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No. I refuse to believe that loving Tatiana could ever be detrimental to her gift. If anything, the depth of emotion she has been pouring into her performances since we were together leaves me in awe of her talent. And, cruelly, if she can access the depth of her grief, it will add a whole new dimension to her ability.
I need to find a way to help her bring it out in a productive, supportive manner and not through threats, like Martin is doing.
I take a long swallow of brandy, wincing at the burn in my throat. Tatiana's career is her own, and she is free to pursue it as she chooses. My role is to encourage her, not control her. And if Martin threatens her again...I grit my teeth. No one gets to hurt Tatiana. No one threatens those under my care without reprisal.
I drain the rest of my brandy and stride to the grand piano in the corner of my office. My fingers hover over the keys as notes and melodies tumble through my mind.
Yes, this will do nicely.
Within moments, I lose myself in the creation of a lullaby, soft and sweet, with subtle undertones of passion and possession. The notes evoke moonlight, starlight, and the rustle of leaves. A perfect setting for the surprise I have in mind.
Satisfied with the completed composition, I call for my chef and driver, issuing instructions to prepare an intimate dinner for two under the starlight. Everything must be perfect. Elegant, tasteful, irresistible.
Like the woman I am courting.
The next evening, as the sun begins its descent beyond the horizon, casting an orange-yellow glow over the sprawling gardens of my estate, I find myself standing outside Tatiana's door. I feel nervous, but I raise my hand and knock gently.
The door creaks open, revealing Tatiana standing before me, her eyes still carrying a trace of sadness. Her hair cascades around her shoulders in soft waves, framing her delicate face. She wears a simple white dress that clings to her slender figure, enhancing every curve and eliciting a sharp intake of breath from me.
"May I come in?" I ask softly, my voice laced with affection and longing.
Tatiana hesitates for a moment before nodding and stepping aside. Her gaze is uncertain yet filled with a flicker of curiosity. "What brings you here?" she asks, her voice soft, almost vulnerable.
I take a step closer, closing the distance between us. "I've arranged something special for tonight," I say, my eyes locking with hers. "A dinner under the stars, just the two of us."
She raises an eyebrow, a hint of skepticism in her expression. "I appreciate the gesture, but I'm really tired."
I reach out and gently cup her cheek, my thumb tracing circles on her soft skin. "I understand that you're tired, Tatiana," I say, my tone tender. "But tonight is about you and finding a moment of peace. To take your mind off all the chaos. Trust me, it will be worth it."
"I’m not sure –" she starts.
"Tatiana," I move forward and take her hands in mine. "Please, just hear me out. The hardest thing in life is taking that first step. If tonight, you can walk with me, just you and I and nobody else, I promise you the next step will get easier. Whatever that step might be, whenever that step might be. Please, can you trust me? It's one evening, and at any point, if you wish to come back, I'll make sure you do. One step,cara mia. One step."
She sighs, her eyes searching mine. "Alright, Philippe,” she concedes. “I'll give it a try."
"Would you like to change?"
She shakes her head. I smile, lean down and kiss her forehead. "Bene, perché tu sei bellissima." – Good, because you look beautiful.
Within minutes, I lead Tatiana out to the sprawling gardens behind the mansion, her hand clasped in mine. As we step into the greenery, a magical sight unfolds before us. The air is filled with the intoxicating fragrance of blooming flowers.
Roses climb gracefully up trellises, their velvety reds and pinks mingling with the soft pastels of delicate peonies and tulips.
A pathway lined with flickering lanterns guides us through the enchanting garden. Soft strands of fairy lights drape over tree branches, casting a golden halo upon the lush greenery below.
She gasps in delight at the ethereal scene. It is all the reward I need.
A small table is set for two, laden with a charcuterie board, sushi, a fruit and cheese platter, and a bottle of vintage Barolo. As we reach it, little geese come wandering down the pathway for tidbits. She takes some fruit and tosses it to them.
This is the first time I've seen her smile in days.
Soft opera music plays from hidden speakers, the lullaby I composed swirling around us.
The night is clear, and the stars shine like diamonds strewn across black velvet. A gentle breeze rustles the leaves in the treetops, their whispered refrain mimicking the beat of my heart.
"It's beautiful," Tatiana breathes, turning to me with a radiant smile. "You did all this for me?"
"Per te, sposterei le stelle e persino i cieli." – For you, I would move the stars and heavens themselves.
