Adonis POV

Adonis POV

Leaning against the window of my study, I looked down, watching the staffs run around, putting the final touches on the decorations of the hall. It was the eve of the wedding, and I felt content.

This was the final step to activating my plan—my plan to bring down the Grecos once and for all. I must admit that I am not a patient man, and the wait has kept me on the edge. 

I was in constant worry that I'd wake up one day, and my grandfather would come up with another stupid condition to prevent me from being Capo.

Some might say it wasn't his fault and the ones behind the rumours were to blame, but not me. He had the power to shut it all down. A single order from him would wipe them all out, yet, he chose to remain quiet. 

Just like my father did.

I couldn't help that gut feeling that kept on telling me that Cara was planning something. Something I still didn't know about; however, I had my eyes on her.

I would not have a little brat spoil the very thing I'd worked hard for all my life.

Everyone was occupied with one thing or the other. I watched as Cara's friend, Tina, said something and they laughed.

The door opened, and I didn't have to look back to see who it was.

"Have the men follow around that Tina girl," I instructed Luca. 

"What's up? Did you hear anything?" He asked, but I shrugged in reply.

"I just want to be on my toes." 

Luca followed my gaze and didn't ask anymore when he saw I was in deep thought.

"So, are you all hyped for tomorrow?" He diverted, earning an eye roll from me. The sound of his footsteps got closer, and I felt his hand on my shoulder.

"You know you can actually make this real Adonis? It doesn't have to be fake." 

I shrugged his hand off.

"I don't do commitments, Luca. You know this."

He sighed in resignation.

I'd have to agree that Luca was very tenacious. Knowing that when I set my mind on something, it can't be changed, he had been trying his best to convince me, but marriage is not for me. 

I'd do everything in my power not to fall in love.

Contrary to what everyone thinks, it's not that I can't fall in love; I chose not to, and at times when I come across someone who is in sync with me, it becomes extra hard not to. 

Apart from going against my authority, Cara was a lovely person, but I had other more important priorities. Love equals weakness, and I don't need one. I have lived the past few years fine without it, and I'd continue to live just fine without it.

When he didn't get a reply, he patted my shoulder before turning towards the exit.

"Anyway, I think it's best I go check on the hall decoration. Cecelia left Freddy and Mario in charge."

He suddenly halted his steps as if he'd just remembered something important.

"I forgot to mention Cara asked for the blueprints of the mansion... saying something about remodelling or whatnot? Do you have renovation plans?" 

That caught my attention. 

"She asked for what?" 

Ever since Cara had gotten back from her two-day trip, she'd been acting distant. I thought it was due to the wedding planning at first, but it's like she was consistently trying to avoid me. 

She was in bed before me and wouldn't wake up till I left. She'd have her meals whenever I'm not having mine. She spends time with everyone in my absence, but the moment I'm around, she disappears. The most confusing of all was her attitude. 

One moment, she's all smiles, but the second I step in, her smiles are replaced with a scornful look, and then she disappears.

What in the world was she planning? Why did she ask for the blueprint? 

I looked up at Luca, and our eyes met. He instantly knew I wasn't aware. 

"You didn't know?" 

"No. I didn't."

"Then how come... why did she request for it?"

"I'm not sure." As I spoke those words, a flicker of curiosity ignited in my mind. "When did she ask for it again?"

"The day the ladies got back from the bridal shop," Luca responded.

"I'll talk to the guards on duty that day." 

Just as I concluded, a soft knock at the door attracted my attention, and the person walked in with a small frown.

I narrowed my eyes in surprise.

"Cara?"

The topic of discussion herself trotted in wrapped in a small robe, with big fluffy slippers at her feet and a black mask on her face. I threw a wary side glance at her before getting comfortable at my desk.

"What are you doing here?" 

"I can't be here?" She snapped back.

"Well, that's my cue to leave," Luca announced before slipping out, but we paid him no mind. 

"Owing to the fact that you've been trying to avoid me all week, I'll say your being here is suspicious." 

"Me? Avoid you?" Cara rolled her eyes. "Why would I want to do that?" 

"I don't know. You tell me." 

She threw a venomous look at me and I coolly smirked.

"If you have something in mind, you're not being very discrete about it." 

"What do you mean?"

"Where are my blueprints? Do you plan on stealing from me after all I've promised to give you? All I've done for you?"

The mask on her face prevented me from seeing her facial expression but judging by how she stomped her feet in rage; I could tell she wasn't happy about my choice of words.

"I am no thief." 

"Oh really? Then why didn't you tell me? Surely you knew Luca was going to inform me. If you didn't want me to be suspicious, you should've discussed it with me first." 

"That's precisely the reason why I'm here!" She exclaimed.

"Well, you're late. Now, get out of my office. I have so much work to do." 

"You would not speak to me like that or I'll—

"Or you'll what?" I boomed.

If I was going to live with her for a year, she needed to get it straight that I was in charge. I would not have a little girl undermine my authority in front of my men. I refuse to be a weakling like my father. 

"Why can't you drop the condescending attitude for a moment? Get off your high horse, Mr. Bernardi. You're nothing but a chauvinistic, self-centred, egoistic bastard running an illegal gang." She spat out with a spiteful look, and I gave a cold laugh.

"At the end of it all, I'll still have you on your knees."

"You—

"Enough! The attitude was cute at first, but not anymore. I will not trade words with a little girl who knows nothing about how the word works. How my world works!" I sneered. "Listen and listen well. I have my eyes on you and will not hesitate to take you out if you as much as step an inch out of your line. Remember that!" I heaved,  barely containing my anger.

"Now get out of my office, and don't keep me waiting for too long tomorrow." 

I thought I had set the boundaries and cleaved her wings enough to have her submit to me. 

I never could've been more wrong...