𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐀𝐅𝐈𝐀 𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆

𝟎𝟒 || 𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐃 𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐌𝐄!

𝟐 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫:

I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my tie for what felt like the hundredth time. Giovanni, my brother and business partner, chuckled as he passed by me. "Seb, you look fine. Let's go," he said, clapping me on the back.

We are heading out on a week-long work trip to spain, leaving our siblings in the capable hands of our grandparents, who lived across the street. Nonno and Nonna would keep a watchful eye on Stefano, Matteo, Antonio, and Aurora, ensuring they didn't get into too much mischief.

I get in the drivers seat of my black Mercedes while Giovanni gets in the passenger seat

"This trip to Spain is crucial," I said to Giovanni as I drove. "We need to secure that deal with the investors. If we can pull this off, it'll open up new inverters to make up for the money we have lost over the past fee years. No distractions, no mistakes. We can't lose 5 million dollars again, we can't afford to slip up." I say as we pull up to the air strip.

Giovanni nodded, his focus out of his window, but I could see the determination in his eyes.

The moment Giovanni and I boarded the plane for our business trip, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. Leaving behind Stefano, Matteo, Antonio, and Aurora was no easy task, but I knew our grandparents or Aunts and Uncles would check in on them from time to time. Still, the responsibility weighed heavily on me as the eldest.

"Sebastian, you look like you're about to jump out of your skin," Giovanni said, nudging me with a grin. It's like he read my mind. "Relax, they'll be will be fine."

I forced a smile, "I know, I know. It's just... you know how Stefano gets when he's in charge he gets all bossy which pisses everyone else off. Plus he not that responsible. Couple of weeks ago when we were at work and he was in charge he didn't even know or care about where Aurora was."

Giovanni chuckled, "Yeah, but he'll manage. And Matteo and Antonio will keep him in check. Aurora's an angel; she won't cause any trouble."

I nodded, trying to convince myself. As the plane took off, I buried myself in our itinerary, hoping to distract my mind. We had a packed schedule of meetings with investors and potential partners, and I needed to be sharp.

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

The first few days flew by in a blur of presentations, negotiations, and endless cups of coffee. Giovanni and I worked like a well-oiled machine, each playing to our strengths. He was the charmer, the one who could win over a room with his smile and effortless charisma. I was the strategist, the one who made sure every detail was perfect.

After one particularly grueling meeting, Giovanni clapped me on the back. "You did great in there, Seb. I think they're sold."

"Thanks," I replied, loosening my tie. "I hope so. We need this deal."