FATE AND DESIRE

Chapter 5

Vittorio's POV

The week after Zara agreed to our marriage proposal was busy. We spent our days in meetings finalizing business details and evenings thinking about our upcoming wedding. I started looking forward to seeing Zara more and discovering new sides to her personality with each interaction.

We met in a cosy lounge at The Oberoi one afternoon to discuss our wedding plans. Zara was already there when I arrived, focused on some documents. She looked confident and composed, a true professional. Zara has become more comfortable over the last few days.

As she saw me coming, "Vittorio," she greeted me warmly as I sat down. "Ready to plan our big day?"

I smiled, enjoying her enthusiasm. "If that's what we're calling it, then yes, I'm ready." Then we started planning as she said.

We spent an hour discussing the logistics—where to have the wedding, who to invite, and how to blend our Indian and Italian cultures into one celebration. But there was a question hanging in the air that we hadn't addressed yet. Not me, more like Zara wanted to ask.

Zara set her pen down and looked at me seriously. "We have to talk about something, it's been going in my mind for the last few days." She said, then added, "Wh-what if one of us starts to have feelings for the other, not that I feel anything right now." She corrected while looking everywhere but at me.

Her question surprised me, earning a small laugh from me, but I paused to think. She was watching me closely, waiting for my answer. I leaned back in my chair and gave her a playful smile.

"Well, that would make things more complicated," I said, trying to lighten the mood. "But maybe it wouldn't be such a bad thing."

She smiled, but she wasn't convinced. "You're dodging the question, Vittorio."

I laughed, enjoying our back-and-forth. "Alright, let's say one of us does develop feelings. We should talk about it openly. We promised to be honest with each other."

"True," she nodded. "But what if it's more than just a little crush? What if it's something deeper?"

I leaned in, teasing her. "Are you trying to tell me something, Zara?"

She rolled her eyes, but she was smiling. "No, just curious."

"Well, if that happens, we'll deal with it honestly," I said. "And what about you? Could you fall for a mafia boss?"

She laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Only if he's charming enough to win me over."

I was not expecting that reply but okay.

We laughed together, the tension easing. We went back to discussing the wedding, but her question about feelings lingered in my mind. It opened a door to possibilities neither of us was quite ready to explore (Then why are you marrying her, my mind said).

Zara's POV

The moment we left the office Mia nudged me "Is there something wrong? What were you talking about?" She started asking question after question. 

"Wait! Let's get to home first! shall we?" I cut her off. I messaged my siblings to come to the penthouse office as I needed to tell them about all this. 

The moment I disclosed the conversation I was having with Vittorio to Mia, Kabir and my siblings, their first reaction was "WHAT!! Why would he propose this deal? It's not like he likes you or something." Mia said.

"Girl! He said marriage of convenience. In this type of marriage, there is no love but just a formality." I told Mia with Duh face. "But he did say it can be more if we want."