The celebration continued well into the evening, laughter and conversation filling the Santoro estate. Alora found herself swept into the warmth of the family, everyone congratulating her on the engagement. She smiled, though there was a persistent knot in her stomach she couldn’t shake. It was as if the weight of her mission had settled heavier than ever on her shoulders now.
Dante, ever at her side, didn’t let her stray far from him. He kept an arm possessively wrapped around her waist, guiding her through the sea of relatives, his eyes constantly watching anyone who came too close. Every time Alora tried to excuse herself to get a moment alone, Dante’s grip would tighten subtly, drawing her back in.
“Stay with me,” he murmured into her ear as another wave of distant relatives approached. “I won’t let you out of my sight.”
Alora nodded, trying to hide her growing unease. Does he know something? she wondered, though she didn’t dare ask. His intensity felt different tonight, more protective, as if he feared losing her. It was almost suffocating.
After some time, Dante’s father, Sylvester, emerged from the gathering and approached them, his presence commanding the room. “Dante,” he said, nodding at his son. “I need to speak with you. Privately.”
Dante’s jaw tightened for a moment, but he nodded. “Of course.” He glanced at Alora, his hand brushing her cheek softly. “I’ll be back. Stay here and enjoy the party.”
Alora smiled, though her heart raced. She watched as Dante followed his father out of the room, disappearing into the shadows of the hallway.
---
In Sylvester's Office
The heavy door to Sylvester’s office creaked as Dante pushed it open, revealing the grand, wood-paneled room. Sylvester motioned for him to sit as he settled behind his massive mahogany desk, the air between them thick with unspoken tension.
Sylvester leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes studying his son. “So, you’re engaged.”
“Yes,” Dante replied, his voice firm but cautious.
A slow smile tugged at Sylvester’s lips. “I’m proud of you. But, Dante, there are... complications that come with Alora.”
Dante’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”
Sylvester stood, walking over to a nearby window. He stared out into the night, hands clasped behind his back. “You’ve noticed things, haven’t you? Things that don’t add up about her. About her past. I’ve been keeping an eye on her... and for good reason.”
Dante shifted in his chair, the possessiveness he felt toward Alora simmering just beneath the surface. “She’s not a threat.”
Sylvester chuckled darkly. “You’re sure about that? You’d be surprised how much people can hide when they need to.”
Dante’s fists clenched, his mind racing. “Why were you watching us?”
Turning back to face him, Sylvester’s eyes gleamed with something unreadable. “Not just you. Her. There’s more going on here, son, and I think you know it.”
Dante felt the weight of his father’s words, though he didn’t want to believe it. Could Alora be hiding something from him? No, he thought, shaking off the doubt. She loves me.
“I want to protect her,” Dante said, his voice low. “I need to know what you’re not telling me.”
Sylvester approached Dante, his hand landing on his son’s shoulder. “In time, you’ll know everything. But for now, keep your eyes open. I was behind the bushes that night, and there are more eyes on you than you realize.”
---
Back at the Celebration
Alora, meanwhile, felt like she was being watched. She had been standing with Lucia, Dante’s aunt, chatting lightly about wedding preparations, but something felt off. Her gaze kept drifting toward the hall where Dante had disappeared. Where was he?
Just as she began to feel like the walls were closing in, Franklin sidled up to her with his usual carefree grin. “Hey, what’s with the long face? You just got engaged, girl! You should be glowing.”
Alora forced a smile, grateful for the distraction. “I know. I just—Dante’s been acting... different.”
Franklin raised an eyebrow, glancing around as if to check for eavesdroppers. “Different how?”
“More... intense. Possessive. He doesn’t let me out of his sight,” Alora confessed, her voice a whisper.
Franklin chuckled. “Well, can you blame him? You’re marrying into this family. It’s a whole other world.”
“Yeah, but—” Alora was cut off as she caught sight of Dante reentering the room, his eyes immediately locking onto hers. His presence was like a force field, drawing her in and away from Franklin.
“Stay close to me,” Dante said when he reached her, his voice leaving no room for argument. He wrapped his arm around her waist again, pulling her possessively to his side.
Alora nodded, but her thoughts were spinning. What had Sylvester told him? She glanced at Franklin, who gave her a playful wink before blending into the crowd, clearly aware of Dante’s territorial stance.
As the night wore on, Dante didn’t leave her side. Every time she moved, he was there, a quiet but constant reminder of his control over her.
---
Later That Night
After the party had wound down, and the last of the guests had filtered out, Dante led Alora back to their room. His grip on her hand was firm, his expression unreadable.
Once inside, he closed the door behind them, his gaze intense as it met hers. “You’re mine, Alora,” he said softly, his voice laced with possession. “I won’t let anyone take you from me.”
Alora’s breath caught, her heart pounding in her chest. She nodded, though inside, the weight of her secret mission gnawed at her. She knew she had to keep up appearances, for her sister’s sake. But the more time she spent with Dante, the more complicated things became.
Dante pulled her into his arms, his lips brushing against her temple. “I need you to promise me something.”
“What is it?” Alora asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Stay with me. No matter what happens. No more secrets.”
Alora swallowed hard, her thoughts swirling. She couldn’t tell him the truth—yet. Not until she knew more. But as Dante’s arms tightened around her, she knew that keeping her distance was no longer an option.
“I promise,” she whispered, though the words tasted bitter on her tongue.
---
And so, the tension between them grew, the line between love and secrecy blurring with each passing moment. Sylvester’s words echoed in Dante’s mind, while Alora’s mission lingered like a dark cloud over their future.
The game was only beginning.
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I hope you enjoyed this chapter, seems like we found who were one of the people whispering behind the bush, who may the other person be?
This chapter was pretty long, which is good. Sorry for the late update :(
But I hope this chapter brought questions in your mind.
Does Sylvester know something?
Thank you!
Love y'all 💗
-1144 words-
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Deceptive Hearts
RomanceAlora Hayes is no stranger to deceit. Raised by a family of thieves, she's learned that survival comes at a cost. But when a dangerous deal forces her to infiltrate the powerful Santoro family, the stakes have never been higher. Her mission? Marry D...
