Chapter Thirty-Nine.

❝Seeing you sleeping is like looking at a starry sky, it gives me peace, you are the peace that I never imagined I would have, and today I have it. Thank you for this and sorry for not knowing how to deal with your stumbles is that I forget that every sky has its craters.❞

FLASH BACK

The day after Apolo's 20th birthday. They had a trip booked to France, Cybele insisted on a plane, he begged for a car, Apollo wouldn't say no more, he was afraid of planes.

They were in the car:

- You have to admit I am the best driver in all of Santorini! - She giggles, keeping her head forward with her hands on the steering wheel.

- You have to admit I'm the best driver in all of Santorini! - She giggles, keeping her head forward with her hands on the wheel.

He has his body leaned back on the seat, sitting down in a loose manner. His hand dropped the cell phone on his lap and looked at her from the side.

- Of course, if we want to get there in a week. - He replied with a smile.

- Hey, that wasn't nice! - she said, her jaw dropping a little. - You're the one who insisted we drive, and you don't even have a license, she laughed, glancing in the rearview mirror.

He took her chin lightly. Because airplanes are unnecessary when you live in Europe.

Ata, so this is your excuse for not saying you're afraid of flying! - She held back her laughter, and looked up at the car window.

His hand clenched the handle, stopping the car at the red light.

He let out a laugh, before answering, and raised his shoulders. - Arah Cibele I sail ships, in the sea of Santorini, I will be afraid of an iron bug. - He ironized - How hungry! She said as she felt her stomach rumbling, looked out the window and saw a Donald M'c.

She turned her face to face him and raised an eyebrow. One more quick pass, at the pace we're going we'll only get there! - She looked at the green light, and turned around and parked in front of M'c.

She turned her face to face him and raised her eyebrow, "That's good! One more quick pass, at the pace we're going we'll only get there! - She looked at the green light, and turned around, parking in front of M'c.

They get out of the car, and go inside. They place their order and sit down at the table to wait, the place only left their bellies rumbling even more, the full of hamburger hovered in the air.

Cybele who was sitting in front of him and took his hands on the table.

She stroked her fingers over his warm hands - You know, I was thinking, this might be our last trip before we live in the same city. - She looked up at him with her eyes shining.

He looked at her with frowning eyes.

Well, if I pass the college in Milan, we'll only see each other weekends, and I'll miss you so much!

- Yes, I know.

- But maybe we can see each other in another way? With something in our hands for example! - She shook his shoulders and looked at him while biting her lips eagerly for an answer

- What way? I don't understand what you're trying to say.

She let go of his hands and brought her mouth to his, yawning. Engaged!

He leans back in his chair and crosses his arms - Miss Georgiou is proposing to me?

His brow furrowed - No, but you should. - He rested his clasped hands on the table and looked around and turned his eyes to the counter looking at the order numbers.

He leaned forward, resting his forearm on the table. - His mouth curved into a smile. - Tell me what a perfect proposal would be for you! he asked, staring at her with his blue eyes wide open.

She stuck her nose in the air, and rested her palm on her chin - I don't know, maybe on the beach, or looking at the sea, at sunset or sunrise... To the sound of the song Thinking out loud by Ed Sheeran, it was the song that was playing at the ball when you said you loved me, and of course you on your knees and champagne and ... Apollo? -she looked furious.

He closed his eyes in front of her, head bowed.

- Hi, sorry! I swear I was paying attention.

- You weren't, I was! - She huffed, and looked up with a half smile.

He shrugged and opened his eyes, blinking hard - Yes, someday. And maybe I will, maybe I won't!

- But it will surely be when you least realize it... That I can assure you," he pressed his lips together.

She pulled the sleeves of her blouse tighter, and reached for her earrings. You're just sleepy, you didn't even hear.

- Of course I heard you. - He opens his hands and stands up, pointing to the counter.

She crossed her arms, and turned her face to the order, finally it was his number. She stands up and together they walk over.

END OF FLASH BACK

━━━━━ • ஜ • ❈ • ஜ • ━━━━━

Which brings us here 4 years later....

Today:

Cybele wakes up feeling the rocking of the boat she was on she looks around and spreads her arms, stretching out on the bed. Apollo was not there, she dresses herself putting on his shirt, and knew the steps to the helm.

As she knew step by step, she hears a tune familiar to her ears playing. She ignores it and closes her eyes as she faces the hot sun, her eyes burning.

She lowers her head and opens her eyes slowly. And there is Apollo on his knees, as the song Thinking out loud by Ed sheeran plays on a sound check next to him, she widens her eyes.

She looks at him, as if there were no one else in this world worth being with. A passionate smile broke out on her face.

- I can't believe it! You remembered! - she said, holding his hair, which was flying in his face in the strong sea wind.

He lifted his head and stared at her. - He flashed a smile on his face that was red and opened the black door ring in his hand.

She stood in front of him and put her legs together, and he felt the rhythm of his heart skip a beat, quickening as he looked into the brown eyes that were sparkling with joy, just like his.

She held the railing of the boat, she couldn't believe it, she saw the simple diamond ring, more beautiful.

She blurted out the words: - You don't have to say anything, of course I want to marry you.... - She spoke slack-jawed, and felt her legs trembling.

She had always dreamed of being asked to marry someone she loved. And at that moment she was sure, it was him...

- Oh woman in a hurry! - I've prepared a whole speech, Cybele! Let me talk... He couldn't keep the smile off his face.

The wind swayed the boat and everything seemed perfect, she twisted her mouth to the left corner, and nodded.

He spoke louder than the sound of the sea:

- Cybele, I love you! I have loved you since the day you lent me a pencil in the fifth grade, when you gave me that cat, and taught me history. I love you for your patience and for your courage to face new things, I love your sincerity and your lack of good taste in movies, I love you because you always tell me when I'm wrong, and you're not afraid to say what you think, but I love the careful way you talk.

She moved closer to him, tears were shining in her eyes, she bent down on her knees in front of him, her heart was beating strong and emotional.

They felt the warm sun on them, warming their skins.

He held back the tears in his eyes and felt a pain in his left knee, he smiled with tears streaming down his face. For the rest of my life... Cibele Giorgiou will marry me?

- And Yes, yes a thousand times yes! - She said putting her hands around his neck, hugging him - Apollo, I love you! It's always been you, and I hope to always be a safe haven for you.

He hugs her and they both close their eyes enjoying that moment.

══════◄--❀--►══════

Meanwhile in the village there is no talk of anything else, and it wasn't even Tereza's fault that she spent the whole morning with her daughter, as well as her grandmother.

Iris was better, and had already gotten up and got ready, but she still felt bad, she rested on the swing in front of her house, taking a drink, leafing through a magazine.

- Okay, now that you're a little better, I'll go to the bank and come back! - Said Tereza getting up from the sofa, she ran her hands over the pink skirt she was wearing, adjusting it.

The astonishment left her face pale when she looked at her mother, she was afraid to be alone.

- No mother, I beg you to stay with me," she said terrified, looking around her with wide eyes, "or at least call someone, I don't want to be alone!

- I'll stay, your grandma and aunt went to the fair, Alexia's at school, and your cousin God only knows where she is, I hope she's well and happy... - She gave a wide smile, with one hand on her neck. - But Iris, I have to see this business about your grandmother's retirement, she scratched behind her ear.

They saw Pietro arrive in front of the house, Tereza went to the gate and opened it, it was Pietro.

- Hi Pietro, she made room for him to enter - Cybele is not here, but could you keep Iris company please, she is scared good? - She put her hands to her earrings.

- Mom! No need Pietro, she turned her head to the magazine and lifted it looking at them.

He entered. - No problem, I'll stay and wait for Cybele. - He drew his eyebrows together and frowned. - What time will Cybele be back? I have some appointments! - She gestured with her hands and lowered her head, looking at her watch.

Tereza coughed and scratched at the back of her head, and said no, she went in, grabbed her purse and left, Pietro thought it was strange, he approached the swing slowly and with his hands in his pockets looked at her.

- What are you reading? - His arm stretched out toward the magazine on Iris's lap.

- It's a lawyer's magazine! - I think you already know what happened to me.

The brunette raised his eyebrows, I didn't understand very well - No? That you fell down the stairs, yes, but what do you want with a lawyer?

- Ah, sit down and I'll tell you," the blonde stretched out her hand, clapping it on the empty side of the sofa with her hands.

Then she tells him everything. Pietro was practically in disbelief, he put his hands to his mouth and scratched his beard, he was intrigued and wondered what a person is not capable of doing? And all for a man, he laughed inside himself, while he watched Iris tell everything.

- Yes, and now I want to sue her, you know, but I'm thinking of giving up....

He props an elbow on the back of the swing and says in a tone of irritation at the situation: - What? Why? No, you could have broken your neck, died. And on top of that you lost your son.

- All the lawyers are too expensive. - Her chin dropped and the wind blew across her face. She smoothed her hair and looked at him, closing the magazine.

- Use mine, you don't have to worry about money. - He threw his hands in the air.

She shook her head, her mouth forming a pout. I was just letting off steam, I didn't ask for anything!

He held up his palms. - Listen, I know you didn't ask, but I'm happy to do it, and I don't think you should give up, and Iris - He took her shoulders, and looked into her eyes - I'm sorry this happened to you...

Her eyes lit up - Gee, Pietro, I can't thank you enough! - She approached him slowly and put her hands on his shoulders in a slightly awkward hug, then pulled out of the embrace.

- No need to thank me! - He looked up to the sky, and took a deep breath.

- You're a good man Pietro! - He gave a half smile, and slouched his right leg over his left.

He sat facing her, and his head turned toward her, and he stared at her with a half smile without opening his mouth.

- You haven't known me long enough to say that. - He smiled and looked at his watch, "But I'm happy to have made someone happy today! - He stood up and smoothed the sleeve of his shirt, and looked at her - I know that Cybele is with him, that's why your mother left like that, right? Good, but it's no problem, I just came to get Rafael's news.

Iris stared at him in silence, she thought this was not something she should tell him, it was something for him and Cybele to talk about.

Anyway, tomorrow I have to catch a flight, please ask Cibele to go there if she can, and go with her so I can give you my lawyer's contact information. - He pursed his lips together and leaned out a little - Arrivederci! - he said from the gate.

(Translation: Arrivederci = See you later.)

Iris reciprocated in a nod, and went back to looking at the magazine.

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The next morning Alexia and Paolo woke up early, and went on a train ride, it wasn't easy to convince their parents, but everyone was worried about Apollo and Cybele that no one knew where they were. And they ended up leaving.

Alexia's hands were sweating while Paolo tried to calm her down, but nothing worked, this was the moment she would finally meet her father.

"What will be his favorite color? "I can't forget that we will only have this meeting and no other! But does he like music, or does he like to dance? These were the thoughts that hovered in the brunette's head as she looked to the side putting her hands together.

Her gaze saw the same man from the photo, they sparked and every hair on her body shivered, "My father," she said to herself, in a low tone.

His eyes saw the same man from the photo, they twitched and every hair on his body stood on end, "My father" He said to himself, in a low tone

- Hey you can do it, you're amazing and he'll be proud to have you as his daughter. - Paolo said with an enthusiastic smile, taking his girlfriend's cold hands in his. - I'd better stay at this table and you two talk to each other alone, okay?

- What? No," he shook his head, seeing Giovanni approaching. She rolled her eyes.

Giovanni approached her and said hello, in a shy way, he was happy but didn't know how to express it, and couldn't say much in order not to scare his daughter.

They sat down at a table in the restaurant near Paolo's, Alexia looked at him from head to toe before sitting down, and felt her heart race out of her mouth, she held in her excitement and ignored the thoughts of her mother.

He asked for the waiter as usual and scratched his eyebrows, Giovanni felt slightly nauseous.

She brought her right hand to her rings and played with the earring - Thank you for the present I really liked, even though you got my birthday wrong! - I said in a debauched tone, crossing my legs.

- Sorry, Julia gave me the date! - I said, as soon as the waiter brought a small portion of salad.

- Yes, she also makes mistakes. - She put her hands to her ears, trying to pretend she wasn't excited at all.

- Alexia, tell me more about yourself! I know it must have been difficult to get you to come here, but that already shows me that you are a brave young woman!

With trembling hands he took the napkin, she realized his nervousness.

- Julia mentioned that you love photography and dancing. - she turned her eyes back to her food.

- Yeah, I did ballet when I was a kid, but what I really want is to work in photography, I don't know... maybe make movies, or be an actress, I have drama in my blood! - She lifted her shoulder and quickly grabbed some gum from her purse, chewing it helped her calm down.

- Wow, I'm impressed. - I hope you achieve everything you dream of Alexia, you seem like an amazing girl!

She looked at him still chewing her strawberry gum. - Excuse me if this is indiscreet of me, but do you like what you do? - She leaned forward across the table and brought her elbows up to the table.

He pressed his lips together and looked at the waiter who brought the main course - No! I'm not happy in this life I lead Alexia, I don't think anyone in this business is! - He pursed his lips together, still looking around, took the silver fork to his right and rolled up the noodles.

She quickly made a bubble out of the gum and popped it, then chewed it again - Wow! - She lowered her lower pink lips. - I could never live like this, you can't even stop looking around!

- Sorry, it's an addiction! But about that, what would your advice be for me? - He laughed and fixed his toothpick, and leaned over to start eating.

- Well, I guess it doesn't matter if it's a relationship, a lifestyle, or a job. If it doesn't make you happy, let it go. - She pulled the black jacket over her body and glanced at Paolo, who looked at her and grimaced, raising his thumb in a positive sign.

She laughed at him, and turned her eyes back to Giovanni.

-Tirare, so young and already with such complex advice! - she said while chewing.

(Translation: Tirare = Pull)

She looked at him with narrowed eyes and put her hair behind her ears. But what I mean, Giovanni, is that you have choices, you should choose to live a better life.

He took a deep breath, and thought how much she sounded like Julia.

- I can't, no more business like this Alexia! - He rested his hands on the tables and looked quickly behind her - But I've never been happier than here today, meeting you! Her mouth curved into a smile.

She tossed her hair nervously, - I don't know, all my life I've imagined what you would be like! - She squeezed her eyes shut and retorted, "You never knew about me?

- No! I met your mother when I was... let's say on vacation and then I saw Julia and we spent some amazing weeks together and then it all ended... He looked away and bowed his head a little.

She leaned over and put her upper body on the table and supported his right forearm. - I understand, but I don't know what else to say, I'm afraid to be your friend, to start a father-daughter relationship, and you asked in an e-mail, First my mother would kill you! - She widened her eyes and felt her stomach rumble.

- Just think about it, please, I want to be more present in your life, to make up for the years I couldn't! - He stood up from his chair, and smoothed the middle button on his toothpick.

- Wait, you're going?" she widened her eyes, pointing at him.

- Yes! Do you want me to stay? - he asked with emotion in his voice, and a broad smile.

- Yes, please, tell me about your childhood and my grandparents, what they were like! -She asked in a loud and enthusiastic tone -I also want to eat something if it's not too much.

- Of course it's not! You can order whatever you want! - He pulled his chair back into place, and turning his head looked sideways. - And yes, I will answer your questions, but first call your friend to stay with us. He's welcome to stay if he wants. - He put his hands together on the table.

- He's my boyfriend." She gave a half smile and nodded to Paolo, calling him.

But at that very moment one of the agents who worked in the operation on Sebastian's orders was following Giovanni all the time, and was taking pictures at that very moment.

══════ -『 ♡ 』- ══════

Cybele and Apollo had just arrived, they were ecstatic from the days they had, it was not good to go back to reality more it was necessary, for now their love was stronger than ever.

Since they landed at the port people were looking and talking about them, he took her to the door of his house.

- Well, deliver my beautiful bride! - he said smiling in front of her.

- Thank you, my fiancé! -His arm stretched across the space that still existed between their bodies, his hand grabbing her shirt and bringing her closer.

Their mouths meet in a kiss, passionate and quite long, while their breaths are synchronized, everyone looks around.

She stopped the kiss. - Yeah, but didn't you tell me who lent you that boat? - She frowned and kissed his cheek.

- I guess you figured that out, didn't you? - he retorted, taking her by the waist and looking into her eyes.

- Sure, the boat was like five stars. - She said, smiling broadly. - Well, then you told me I really need to get inside, but will you come with me to see Rafael at the hospital? - she asked, feeling his warm breath up close.

But of course you will! I'm dying to meet him, and don't be surprised if he grows to like me more! He let out a happy laugh.

She laughed out loud and hugged him, wrapping her arms around him tightly. They didn't know how to let go, but they soon said goodbye and Cybele entered the house.

She enters and finds Iris crying in the kitchen.

- Cousin, what's wrong? - Cybele asked approaching her.

- Cybele! Oh, I'm so glad you're all right. - She forced a smile but couldn't, her lips trembled with anger and sadness. And Stefan is responsible, now what? He doesn't answer me and you saw the way he acted with me. - She gasped for air, and stretched her arms, as tears streamed down her face. - I don't have a job, I don't have a kid, and I got burned in the fashion world, what am I going to do?

-Hey calm down, I don't know, but I know you'll manage, you always do! And that's what I admire most about you. - She brought her hands to her cousin's face, wiping away the tears.

She thought it better not to tell the news, even because she wanted to tell Pietro soon, to clear things up.

Iris sobs and her cousin hugs her, she gives Pietro's message, Cybele nods and suddenly realizes she's back to reality, everything was easier living in the bubble of that boat, she took a deep breath and went up for a shower, got ready quickly and went with Iris to the hotel where Pietro was.

══════ -『 ♡ 』- ══════

But what Cybele didn't know is that the owner of the boat they stayed on, which was more like Yacht was Pietro.

BEGINNING OF THE FLASH BACK

The day before Apolo's engagement dinner, Pietro went to the school where he teaches, so they could have a quick chat. Apolo was already in the parking lot when Pietro spotted him.

- Apolo? - he said with his hands in his pockets approaching him.

- Pietro, what are you doing here? - He asked holding his bottle of water, blue and looked to the side startled to see him there.

- Well, what I came here to do is something I never imagined myself doing! And I honestly don't know what I'm doing, but to get to the point - He ran his tongue between his lips and looked into Apollo's eyes. - If you love Cybele, don't make her suffer, you have something with her that I wanted to have, no matter how hard we tried, we didn't work out! And I made the mistake of staying away from her

- Pietro, I don't know what to say, I never thought of talking about my feelings for Cybele with you.

Pietro gestured with his arms. - I know, but I love her! And I'm seeing her sad because of you and it kills me, really. I'm discovering a feeling I didn't even know I had. - He scratched his beard, and squeezed his eyes shut. - Do you know what I would give to be the guy who grew up with her, who she has loved since she was 15? The guy she can't forget, but it's not me, it's you... so if you love her, fight for her! Do you understand?

Apollo was surprised and a little surprised at Pietro's attitude, someone he knew so little about, and whom he honestly didn't like very much until that moment.

He just nodded, looking at him with a frown on his face.

He ran his hands through his hair and put the bottle in his backpack pocket. "Cybele is the most beautiful thing in my life, and I never wanted to ruin it! - He put his hands on his head and looked at Pietro - But you're right! What am I doing? I can't lose her, not again," he said firmly.

Pietro looked at him with wet eyes and pulled his hands out of his pockets to reveal the keys. - He squeezed his eyes.

Apollo hesitated but finally took the keys and hurriedly left. He had decided that the next day he would tear it all apart.

A line appeared between his eyebrows, and his eyes were a little red, a girl approached him asking for an autograph and he gave it to her, trying to smile for the picture, with his eyes filled with painful tears, all he wanted was for her to get over it.

That feeling hurt inside his chest, but something relieved him knowing that she would be happy with him. That was the way to forget her.

END OF FLASH BACK