Deceptive Hearts

26

The sun rose over the Santoro estate, bathing the grounds in golden light. Inside the house, everything was in a flurry of activity, yet in two separate worlds, Alora and Dante were preparing for the most important day of their lives — apart.

Alora stood before the full-length mirror in a silk robe, her hands lightly tracing the fabric as she gazed at her reflection. Eyra, fussing over the scattered makeup and accessories, smiled warmly at her sister. “You look stunning already,” Eyra said, her voice soft but firm, trying to calm Alora’s nerves.

Alora laughed lightly, though her heart was beating faster than usual. “I’m not even in the dress yet.”

“Doesn’t matter. Dante’s going to lose it when he sees you.”

A flicker of something crossed Alora’s eyes—half excitement, half fear. Dante. The man she was about to marry. The man she loved, yes, but the mission loomed over her like a shadow. Could she go through with it? Would she betray him?

Her thoughts were interrupted by Eyra’s gentle grip on her shoulders. “Hey, stay with me,” she said, turning Alora toward her. “You’ve come so far. Don’t let doubts take away from today.”

Alora sighed. “You’re right. It’s just… everything feels so big. And there’s so much I don’t know.”

“There’s a lot I don’t know too. But what I do know is that Dante is crazy about you.” Eyra grinned. “Like, truly obsessed. You’ve got him wrapped around your little finger.”

Alora blushed at the truth of Eyra’s words. Dante’s possessiveness wasn’t subtle. It was woven into everything he did for her. Sometimes it overwhelmed her, but there was something undeniably intoxicating about it too — the way he looked at her like she was his entire world.

---

Meanwhile, across the house, Dante stood in his room, fastening the cufflinks to his tailored black suit. His best man, Luca, stood beside him, adjusting his own tie.

“Can you believe it’s finally happening?” Luca asked, his voice casual yet teasing. “You? Married? Never thought I’d see the day.”

Dante chuckled, though his gaze remained on the ring he had for Alora. His fingers brushed over the cool metal, remembering the night he proposed. He had been possessive, yes, but he meant every word. She belonged to him.

“I always knew it’d happen, Luca,” Dante finally said, his voice low and sure. “The moment I saw her, I knew she was mine. And no one else will ever have her.”

Luca raised an eyebrow. “Easy there, tiger. She’s marrying you, no need to fight off any more suitors.”

“It’s not about that,” Dante said, tightening his tie with a bit more force than necessary. “It’s about knowing that she’s the one. It’s about protecting her, keeping her safe. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Luca smirked. “Yeah, yeah, possessive Dante. We get it.”

But Dante wasn’t smiling. His thoughts lingered on the dangers of his world. He knew he couldn’t afford to lose Alora. And he wouldn’t.

---

Back in the bridal suite, Eyra was now helping Alora step into her gown. The dress was magnificent — ivory lace draped delicately over satin, hugging her figure and cascading into an elegant train. As Eyra zipped up the back, Alora caught her breath.

“You’re going to steal the show,” Eyra said softly, standing back to admire her sister. “This dress… Dante’s going to melt.”

Alora felt a rush of emotions, her thoughts spiraling as she looked at herself in the mirror. The woman staring back at her looked regal, confident. But beneath that, her heart raced with uncertainty. Her mission had gotten more complicated. She wasn’t sure she could pull it off anymore — not after falling in love with Dante.

“What if I can’t do it, Eyra?” Alora whispered, her voice barely audible.

Eyra’s expression softened. “You’re strong, Alora. And you’ve always done what you needed to. But today, don’t think about anything else. Just focus on Dante. Everything else can wait.”

Alora nodded, trying to push the dark thoughts away. Just focus on today.

---

As the morning progressed, the house buzzed with excitement. The Santoro family was gathered, moving between rooms, offering advice, laughter, and the occasional joke about Dante’s impatience.

“He’s been pacing all morning,” Lucia, Dante’s aunt, said as she popped into Alora’s room. “I think if he doesn’t see you soon, he’s going to explode.”

Alora smiled, but her stomach flipped. It was almost time.

---

Dante stood by the window, looking out at the sprawling gardens where the ceremony would take place. Luca had already left to handle last-minute details, and now he was alone. His hands, usually so steady, were restless as they rubbed over the ring he had proposed to Alora with. She’s mine. The thought repeated in his mind, grounding him.

He wanted to see her. Every fiber of his being was screaming to be near her, to hold her, to remind her that she belonged to him and no one else. But tradition kept him apart, and he respected that. Barely.

In just a few hours, she would walk down that aisle, and she would become his wife.

Dante’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and saw a message from his mother.

Make sure everything is perfect for her. She deserves it.

Dante’s jaw clenched. Of course, it would be perfect. Nothing less for Alora.

---

As Alora stood by the mirror one last time, a knock came at the door. It was Lucia again, this time with a small velvet box in her hand.

“Dante asked me to give you this,” she said, her voice gentle. She handed Alora the box, her eyes twinkling with warmth.

Alora opened it slowly, revealing a delicate necklace. At its center was a diamond pendant, shimmering softly in the light. A note was tucked inside the box: For the woman who owns my heart. – Dante.

Alora’s breath caught in her throat. She touched the necklace, her fingers trembling slightly. For a moment, the mission faded from her mind, replaced by the overwhelming feeling of love for Dante.

“He really is head over heels for you,” Lucia teased, winking.

Alora smiled, though a small part of her heart ached. How could she betray him?

---

The final preparations were almost done. Outside, the seats were arranged, the flowers lined the aisle, and everything was ready. Alora, now fully dressed, stood by the window, looking out at the world she was about to step into.

Eyra came up behind her, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Are you ready?”

Alora swallowed hard and nodded. “Yeah. I’m ready.”

As ready as she would ever be.

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I hope you enjoyed this chapter, it's finally their wedding day!! How wonderful, sorry for the late update, exam season is here so, yeah.
Everything may be sunshine and rainbows, but things don't always go smoothly iykyk.

This chapter was pretty long which I believe is good for you guys.

Thank you!
Love y'all 💗

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