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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It was getting close to six, and I had already spent too much time in front of the mirror. My dress was on, my hair was done, and I'd applied just enough makeup to make me look like I had it all together.
But as I stared at my reflection, I felt hollow.
I smoothed down the front of my dress, trying to shake the feeling, but it clung to me. I didn't even know what this business dinner was for, and Matteo wasn't even home.
He hadn't told me anything, except that it was formal and I needed to wear something nice.
The empty house felt heavy, so I kept moving, pacing back and forth, waiting for Matteo to get home. But then I heard a car horn outside, sharp and clear. I knew it was him.
Grabbing my purse, I made my way outside, finding Matteo already sitting in the driver's seat of his sleek car. He was wearing a tailored suit, dark and sharp, and under the streetlights, he looked... good.
Really good.
He glanced at me when I got into the car, his eyes trailing over me in a way that made my stomach flip. "Hey," he said, his voice a little softer than usual.
"Hi," I replied, settling into the seat and smoothing out my dress. I wasn't sure if the tension from last night was still hanging in the air, or if we were just pretending it wasn't there.
Matteo cleared his throat, starting the car as he spoke. "My father really wants this guy as a business partner," he said. "He sent me to persuade him, which is why this dinner is important."
I nodded, still not entirely sure what that meant for me, or why I was needed for something like this.
I wasn't sure if I was here as a part of the business strategy or just as arm candy to make things look good.
I didn't ask, though. I didn't feel like opening up any more conversations I wasn't ready for.
Matteo drove in silence for a moment before he glanced at me again. "You look nice," he said, almost as if it was an afterthought, like he was just realizing it now.
"Thanks," I muttered, looking out the window. I wanted to feel something from the compliment, but I didn't. Not right now. There was too much in my head.
The rest of the drive passed in a quiet lull, neither of us saying much. I tried to focus on the road, on the lights passing by, but the weight in my chest wasn't going anywhere.
I felt like I was part of a performance, one that I didn't ask to be in but couldn't get out of either.
We pulled up to a grand house, the kind that screamed money and influence without even trying.
I tried to steady my breathing, ignoring the uncomfortable weight that had been sitting in my chest since the moment I put on this dress.
Matteo parked the car and stepped out. I followed, smoothing my hands over my dress one last time before walking up to the door beside him.
