𝒫𝑒𝓇𝑒𝓃𝓃𝑒

Chapter 21

Eleanor's newfound resolve carried her through the next few days. She kept herself busy with university and avoided dwelling too much on Alessio. Whenever she felt the pull to overthink their kiss, she reminded herself of Katerina's advice: stay confident, be herself, and let him come to her. The more she repeated these mantras, the easier it became to focus on her own life.

Yet, no matter how much she tried to distract herself, Alessio lingered at the back of her mind. His absence from the house was more frequent, and even though she wasn't actively seeking him out, she couldn't help but notice. There were no casual glances across the room, no quick exchanges, no tense, electrified moments like before. He was pulling away—exactly as Katerina had said he would.

But one evening, as she was sitting in the living room reading a book, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, surprised to see a message from Alessio.

Alessio: "Be ready tomorrow at 8 PM. We have an event to attend."

Eleanor's heart skipped a beat. So much for giving him space. She stared at the message for a few seconds, unsure of how to respond. He was back to his usual self—direct, in control, giving orders. Yet, there was something reassuring in the predictability of it. She quickly typed a response.

Eleanor: "Alright. I'll be ready."

No sooner had she hit send than her phone buzzed again.

Alessio: "Wear the blue dress I sent up. It'll suit the occasion."

Her eyes widened. The blue dress? She hadn't seen any dress. Just as she was about to get up to check her room, Marco walked in, holding a sleek, navy garment bag. He grinned, noticing her surprised expression.

"Looks like someone's been shopping for you," Marco said, handing her the bag. "Alessio had it delivered earlier today."

Eleanor took the bag, feeling the weight of the luxurious fabric inside. "Thank you, Marco."

"No problem, kid. I'm sure you'll look great in it." He gave her a warm smile before retreating, leaving Eleanor to her thoughts.

Back in her room, she unzipped the bag carefully, revealing a stunning floor-length gown in a deep shade of blue. The dress was elegant yet understated, with a simple but flattering cut that accentuated her figure. There was a note pinned to the neckline: "For tomorrow. A."

Her heart fluttered. He'd thought of everything, from the dress to the timing. As she ran her fingers over the smooth fabric, she couldn't help but feel a pang of excitement mixed with nervousness. Tomorrow would be the first time she'd see him since the kiss, and she had no idea what to expect.

The next day passed in a blur. Eleanor spent most of it trying to keep herself calm, focusing on her classes and catching up on work. But as the evening approached, her nerves began to spike. She knew that whatever happened tonight could shift the dynamic between her and Alessio in a way that might be irreversible.

At 7 PM, she started getting ready. The dress fit perfectly, the rich color bringing out the warm tones in her skin and complementing her curls. She applied light makeup, just enough to enhance her features without overpowering the simplicity of the gown. By the time she slipped into her heels, she felt a mix of confidence and anxiety.

As 8 PM approached, Eleanor took one last look in the mirror. Her reflection showed a composed, elegant woman, ready for whatever the night might bring. But inside, her heart was racing.

When she descended the stairs, Alessio was already waiting in the foyer, his back to her as he checked his watch. He was dressed in a sharp, tailored suit, the dark fabric contrasting with his olive skin and making him look even more imposing than usual. The tension in the air was palpable as she approached him.