BENTLEY'S POVTears welled up in my eyes, a tidal wave of emotions crashing over me with relentless force. "Why do you hate Accalia so much?" I cried, the anguish in my voice echoing through the café. "She's done nothing but try to be a good daughter to you."Clarissa's face contorted with rage, her hand raised as if to strike me. But before she could make contact, her hand was suddenly held back by an unseen force.I turned, my heart pounding in my chest, to see a shadowy figure looming behind Clarissa, his presence both comforting and intimidating in equal measure. Who was this mysterious savior, and what did he want?The tension in the air was palpable as Clarissa struggled against the unseen restraint, her eyes blazing with fury. "Let go of me!" she spat, her voice a venomous hiss.“Luca!???”As Enzo's voice rang out in surprise, I turned to see the figure step forward, revealing himself to be none other than Luca—another one of Accalia's bodyguards. My heart skipped a beat at the
BENTLEY'S POVI felt a surge of anger rise up within me, but before I could retort, Clarissa was already spewing forth a barrage of hurtful remarks, each one more cutting than the last. "You're nothing but a cheap, desperate woman," she sneered, her words laced with venom. "And to think I once considered you worthy of my son's affection. How laughable."Enzo shot me a sympathetic glance, his eyes mirroring the mix of frustration and amusement that churned within me. "Don't listen to her, Bentley," he said, his voice a soothing balm amidst the storm of insults. "She's not worth your time."But Clarissa was already making her exit, her laughter echoing in the wake of her departure like a haunting melody. "Enjoy your life of mediocrity, Bentley," she called over her shoulder, her tone filled with scorn. "I'm sure it suits you perfectly."I seethed with rage as Clarissa disappeared from view, leaving me behind with a cold, indifferent bodyguard and an amused, mischievous Enzo."Well, that
BENTLEY'S POVI suppressed a giggle at Enzo's antics, watching with amusement as Luca's expression darkened with irritation. "Very funny, Enzo," he retorted, his sarcasm dripping like honey. "I think I'll pass on the whole fatherhood thing, thanks."Enzo chuckled, undeterred by Luca's icy demeanor. "Oh, come on, Luca, where's your sense of adventure?" he teased, nudging him playfully. "Besides, I hear parenthood does wonders for your sleep schedule."I joined in with a laugh, the tension of the earlier confrontation dissipating in the face of Enzo's infectious humor. Despite Luca's best efforts to maintain his stoic facade, even he couldn't resist the lure of camaraderie and laughter.Enzo grinned, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Great! Let's celebrate Bentley's impending motherhood with a round of drinks," he exclaimed, his tone playful.I rolled my eyes at Enzo's antics, but couldn't suppress a smile at his infectious enthusiasm. "Yeah, because nothing says celebration like morn
BENTLEY'S POV"Well, you see, we met again the second time," I began, my voice dripping with faux sincerity, "it all started one fateful night at the bar."Luca nodded, playing along with practiced ease. "I stumbled in after a long day of guarding Accalia and her husband, seeking refuge from the chaos of the world," he added, his voice tinged with melodrama."And there I was," I continued, gesturing dramatically, "behind the bar, mixing drinks and stealing hearts with my irresistible charm."Enzo leaned in, hanging on our every word. "And then what happened?" he prompted, his eyes wide with anticipation."Sparks flew," Luca declared, his tone solemn. "We locked eyes across the crowded room, and in that moment, we knew—we were destined to be together."I nodded emphatically, adding, "It was like something out of a romance novel. We danced, we laughed, we fell in love under the twinkling lights of the bar."Enzo's eyes widened in disbelief, but he was clearly enraptured by our tale of w
BENTLEY'S POVEnzo leaned back in his chair, a skeptical expression crossing his face. "As romantic as that story sounds, I'm going to need some proof," he declared, his tone laced with doubt.I exchanged a nervous glance with Luca, our elaborate ruse suddenly feeling a lot less amusing. "Proof?" I echoed, my voice pitching higher with each word. "What kind of proof is more solid than our story?"Enzo's eyes sparkled with mischief as he leaned forward, his grin widening. "Well, for starters, how about a couple selfie? Or maybe a heartfelt love letter?" he suggested, his tone teasing.I bit my lip nervously, casting a pleading look at Luca, who merely shrugged in response. "Uh, well, you see..." I stammered, scrambling for an excuse.But before I could come up with a convincing lie, Enzo was already pulling out his phone, a determined glint in his eye. "No need to be shy, you two lovebirds," he said, his fingers flying over the screen. "Let's document this historic moment for posterity
BENTLEY'S POVBut as Enzo examined the photo with a critical eye, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.Enzo leaned back in his chair, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You know what? Forget about reenacting the scene," he declared, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Why don't you two just kiss to prove to me that this whole love story isn't just a load of baloney?"My eyes widened in disbelief, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment at the suggestion. "Kiss?" I echoed, my voice cracking with nervousness. "Are you serious?"Enzo nodded eagerly, his grin widening. "Absolutely! Come on, show me some real chemistry," he urged, his excitement palpable.Enzo leaned back in his chair, a smug smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Come on, it's the perfect proof," he insisted, his voice tinged with amusement. "A kiss seals the deal, right?"I shot Enzo a withering glare, my mind racing with a million reasons why that was a terrible idea. "Absolutely not," I declared, sha
BENTLEY'S POVEnzo couldn't contain his amusement as he watched me squirm in my seat, a teasing grin plastered on his face. "Well, well, well," he chuckled, his voice tinged with mirth. "Looks like I've stumbled upon a real-life soap opera."I shot him a glare, my cheeks still burning with embarrassment from the unexpected kiss. "Don't even start," I muttered, my voice laced with irritation.But before Enzo could reply, my phone rang, cutting through the tension like a knife. I glanced down at the caller ID and felt a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach—it was my parents.Taking a deep breath, I answered the call, steeling myself for the inevitable barrage of criticism and disapproval that was sure to follow. "Hello?" I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite the turmoil raging inside me."Bentley," my mother's voice crackled through the line, her tone icy and disapproving. "Your father and I expect you to be at the family dinner this evening. And bring that... bodyguard of
BENTLEY'S POVLuca arched an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "I don't think that's such a good idea," he replied, his tone cautious.But I wasn't about to take no for an answer. Leaning in close, I whispered in his ear, my voice barely above a whisper. "Remember our deal? You promised to act the part of the perfect boyfriend, remember?"A flicker of amusement danced in Luca's eyes as he regarded me, a hint of a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "How could I forget?" he murmured, his tone teasing.I shot him a pleading look, silently urging him to comply with my request. "Please, Luca," I implored, my voice tinged with desperation. "I can't face my parents alone."For a moment, Luca seemed to consider my words, his expression unreadable. But then, with a resigned sigh, he nodded in acquiescence. "Fine," he relented, his tone resigned. "But don't blame me if things go south."I grinned, relief flooding through me at Luca's agreement. "Trust me, Luca," I replied, a mischievous