Vanessa stirred the pot of pasta sauce, the aroma of tomatoes and garlic filling the small kitchen. She glanced at the table where the kids’ plates were already set, each one decorated with colorful napkins to keep things cheerful. She’d decided to make something simple but comforting, a meal everyone could enjoy together.
Behind her, Emma and Ethan were busy with their coloring books, occasionally arguing over which colors to use. Riccardo sat on the couch, watching them with a relaxed expression, his tie loosened slightly.
Vanessa stepped out of the kitchen and called out, “Riccardo, could you keep an eye on the kids? I need to make a quick call.”
He nodded. “Of course.”
Vanessa smiled gratefully and slipped into the bedroom to grab her phone. She scrolled through her contacts and ta
