Bound by Fate (Bound Duology Book#2)

The First Act

The next morning, Calista awoke with a renewed sense of purpose—and defiance. The pact with Matteo felt reckless, dangerous even, but it was the best option she had. Today, they would begin their campaign to make their parents regret this arrangement.

She dressed carefully, selecting a simple yet elegant outfit that suited her usual style, but she couldn't deny the strange nerves fluttering in her stomach. She didn't want to admit it, but part of her was curious to see what would happen now that they'd agreed to work together.

At breakfast, she was met by her father's stern gaze. He and her mother were seated at the grand table in the dining room, their faces set in expressions that reminded her this was all too real. If this "engagement" continued, breakfasts like this could be her future: stifling, loveless, and laced with tension.

"Good morning, Calista," her mother greeted with forced cheerfulness. "Did you sleep well?"

"Perfectly," she replied, forcing a smile. Inside, she was anything but at ease. Her mother's hopeful eyes softened, clearly thinking that Calista was beginning to come around. The assumption made Calista want to scream. They didn't know her at all.

Moments later, Matteo sauntered in, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit that looked like he'd put in exactly zero effort, though he wore it with the kind of casual confidence that only someone like Matteo could pull off. He caught her eye and gave her a slight nod—a reminder of their pact. They were allies, at least for now.

"Good morning, *fiancée*," he drawled, deliberately loud enough for their parents to hear, a smirk plastered on his face.

Calista felt her cheeks burn, but she forced herself to match his expression. "Good morning, *fiancé*," she replied, her voice as sweet as honey.

Their parents exchanged pleased glances, completely oblivious to the game they'd started.

Matteo poured himself a cup of coffee, leaning back in his chair as he stirred it lazily. "So, I was thinking," he said casually, looking at Calista, "maybe we should start making some... preparations?"

Her heart skipped a beat, and she fought to keep her expression neutral. She hadn't expected him to dive in so soon. "Preparations?" she repeated, her voice carefully controlled.

"Yes," he said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "You know, wedding plans, future family investments, what sort of house we want..." He trailed off, looking toward their parents with a glint of satisfaction. "After all, this is all about the long term, isn't it?"

Calista's parents looked thrilled, and she forced herself to keep her expression in check. Her mother clasped her hands together, beaming. "Oh, that's wonderful to hear! I knew you two would come around."

Matteo gave her a barely perceptible wink before he turned back to their parents. "Of course, Mrs. Reyes. This is a partnership, after all."

Calista clenched her teeth, feigning a warm smile as she reached out to place a hand on Matteo's arm. "We're so lucky to have found each other," she said, her voice practically dripping with sweetness.

Matteo's lips twitched in response. "Couldn't have said it better myself."

The satisfaction on their parents' faces only grew, and for a moment, Calista was taken aback. Did they really think this was real? Were they so blinded by their own desperation that they couldn't see through the sarcasm lacing every word?

"Well, if you two are serious about this," Mr. DeLuca said, his expression growing thoughtful, "we should start introducing you to some of our contacts as a couple. The sooner, the better."