Twisted Loyalties

13

Alejandro's leaning against his car, waiting with that familiar, easy smile that sends a warm thrill through me.

I can't keep my grin down as I approach, feeling the excitement bubble up.

I slip into the passenger seat, and he closes the door for me, moving around to his side with a relaxed confidence.

The drive is a blur of laughter and music. He keeps one hand on the wheel, occasionally glancing over with a spark in his eyes that makes my heart skip.

We pass city lights, then quieter streets, until we finally arrive. As he parks, I look out, and my eyes go wide—a gorgeous restaurant perched right on the water, dimly lit and serene.

I glance over at him, barely containing my surprise. "Did you... book this whole place?"

His grin widens, clearly pleased with himself. "Yeah. Thought tonight could be just for us."

For a second, I don't know what to say. I'm stunned.

He's never gone this out of his way for me, and I feel my face heat up. "Alejandro, this is... amazing."

We walk in, and the ambiance is almost surreal—candlelit tables, soft music, and the faint sounds of waves just outside. We sit down by the window, and
I'm practically glowing, taking it all in.

The waiter approaches our table with a polite smile, and I immediately feel Alejandro's arm slip comfortably around my shoulders.

When he asks if we'd like a photo, I'm so excited that I quickly grab my phone, handing it over with a smile.

"Could you take one with this?" I ask, and the waiter nods, positioning the camera as Alejandro pulls me a little closer.

I'm grinning so wide, and I can feel the warmth of his arm around me as we both look at the camera.

The click of the phone's camera sounds, capturing a moment I already know I'll want to remember.

When I take my phone back, I glance at the photo—the lights reflecting softly on the water in the background, my smile so bright, and Alejandro looking at ease beside me.

It's perfect.

"Thank you," I say to the waiter, who nods and steps away, leaving Alejandro and me to ourselves again. I take another glance at the picture, unable to stop smiling, and Alejandro leans over to look at it too, his own expression a little softer as he takes it in.

"You're really happy, huh?" he says, his voice warm and teasing.

"More than you know," I reply, tucking my phone away and meeting his gaze.

I bring Camilla a steaming mug of tea, watching as she wraps her hands around it, holding it close like it's the only warmth she has left.

She manages a small, tired smile as I sit down beside her on the couch.

"What do you want to watch?" I ask, trying to keep my tone light.

She shrugs, her gaze drifting to the TV. "Whatever you want."

I scroll through the options and pick a comedy, hoping it'll distract her, maybe even get her to laugh a little.

As the opening scenes roll on, I steal a glance at her, seeing the weight in her eyes slowly ease as she takes a sip of tea.

For a while, we sit there in silence, the sounds of laughter and easy jokes filling the room. It's calming, having her here—even if things with Matteo have strained her with everyone else.

But even with her beside me, my mind drifts to Sabrina. I wonder what she's doing now, whether she's alone or maybe with Val, and if she's replaying everything I said like I am.

Part of me hopes Val got through to her, but another part fears it's too late, that I crossed a line I can't take back.

Camilla shifts beside me, and I pull myself back to the moment. I came here to be here for her, and she needs me right now.

But as the movie rolls on, Sabrina's face lingers in the back of my mind, her hurt expression haunting me in a way I can't shake.

AUTHORS NOTEE

Short chapter sorry y'all!!
Sabrina's so cuteeee.