I promise.”

For the first time, Bianca felt the walls she had built around her heart begin to crumble. Matteo’s vulnerability, his willingness to finally share all his burdens, was a step toward the trust she had long guarded. But as the stars shone brightly overhead, she couldn’t shake the feeling that the storm was far from over.