Deceptive Hearts

6

Alora stood in front of the mirror, her fingers nervously tracing the outline of her dress. The soft fabric clung to her figure, a deep emerald green that contrasted beautifully with her dark hair.

The dress was elegant, yet not overly flashy—exactly what Franklin had insisted on."You look like a queen ready to conquer," Franklin chimed in, stepping back to admire his work.

He was in his usual form, a lighthearted grin on his face as he fussed over the final details of her ensemble.

"And, darling, if I do say so myself, this color on you? Divine!"Alora rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips.

Franklin had a way of lightening the mood, even when her mind was a whirlwind of anxiety. "It’s just a dinner," she muttered, though the words did little to calm her nerves. She knew it was more than that. This dinner was another step closer to Dante—a step closer to completing the mission and securing her sister’s safety.

"Just a dinner?" Franklin raised an eyebrow, his voice dripping with mock disbelief. "Honey, you’re about to walk into the lion’s den, and you’ll need every ounce of confidence I’ve infused into this look. Besides," he added with a wink, "you might just steal a heart or two tonight."

Alora’s smile faded as her thoughts drifted to Dante. His intense gaze from the banquet still lingered in her mind, making her pulse quicken in a way that unsettled her. She couldn’t afford to let emotions cloud her judgment—not when so much was on the line.

"I won’t let that happen," she murmured, mostly to herself.

"What was that?" Franklin asked, leaning in.

"Nothing," she quickly replied. "Just… trying to keep my head on straight."

"Ah, I see." Franklin’s tone softened, and he placed a hand on her shoulder, his usually charming expression turning more serious. "Remember why you’re doing this, Alora. Stay focused. But also, don’t lose yourself in the process."

His words struck a chord in her, and she nodded, taking a deep breath.

"I won’t."Franklin smiled, the light returning to his eyes. "Good. Now, let’s get you out there. Dinner awaits, and so does a certain Mr. Santoro."

They made their way to the waiting car, Franklin keeping the mood light with his infectious humor. He cracked jokes and shared stories about his own experiences with the rich and powerful, easing some of the tension in the air.

By the time they reached the restaurant, Alora felt a little more at ease—though the underlying anxiety remained.The restaurant was one of the most exclusive in the city, its entrance guarded by a discreet yet imposing valet. Inside, the ambiance was refined and elegant, with soft music playing in the background and candlelit tables casting a warm glow over the room.

As they stepped inside, the scent of rich food filled the air, mingling with the quiet murmur of conversation.

Franklin gave her one last encouraging smile before heading off to the bar, leaving Alora to make her way to the private dining area where the Santoro family was hosting their dinner.

Dante was already there, his presence commanding as he conversed with a few guests near the entrance. He looked up as she entered, and their eyes met across the room. There was no mistaking the intensity in his gaze—he was captivated.

Alora swallowed hard, reminding herself of Mina’s threat. Her sister’s life was at stake, and she couldn’t afford to falter. But as she walked toward Dante, her heart pounding in her chest, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of dread.

She had to keep her emotions in check. She had to remember who she was, and why she was here.

But as Dante’s lips curled into a slow, intrigued smile, she realized that staying detached might be harder than she’d thought.

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I hope you enjoyed this chapter, it is pretty short, and simple but I hope the next chapter will make up for it.

Thank you!
Love y'all 💗

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