Bound by Fate (Bound Duology Book#2)

Breaking Old Promises

The new understanding between Matteo and Calista shifted everything. The unspoken connection between them brought a lightness to their days, a feeling that something real was building under their carefully constructed facades. Even the slightest touches and shared glances felt charged, carrying a silent promise they were both just beginning to understand.

But as they began to explore the fragile new bond between them, Calista knew they weren't the only ones affected by the sudden change. Their parents, always watchful, had been buzzing with excitement over the upcoming engagement party, planned down to the finest detail by both families. As the day grew closer, Calista felt the weight of expectations pressing down on her, a reminder of the pressure that had brought them together in the first place.

---

The night before the engagement party, Calista sat in her room, staring at herself in the mirror. She barely recognized the person looking back—the girl who had always fought against her parents' plans, who had always kept her heart guarded. Now, she was someone willing to risk everything for a feeling she couldn't explain.

A soft knock on her door broke her thoughts. Before she could answer, Matteo stepped in, his expression uncharacteristically serious. He closed the door behind him, crossing the room to stand by her side. His presence filled the space, comforting yet tense, as if he sensed her inner turmoil.

"Tomorrow's a big day," he said, his voice soft.

She nodded, letting out a shaky breath. "I know."

He reached for her hand, his fingers warm against hers. "Are you ready for this?"

Calista looked up at him, meeting his gaze in the dim light. "I don't know," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper. "I feel like we've been playing a part for so long that... I'm scared of what's real and what's just pretend."

Matteo's hand tightened around hers. "I know exactly what you mean." He paused, his jaw clenching, as if debating whether to say more. "But I meant it when I said I'm done pretending, Calista. I'm here because I want to be."

She swallowed, feeling the weight of his words settle into her heart. "But what if... what if we're just doing this because of our families? Because we're trying to make them happy?"

He shook his head, his gaze never leaving hers. "I don't care about what they want. For once, I'm here because of what I want."

His words struck a chord deep within her, a reassurance she hadn't realized she needed. She let out a soft, unsteady breath, leaning into him. "Then promise me," she murmured, barely daring to look up. "Promise me that no matter what happens with our families, we'll stay... us."

A gentle smile touched Matteo's lips. He lifted her hand to his chest, pressing it over his heart. "I promise," he whispered. And in that moment, she believed him.

---

The engagement party was held in the grand ballroom of Matteo's family estate. The walls were draped in shimmering silver, roses adorning every table and soft, classical music playing in the background. The crowd was a who's who of influential figures, all gathered to witness the formal announcement of Matteo and Calista's union. It was a lavish display, a reminder of the world they had grown up in, where appearances were everything.

Calista felt herself slip into the role her parents expected—graceful, composed, the perfect future bride. But as she moved through the room, greeting guests and receiving congratulations, she caught Matteo's eye from across the room. His gaze was steady, unwavering, reminding her that he was right there with her, that beneath all the pomp and circumstance, something real had begun between them.