As the day went on, Jade explored the house, marveling at every detail. Her bedroom was a dream come true—a king-sized bed with soft linens, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lush garden, and a private en suite bathroom with a deep soaking tub.
She stood by the window, taking in the view, when Thiago appeared in the doorway with a mischievous grin. “So, what do you think? Ready to admit you like it?”
Jade laughed softly, wiping at her eyes. “It’s perfect, Thiago. I still can’t believe this is real.”
He leaned against the doorframe, his grin turning softer. “Believe it, Jade. You’re stuck with us now.”
Later that evening, the group gathered in the spacious living room. Milan had taken over the kitchen, preparing a simple but delicious dinner, while Thiago and Enzo set the table.
Jade sat on the couch, watching them with a mix of gratitude and disbelief. She couldn’t remember the last time she felt this cared for, this… wanted.
As they ate, the conversation was light and teasing. For the first time in days, Jade found herself laughing, the weight of her situation momentarily lifted.
“You know,” Enzo said, smirking at her over his glass of wine, “you don’t have to worry about David anymore. If he tries anything, we’ll handle it.”
Jade frowned, her fork pausing midair. “What do you mean?”
Thiago leaned back in his chair, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Let’s just say he won’t be bothering you again. Milan made sure of that.”
Her eyes darted to Milan, who was calmly sipping his wine. “What did you do?” she asked, her voice cautious.
Milan set his glass down, his piercing gaze meeting hers. “Let’s just say David was reminded of his priorities. He won’t be getting in your way again.”
Jade blinked, unsure whether to be relieved or concerned. “Reminded how?”
Enzo chuckled, waving a hand. “Don’t overthink it. Let’s just enjoy the fact that you’re free of him.”
Jade wanted to press further, but something in Milan’s expression told her it was better not to ask. She nodded slowly, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Thank you.”
Milan inclined his head, his tone firm. “Always.”
That night, as Jade settled into her new bed, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of bittersweet relief. The pain of losing her grandmother still lingered, but for the first time in a long time, she felt like she had a future—one where she wasn’t fighting every battle alone.
As she pulled the covers up to her chin, her phone buzzed on the nightstand. She picked it up, seeing a text from Thiago.
Thiago: “If you need anything, you know where we are. Sleep well, troublemaker.”
Jade smiled faintly, her heart warming at the message. She placed her phone down and closed her eyes, letting the comfort of her new home—and the people who had made it possible—lull her to sleep.
Just as she was drifting off, a faint creak echoed through the house. Jade’s eyes snapped open, her heart racing. She sat up, straining to listen, wondering if it was just her imagination—or something else.
Chapter 177
Jade stepped into the cozy little café where Mia was already seated, waving enthusiastically. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods filled the air, a comforting contrast to the storm raging inside Jade’s mind. She plastered on a small smile and walked over to the corner table, where Mia sat sipping on a caramel latte.
“Finally! You’re late,” Mia teased, pushing an extra cup of coffee toward Jade. “I already ordered for you—black coffee, just how you like it.”
“Thanks,” Jade mumbled as she slid into the seat across from Mia, her hands clasped tightly around the cup for warmth.
Mia’s smile faltered, her sharp eyes scanning Jade’s face. “Okay, what’s up? You look like you’ve just been through a tornado.”
Jade sighed, leaning back in her chair. “It’s a long story.”
Mia leaned forward, resting her chin in her hands. “Well, lucky for you, I’ve got time. Spill.”
Jade hesitated, unsure of where to start. “You remember when I told you about working for Milan, Enzo, and Thiago?”
Mia raised an eyebrow. “Uh, yeah. Your super-hot bosses who basically act like they own you. How could I forget?”
“Well,” Jade began, lowering her voice, “things have gotten… complicated.”
Mia’s eyes lit up with curiosity. “Complicated how? Don’t leave me hanging!”
Jade took a deep breath, the words tumbling out like an avalanche. “After my grandma passed, things kind of spiraled. I lost the house because of legal issues, and before I knew it, Milan, Enzo, and Thiago stepped in. They bought me a house—well, technically, it’s for all of us—and now I’m living with them.”
Mia’s jaw dropped. “Wait. Hold up. You’re living with them? All three of them? In the same house?”
Jade nodded, her cheeks flushing. “Yeah. It’s surreal, honestly. They’ve been so… supportive, but it’s overwhelming.”
Mia blinked, processing the information. “Supportive, huh? And how exactly does that work? Do they just, like, take turns being your knight in shining armor?”
Jade groaned, burying her face in her hands. “Mia, it’s not like that.”
“Oh, come on,” Mia teased, her grin returning. “Don’t tell me none of them have made a move. They’re all ridiculously hot and clearly obsessed with you.”
Jade peeked through her fingers, her face heating up. “Okay, fine. We fucked.”
“Stop. Stop!” Mia held up a hand, her eyes wide with excitement. “You mean to tell me you’ve got three gorgeous men who are totally into you, and you’re living with them under one roof? This is straight out of a romance novel!”