~Camila~
"𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏'𝒕 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒍 𝑪𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒂, 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒓 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕"
Camila was adored by those in her presence due to her gentle nature and joyful demeanor.
Her inner beauty and external charm captivates the hearts and...
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For the past few weeks, I'd been looking forward to this day—but now, I was dreading it.
While Ava did my makeup, I stared into the mirror, noting how dull my eyes looked.
"Ta-da, I'm done!" she announced excitedly, admiring her work on my face.
"This makeup is perfect, but something's missing," she added.
I gave her a confused look. It didn't seem like anything was lacking.
"What?"
"Your smile, birthday girl." She wrapped her arm around my shoulders and looked at me through the mirror.
I looked away and stared down at my fingers.
"Is this because of Don Luciano's absence?" she asked gently, and I almost burst into tears.
"Hey, you don't have to feel sad. He'll be back soon."
"I don't think so, Ava. He doesn't like celebrating his birthday or Christmas, and I went ahead and decorated the whole house..."
"And did he tell you he didn't like it?" she asked, cutting in.
I shook my head, realizing he never actually said anything like that. In fact, last night, he told me he loved it. So why did he leave?
"Exactly, bestie—it's all in your head. So cheer up and let's go celebrate!" She tickled my side, making me giggle despite myself.
I stood up and she brought over my dress. I slipped into the red gown that hugged my figure, a high slit running from my thigh downward.
It had a plunging neckline with a tasteful opening at the center, revealing just a hint of cleavage.
I wore the jewelry Luciano had gotten for me at the auction party, along with my heels.
Ava held my hand and led me downstairs to the slightly packed living room.
As I scanned the room, I spotted Russo, Sandro, Andrew, and a few of Luciano's men. What I wasn't expecting was to see Lorenzo.
My eyes widened in surprise as they met his, and he sent me a playful wink.
I descended the stairs, and my mom was the first to greet me.
"You look beautiful," she whispered with a smile and joyful tears brimming in her eyes.
"Thank you, Mom." She hugged me and kissed the top of my head.
"Well, look who we have here," Sandro chimed in, coming over to hug me.
"Happy birthday, gorgeous," he said as he kissed my cheek.
Lorenzo approached and pulled me into a hug.
"I didn't know you'd come," I said, surprised.
"It was my little surprise for you, amoré. Besides, I was already here when I called. I'm guessing you were too busy sulking over the absence of my brother."
