The night I packed my bags, my brother dismissed my departure as nothing more than a childish tantrum.
"The world outside isn’t as gentle as you imagine. You were raised too sheltered, too naive. Maybe it’s time for you to experience hardship."
"Only then will you understand how difficult life was for Alessia. Only then will you stop seeing her as your enemy."
It had been three years since that night.
And now, today, I had returned only to find myself face-to-face with them once more.
I never imagined our reunion would unfold in such a humiliating way.
"Nicholas, Matteo, you’re both here! Having you both by my side makes me feel so much safer."
"It’s overwhelming to be at such a grand event… I just hope I don’t make any mistakes. Will you lend me some strength?"
Alessia’s voice rang out, light and sweet. She stood before them in a black floor-length gown, still carrying traces of her youthful innocence, her tone playful and coy.
She lifted her delicate hand, making a small, encouraging gesture toward them.
The moment she did, both men’s eyes lit up.
Nicholas, who had been interrogating me just moments ago, suddenly put distance between us. His voice softened.
"You’re already a movie queen, yet you’re still this nervous? Don’t worry, no matter what happens, I’ll be here for you."
As he spoke, he reached out and placed his hand lightly over the back of Alessia’s.
"Matteo, why are you just standing there? Come on!"
The moment her touch landed, my brother’s face flushed an unnatural shade of red. He fumbled with his words. "Co–coming…"
The way he looked at Alessia was filled with pure admiration.
I recalled a moment from my past life when I once saw the name he had saved her under in his phone. Beautiful Flower.
I had asked him in confusion why he would use such a simple and unremarkable nickname.
He had merely chuckled and said nothing.
But now, I finally understood.
Alessia Bellucci was a flower he had nurtured with unwavering care.
He had watched over her as she grew. He had witnessed her bloom into brilliance and watched her become a dazzling star.
His gaze was so radiant, so full of devotion, that I had to look away.
Alessia, seemingly oblivious to my presence, continued speaking as if the world revolved around her.
"I accidentally sprained my foot backstage just now. Luckily, someone caught me in time."
She deliberately exposed her delicate side face to the reporter's camera.