The vineyard was bathed in silver light, the full moon hanging low over the rolling hills. The soft hum of nocturnal life filled the air, blending with the rustle of the vines swaying gently in the evening breeze. Bianca walked along the familiar rows, her fingertips grazing the leaves as she let the cool night air calm her restless thoughts.

She didn't hear Matteo approach, but she felt his presence before she saw him. Turning, she found him standing a few steps away, watching her with that quiet intensity that had always made her heart race.

"Couldn't sleep?" he asked, his voice low and soothing.

She offered a small smile. "Too much on my mind. And you?"

"Same," he admitted, stepping closer until they stood side by side. "I find that the vineyard looks different at night. More peaceful, more... alive."

Bianca nodded, surprised by how easily his words mirrored her own thoughts. She stole a glance at him, noticing the way the moonlight highlighted the sharp angles of his face, softening the shadows that usually made him appear so guarded.

"You've changed, Matteo," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

He turned to her, his hazel eyes searching hers. "Have I? Or is it that you're finally seeing me?"

Bianca's breath caught in her throat. For so long, she had kept him at arm's length, afraid of getting hurt again. But here, under the moon's quiet glow, it was harder to cling to old wounds.

"I don't know," she admitted. "But I think... I'm ready to try."

Matteo's expression softened, his lips curving into a smile that sent a warmth through her chest. Slowly, he reached for her hand, hesitating for just a moment before their fingers intertwined. His touch was gentle but steady, grounding her in a way she hadn't expected.

"No more running, Bianca," he said, his voice filled with quiet determination. "I want to be here. With you."

She looked down at their joined hands, then back up into his eyes. "I don't want to be afraid anymore."

Matteo lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. "Then don't be. We can take this one step at a time. No pressure, no expectations. Just us."

Bianca felt a sense of ease settle over her. Maybe it was the way he looked at her, or the way the vineyard embraced them in the stillness of the night, but for the first time in a long time, she believed him.

They stood together in the moonlight, the vineyard stretching out before them like a promise. And as Matteo gently pulled her closer, Bianca allowed herself to hope that maybe, just maybe, their love could find its way back through the vines that had always been their home.