In the heart of a modern city, two rival families hold the power. Valentina, a fiercely loyal daughter, and Matteo, a cunning and determined son, find themselves on opposite sides of a dangerous feud. But when their paths unexpectedly intertwine, th...
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Julian's about to leave when he pauses at the door, turning back with that mischievous grin still plastered on his face.
"By the way, you going to the ball thing next week?"
I look at him blankly. "What ball?"
He raises an eyebrow, his grin widening. "You serious? Your mom didn't tell you?"
I frown. "No. What the hell are you talking about?"
Julian laughs, shaking his head. "Bro, it's the big charity ball your family hosts every year. You really didn't know? Half the town's gonna be there. I'm surprised your mom hasn't dragged you into tux fittings already."
I groan, feeling a headache coming on. "Nope, didn't know. She hasn't mentioned a damn thing. Of course, she's been MIA lately, so I guess that makes sense. What's it for this time?"
Julian shrugs. "Same old, some fundraiser for the hospital or whatever. Big deal, fancy people, free drinks. You know the drill."
"Shit," I mutter, rubbing my temples. "I don't have time for that right now."
Julian chuckles. "Well, you better make time, man. Everyone's expecting you to show up. Plus, you'll need a date."
I curse under my breath. "Perfect. Who are you going with?"
Julian leans against the doorframe, looking all too pleased with himself. "I'm taking Sabrina."
I stare at him. "Sabrina? Valentina's Sabrina?"
"Yeah, dude. Who else? We've been talking more lately. Thought it'd be fun."
I curse again, louder this time. "You're seriously taking Sabrina?"
Julian's grin turns smug. "Yup. And don't even try to act like you're not jealous."
"I'm not jealous," I snap, though the thought of Julian taking Sabrina only makes me realize how utterly screwed I am. Valentina is obviously going, and now Julian and Sabrina are going together. "I'm just... surprised."
Julian shrugs. "Alright, alright. So who are you taking? I mean, you're still with Valentina, right? Seems like a no-brainer."
I roll my eyes. "I don't even have to ask Valentina. It's a given. Everyone already thinks we're dating, so of course we're going together. My dad would flip if I broke the act."
Julian raises an eyebrow. "True, but knowing Valentina, she might not just wait around. If you don't ask her soon, she could end up making other plans."
I scowl. "Yeah, well, that's not a real issue. It's already assumed we're going together. I just have to deal with everything else that's going wrong right now."
Julian smirks. "Good luck, bro. You're gonna need it."
With one last laugh, he heads out, leaving me alone with the sinking realization that I need to get my act together and navigate this mess with Valentina—fast.
