With the soft click of the bedroom door closing, Alessandro finally turned his full attention to me.

His gaze flickered to the suitcase by the entrance. "Blizzard?" he asked, his tone deliberately casual.

"All flights to Aspen are grounded," I replied, my voice just as calm.

"Ah."

That was all he said. He ran a hand through his dark hair, then sat down on the sofa next to me. The soft cushions sank deeply under his weight.

He closed his eyes and spoke softly.

"I didn't expect you back. I thought you were already in Aspen."

"You know Ava, she's a poor girl from the countryside, never really had a proper Christmas. Since you were gone skiing with your friends, I brought her here to celebrate with me."

"Don't be mad. I promise… I won't bring her here again."

I stared at him. Just a few days ago, when I’d asked him to spend Christmas with me, his reaction had been completely different.

He had looked at me with cold indifference, his voice dripping with annoyance. "We have so many family traditions. Why are you suddenly obsessed with Christmas? Alessia, have you forgotten you're Italian?"

His words had extinguished my excitement like a bucket of ice water. I silently canceled the restaurant reservation on my phone.

Only after that did I agree to go to Aspen with my friend, Chloe.

Seeing my silence, Alessandro must have thought I was about to cause a scene and embarrass Ava in the next room. He quickly added, "I'll send her home right now."

I gave a small nod, my voice even. "Okay."

A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes. Even I was surprised that I hadn't exploded in anger, that I hadn't started a fight.

Ignoring his stunned look, I stood up expressionless, grabbed my suitcase, and walked slowly toward the guest room.