220Matteo’s POVI leaned against the kitchen counter, watching Emilia stir something on the stove. The rich aroma of whatever she was making filled the air, but I barely noticed. My mind was elsewhere, buzzing with anticipation. I couldn’t help the grin that kept creeping onto my face.“You’re awfully chipper today,” Emilia said, glancing over her shoulder at me. “What’s up with you?”“Nothing,” I said, trying to sound casual.She rolled her eyes. “Don’t ‘nothing’ me, Matteo. You’re practically vibrating with excitement. Spill.”I pushed off the counter and grabbed a bottle of water, taking a slow sip just to mess with her. Her glare deepened, and I laughed, holding up a hand in surrender.“Alright, alright. It’s about Gianna,” I said, watching her expression carefully.Emilia turned off the stove and faced me, crossing her arms. “Okay, what about her?”“We finalized the plans for you two to meet,” I said, unable to keep the excitement out of my voice.Her brows lifted slightly, and
221Gianna’s POVThe day had arrived, and I couldn’t decide if I was more nervous or excited. Matteo had been buzzing for days and practically glowing with anticipation about me meeting his sister. I wanted to match his energy, but there was a small part of me that worried about Emilia’s approval. I’d heard enough about her to know she was fiercely protective of Matteo, and while I admired that, it also felt like I was walking into an interrogation.I smoothed my blouse for the fifth time as I glanced around the room. Alaric’s mansion had an elegance to it that still managed to make me feel a little out of place. The lavish décor and high ceilings were impressive, but still I couldn’t help but feel out of place here. I occasionally caught the glimpse of some men walking around with huge guns.Matteo told me that Alaric had insisted that the meeting would take place here, where things could be more relaxed and private. Of course, relaxed wasn’t exactly how I felt, especially with Emili
222Gianna’s POV“So,” she continued as if she hadn’t just told me that I wasn’t good enough for her brother. Her tone was casual but her eyes anything but. “What made you fall for Matteo?”It was a simple enough question, but there was an edge to it I couldn’t ignore. I set my mug down carefully, meeting her gaze.“Well, he’s kind, thoughtful, and funny,” I said. “He has this way of making you feel like you’re the only person in the room, you know? Like you matter.”Emilia’s lips twitched, but it wasn’t a smile. “Matteo does have a way of making people feel special,” she said, her tone almost too neutral.I couldn’t tell if it was a compliment or a warning. “He’s also incredibly driven,” I added, trying to steer the conversation toward safer ground. “I admire that about him.”She tilted her head slightly, as if weighing my words. “Driven can sometimes mean impulsive,” she said. “Matteo’s always had big ideas, but he doesn’t always think them through. He needs someone who can keep him
223Matteo’s POVI paced in the kitchen, the remnants of dinner still sitting in the sink. My jaw tightened as I replayed Emilia’s words over and over in my head. Dinner had been civil—on the surface. But I’d caught the looks and the subtle jabs disguised as polite conversation.She didn’t outright say she disapproved of Gianna, but she didn’t have to. Emilia has always been good at making her opinions known without being direct. And tonight, she’d practically screamed it.Gianna was still in the living room, probably trying to brush off the tension and awkwardness from the day, but I couldn’t let this go. Not anymore.I stormed into the dining room, where Emilia was casually clearing plates, like she hadn’t just undermined my relationship all day.“We need to talk,” I said flatly, narrowing my eyes at her.“Can’t this wait? I’m busy,” she murmured in reply, not even turning around to look at me. But I knew what she was trying to do. She was trying to get out of the conversation and t
224Gianna’s POVI slammed the door behind me and leaned against it, taking in deep, shaky breaths. My chest felt tight, like I couldn’t get enough air. The comversation at Alaric’s house pressed down on me, and tears blurred my vision as I finally let go of the composure I’d been clinging to all night.Emilia’s words and her thinly veiled disapproval played on a loop in my mind. The skepticism in her tone, the way she questioned everything without outright saying it. I’d felt every ounce of judgment in her eyes, and no matter how polite I tried to be, I could feel myself shrinking under her scrutiny.It wasn’t just what she said; it was how she said it. The casual way she implied that I wasn’t right for Matteo, that I didn’t belong in his life. As if loving him wasn’t enough.I tossed my bag onto the couch and sank down next to it, pressing the heels of my hands into my eyes. I’d known this relationship wasn’t going to be easy. Matteo was in deep in a world I’d never been part of—a w
225Matteo’s POVI stared at my phone, willing it to light up with a message, a call, anything. But the screen remained dark, the silence stretching longer and heavier with every passing minute.It had been two days since Gianna left the dinner table and, by extension, my life—at least, that’s what it felt like. Two days of her refusing to answer my calls, ignoring my texts, and shutting me out completely.The last message I’d sent was still unread: “Gianna, please. I need to talk to you.”I clenched my jaw, tossing the phone onto the couch next to me. It landed face down with a dull thud, mocking me with its lack of response.This wasn’t like her. Gianna wasn’t the type to play games or hold grudges. She was calm, understanding, always the voice of reason when I let my temper get the better of me. But now, I couldn’t reach her. Not even to say I was sorry for what happened at dinner.And the worst part? I knew exactly who to blame.“Emilia,” I muttered under my breath, running a hand
226Gianna’s POVThe quiet hum of my condo was both a blessing and a curse. I’d taken a few days off from work, claiming I needed to recharge, but the truth was I needed to breathe. I needed to be away from Matteo, and away from the chaos of my emotions and anything that reminded me at all of how hus sister had strongly disapproved of me just a few days ago.I haven’t told anyone the full story yet. My business partners assumed I was just overwhelmed, and my friends, even while supportive, hadn’t pressed for details. Still, their company had been a welcome distraction. The dinners, late-night phone calls, and Netflix marathons with them had helped, but the emptiness of Matteo’s absence wouldn’t stop hanging over my head like a dark cloud.Sinking into the couch, I curled my legs beneath me and stared at the untouched mug of tea on the coffee table. It had gone cold hours ago, much like my determination to keep myself busy. I’d tried everything—reading, cleaning, even baking, which I n
227Matteo’s POVSitting in the quiet of my apartment, I ran a hand through my hair for the hundredth time, my frustration mounting. Gianna wasn’t responding to my calls or texts, and it was taking everything I had not to show up at her door. But I knew better. Pushing her wouldn’t help.She needed space. And I needed to give her that. To respect her decision. Not push her away further.I stared at my phone screen, the last message I’d sent her still sitting there, unread: Gianna, please talk to me. I’m sorry about everything. I miss you.It felt hollow and inadequate. Words that couldn’t capture what I was really feeling. I tossed the phone onto the coffee table, leaning back into the couch.Her silence was unbearable, and my mind was racing. Gianna was everything to me—her laugh, her fire, the way she made me feel like I could conquer the world. And now, because of some stupid dinner and Emilia’s judgment, I was on the verge of losing her.I couldn’t let that happen.But what could
290Rosa’s POVI hated overthinking.It was exhausting, annoying, and worst of all—it was usually right.I told myself lately I wouldn’t do it with Allesio. I wouldn’t pick apart his words, analyze his tone, or decode his every blink like some detective looking for clues to a crime that hadn’t happened yet.But tonight?Tonight, my instincts were screaming.And the worst part? I couldn’t even pinpoint why.I sat on the kitchen stool, watching him move around like nothing was wrong. His back was to me, broad shoulders flexing under his black shirt as he flipped something in the pan. Chicken, I thought vaguely.“You’ve been quiet all evening,” Allesio said without turning around. His voice was casual, too casual. “Did I do something?”My stomach twisted, but I forced a small smile. “No. Just tired.”It wasn’t a lie, technically. I was tired. Tired of this nagging feeling I had been pushing down all week.Something was off.It wasn’t anything obvious—not enough for someone else to notice
289Emilia’s POV.*Two weeks later*I stared at my reflection in the mirror, barely recognizing the woman staring back.The lace of my wedding dress hugged my body perfectly, intricate floral patterns trailing down to the long, flowing train. The veil was pinned neatly into my hair, soft curls cascading down my shoulders. My makeup was flawless, but my eyes—my eyes gave me away. They were filled with unshed tears. I felt so fucking overwhelmed.I was getting married today.I was about to walk down the aisle and promise forever to a man who had completely, irrevocably changed my life.“You’re thinking too much,” Rosa’s voice broke through my thoughts.I turned to her, blinking. “Huh?”She smirked, hands on her hips. “I know that look. You’re overthinking, probably panicking a little. Don’t.”“I’m not panicking.”“You’re literally gripping the dresser like you’re about to run.”I glanced down at my hands, fingers curled tightly around the wooden surface. Okay, maybe she had a point.“It
288Emilia’s POV*TWO MONRHS LATER*I groaned, flopping back onto the couch in frustration. “Why did I think this was a good idea?”Rosa smirked, tossing a handful of tiny white pearls into my lap. “Because you love Alaric, and apparently, that means torturing yourself with a wedding.”“Right?” I grabbed one of the pearls and flicked it at her. “Seriously, why is this so hard? It’s just a dress.”“Just a dress?” She gasped, clutching her chest dramatically. “Excuse me? It is the dress, Emilia. The one you’ll remember forever. The one you’ll look back on in pictures and either sob in happiness or cringe in regret.”“Okay, thanks for the pressure,” I muttered, rubbing my temples.Rosa grabbed my arm, yanking me up. “Enough whining. We’re finding your dress today. Period.”“Fine,” I grumbled. “But if I die in a pile of lace, tell Alaric I love him.”She dragged me toward the changing rooms, rolling her eyes. “You’re so dramatic.”Two hours later, I was so close to setting an entire brida
287Alaric’s POVEmilia had been on my case all morning.“You need to talk to Allesio,” she said for the tenth time, arms crossed as she leaned against the kitchen counter. “I don’t know what happened between you two, but this sulking thing you’re doing? It’s getting old.”I didn’t look up from the file in front of me. “I’m not sulking.”“You’re brooding,” she corrected. “And being dramatic.”I exhaled sharply, flipping a page just to look busy. “I don’t need to do anything, Emilia.”“Alaric.”“Emilia,” I mimicked, still not looking up.She smacked the back of my head.“Ow—”“Go talk to him,” she ordered. “You’re going to forgive him eventually, so just do it now and save me the headache.”I tossed the pen onto the table, rubbing my temples. “You don’t get it.”“I would if you actually told me what the hell happened,” she shot back. “But no, you just want to stomp around and glare at him like a five-year-old who had his toy stolen.”I narrowed my eyes at her. “This is bigger than that
286Emilia’s POVI didn’t speak to him.Not when we left Alonso’s house. Not in the car. Not when we got home.I walked straight past him, up the stairs, and into our bedroom, slamming the door shut behind me. I wasn’t even sure why I was so angry. Maybe it was the betrayal. Maybe it was the exhaustion. Maybe it was the fact that every time I thought I finally knew everything about the man I loved, another secret came crawling out of the dark.I paced the room, my thoughts tangled in knots.Francesca.Not his daughter. Not biologically, at least.Dominic’s.And I had saved her. Me. Three years ago, without even realizing it.A knock sounded at the door. “Emilia.”I ignored him.The handle turned, and he stepped inside cautiously, as if he thought I might throw something at his head. A tempting idea.“Emilia, please.” His voice was quiet, tired. “Can we talk?”I folded my arms. “Oh, now you want to talk?”His jaw tensed. “I always wanted to tell you.”“Then why didn’t you?” I shot back.
285Alaric’s POVI was going to kill Emilia.Slowly. Painfully. And with great satisfaction.“You’re overreacting,” she said, not even looking at me as she fixed her earrings in the mirror.I let out a humorless laugh, crossing my arms. “You’re dragging me to have dinner with Alonso. That’s not overreacting. That’s a death wish.”Emilia sighed, finally turning to face me. “He agreed to the wedding, didn’t he?”I scowled. “Begrudgingly. There’s a difference.”She gave me a pointed look. “Alaric, he’s trying. And if you don’t at least pretend to try too, I swear to God—”I held up a hand. “Yeah, yeah. You’ll cut me out of your life, blah blah.” I let my head fall back. “Jesus. You’re really enjoying making me suffer, aren’t you?”Emilia smirked. “You have no idea.”I regretted everything the second we stepped into Alonso’s house.He barely spared me a glance as he gestured for us to sit at the long dining table, his expression set in that usual unreadable scowl of his. The man had two m
284Emilia’s POVI exhaled, slow and steady, forcing my heartbeat to settle. My hands were still curled into fists at my sides, but the sharp edges of my anger had dulled, leaving me very exhausted.Alonso had gone quiet. Alaric, too.They were both thinking of the ultimatum, I was sure of it.I wasn’t going to repeat myself. I had laid it all out—either they figured out a way to tolerate each other, or they lost me. I meant every word.I wrapped my arms around my stomach, my body still thrumming from the adrenaline. My child’s future was at stake. I refused to let them grow up trapped between two men who refused to let go of the past.Finally, Alonso inhaled sharply, rubbing a hand over his face. “So that’s it? You’re threatening to cut me out of your life unless I… what? Accept this marriage? Accept him?” His voice was rough, tinged with something I couldn’t quite place.I held his gaze, unwavering. “Yes.”Alonso let out a bitter, humorless laugh. “You expect me to suddenly be okay
283Emilia’s POV“Well,” I said, exhaling slowly, “at least now the marriage can finally go through without worrying about all this hatred between you and Alaric.” I looked at Alonso, expecting—no, hoping—for some sign that he agreed. That this war, this endless, exhausting war, has really ended.But he just sat there, stiff as a statue, arms crossed over his chest, his expression unreadable.Then he said, “I still don’t support this marriage.”I blinked. Laughed, even. Because surely, after everything, he was joking.“You’re serious?” I asked, the laughter dying in my throat.I thought we were finally past this.For the first time in what felt like forever, I allowed myself to breathe, to believe that maybe I could live normally without worrying that they hated each other.But apparently, I had been a little too optimistic.“You’re joking,” I said flatly, staring at my father. “Tell me you’re joking.”Alonso met my gaze, unmoved. “I’m not.”I blinked. “You just spent hours unraveling
282Emilia’s POV The drive to Alonso’s house was tense. Alaric sat beside me, silent and brooding, his fingers tapping against his thigh. I knew he didn’t want to be here. He thought this was pointless. But I didn’t care.We needed answers. All the puzzle pieces were scattered, and I was tired of trying to put them together blindly.When we arrived, Alonso was already waiting for us outside, arms crossed, expression unreadable.“This is unexpected,” he said, glancing between us. “What’s going on?”I didn’t waste time. “We need to talk. Inside.”He studied me for a moment, then nodded, stepping aside to let us in.Alaric followed reluctantly, his entire body radiating frustration. He had made it clear that he didn’t trust Alonso, even after everything. And honestly, I couldn’t blame him. Their history was drenched in too much blood.We sat in the living room, the tension a little bit too thick between us. I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees.“We know Jonas was the one who