Deceptive Hearts

20

The warm Italian sun filtered through the windows of the Santoro villa as Alora sat with Dante's mother, Lucia. They were in the kitchen, preparing breakfast together when Lucia wiped her hands on a dish towel and turned to Dante.

"Why don't you take Alora out for the day, caro?" Lucia suggested with a smile. "It’ll give us time to prepare something special."

Dante raised an eyebrow. “Special?”

Lucia winked. “Your father’s birthday celebration is over, but we still have something important to celebrate.” She looked pointedly at Alora, and for a moment, Alora’s heart fluttered. She knew something was brewing, but couldn’t quite place it.

Dante didn’t need to be told twice. He stood up, grinning as he crossed the room and pulled Alora to her feet. “How about we take a little drive?” he suggested, his hand warm on hers.

Alora’s hesitation melted as his eyes, bright with mischief, met hers. “Sure,” she said with a smile, though there was a twinge of nervousness in her gut. There was something about the air today, thick with unspoken plans.

The drive was peaceful. Dante took her through winding coastal roads, the sapphire-blue sea stretching endlessly alongside them. Alora couldn’t help but feel at ease with him, but a small voice inside reminded her that she couldn’t let herself get too comfortable. Her mission loomed in the back of her mind, a constant reminder of the lies between them.

As they reached a secluded spot overlooking the ocean, Dante parked the car. The breeze played with Alora’s hair as they stepped out, walking hand-in-hand to the edge of a cliff. Below, the waves crashed against the rocks, a soothing yet powerful melody.

They spent the day walking along the shore, exploring hidden coves, and sharing quiet moments where words weren’t necessary. But as the day stretched on, Alora’s thoughts kept drifting back to the villa. Why had Lucia been so eager to send them away? And why did the day feel so different?

By the time they returned to the villa in the evening, the sun was setting, casting the house in a soft orange glow. Alora noticed the subtle changes the moment they stepped inside. The air was electric, and the dining hall was more elaborately decorated than usual.

Dante led her into the main room, where the entire family stood, smiling warmly at her. Sylvester, his father, was dressed in his finest suit, standing next to Lucia. His cousin, Luca, was there too, along with his aunt and uncle.

“Surprise!” they all shouted in unison.

Alora’s breath caught in her throat. A table in the center of the room was adorned with flowers and candles, and at the far end, there was a small velvet box.

Her eyes widened, her heart racing. No... was this what she thought it was?

Dante, ever the smooth operator, turned to face her, a soft smile playing on his lips. He took a deep breath, reaching into his pocket as he slowly pulled out a small box identical to the one on the table.

“Alora,” he began, his voice thick with emotion. “I’ve waited for this moment for a long time, but the more I’m with you, the more I realize how much I need you by my side... forever.”

Alora’s heart thundered in her chest. The whole room seemed to fade as her focus narrowed in on Dante’s words. She could barely breathe as he dropped down on one knee, opening the small box in his hand to reveal the family ring—a stunning piece passed down for generations.

The room fell silent. Alora’s mind was racing. She had come into this family for one reason—to destroy them. But now, standing here, with Dante on his knee, her heart betrayed her, warring with her duty.

“Alora,” he said softly, his eyes locking with hers. “Will you marry me?”

The question hung in the air like a heavy weight. Alora’s hands trembled as she stared at the ring. The family ring. Dante’s family was watching, their expressions filled with anticipation. Behind them, the weight of her mission loomed like a shadow, threatening to tear apart everything she had come to know.

The silence stretched for what felt like an eternity.

Everyone was waiting. Alora felt every eye on her, waiting for her to answer, to make a choice that would change her life forever.

She swallowed, feeling the pressure build in her chest. Could she really say yes? Could she betray the man who had shown her nothing but love, knowing what lay ahead?

Her lips parted, but no words came out.

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I hope you enjoyed this chapter, sorry for the late update, I was busy with preparations for a dinner.
What do you think her answer will be?
Sorry for the short chapter

Thank you!
Love y'all 💗

-808 words-