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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I take a step back, giving myself a final once-over in the mirror. My ball gown hugs me in all the right places, flowing down to the floor in smooth waves.
The makeup turned out pretty good too—not too much, but enough to feel elegant.
My hair's pinned up, a few loose strands framing my face.
A knock on the door snaps me out of my thoughts. I grab my clutch and head downstairs, heart racing a little.
Matteo's waiting outside. When I open the door, he's standing there, looking effortlessly handsome in his tux. For a second, I lose my breath.
How does he manage to look this good all the time?
"Ready?" he asks with a small smirk, his eyes scanning me.
I nod, trying to keep my cool. "Yeah."
As we walk to his car, Matteo opens the door for me. Once we're on the road, he glances over at me. "Just a heads up, there's going to be a lot of people there. My parents invited half the city."
"Great," I mumble, already feeling my nerves kicking in.
"You'll be fine," he says, his voice more confident than I feel. "Just stick with me. I won't leave you alone."
I steal a quick look at him, admiring how the tux fits him perfectly, like it was made just for him.
He's always been attractive, but tonight... there's something different. I shake the thought away before it can go any further.
When we pull up to the venue, there are flashing lights everywhere—paparazzi waiting outside, snapping photos of everyone arriving. Matteo steps out first, and then he offers me his hand, helping me out of the car.
The moment I'm on my feet, he slips his arm around my waist, pulling me close like we've done this a million times before. My skin tingles where his hand rests, and I can't help but feel a bit more secure.
"Smile," he whispers as the cameras go off.
I force a smile, feeling overwhelmed by the attention. Matteo, though, is unfazed. He's done this so many times; it's second nature to him.
We walk up the steps, surrounded by flashing lights and shouting voices, but all I can focus on is how close he is, how natural it feels with his arm around me.
Once we're inside, the noise from outside dies down, but my nerves are still buzzing. The ballroom is massive, filled with people in glittering dresses and sharp suits, all mingling and laughing like they're the best of friends.
I feel out of place immediately, but Matteo's grip on my waist tightens slightly, as if reminding me he's right here.
"You okay?" he asks, leaning down to speak into my ear, his breath warm against my skin.
