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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The park was quiet when we arrived, the soft rustling of the leaves and the distant hum of city life the only sounds around us.
Valentina hadn't said much on the way, just staring out the window. I wanted to help her feel better, to take some of the weight off, but I also knew pushing her too hard wouldn't help.
We sat down on a bench, and I glanced over at her. She looked so lost in her own thoughts, and I hated seeing her like this.
After everything that happened, she deserved to feel okay again.
Valentina got up and leaned against a tree, giving me a once-over before her lips curled into a smirk. "You know, for a guy with access to all the designer stuff in the world, you've been looking a little... underwhelming lately."
She's trying to change the mood.
I raised an eyebrow at her. "Underwhelming? That's a bold word, Val."
She tilted her head, eyes glinting with mischief. "I'm just saying... I expected a bit more effort from you. What's with the plain shirt? Did you lose a bet or something?"
I laughed, shaking my head. "First of all, this is casual. Second, just because I'm not dripping in labels doesn't mean I'm slacking. I could wear a trash bag and still look better than half the guys out there."
She snorted. "Right, 'cause that confidence is doing all the heavy lifting."
I took a step closer, my eyes narrowing. "Oh, you think you're funny?"
She shrugged, pretending to inspect her nails. "I just think maybe you should step it up a bit. Get back to those days when you actually tried."
I moved in fast, grabbing her by the waist before she could dodge me. "Step it up, huh? You really wanna go there?"
Her eyes widened, a laugh already escaping her. "Matteo, don't—"
But I was already tickling her, fingers digging into her sides as she twisted and fought to get away.
"Stop!" she yelled, breathless from laughter. "I didn't mean it! I take it back!"
"Oh no, you don't get off that easy," I said, grinning as I kept going. "Admit you're wrong."
"No!" she shrieked, barely able to breathe, her laughter uncontrollable now.
"You've got one more chance," I teased, pinning her as she tried to squirm away. "Say I'm the best dressed guy you know."
She gasped, trying to push me off. "You're not even close!"
"Wrong answer," I said, tightening my grip and tickling her even harder.
She was laughing so hard, she could barely form words. "Fine! Fine! You're the best dressed guy I know! I swear!"
