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
Emilia’s POVI tapped my leg continuously on the floor, my hands pressed tight together as I tried to stop them from shaking. My eyes were locked on the doctor's, and I could hear him talking, but I wasn’t even listening. All that was on my mind was thoughts of how I was going to get twenty-five thousand dollars for Matteo’s surgery. Twenty-five thousand dollars! A shudder ran through me. And that wasn’t all. I still had to pay for the other hospital bills apart from the surgery fee.It seemed like my life was just going haywire at this point, and there was absolutely nothing that I could do to stop it.“Miss Abramo?” The doctor called, snapping her fingers in my face twice. I jumped and then gave her an apologetic smile.“You were saying?” I asked.“Are you okay, Miss Abramo?” She eyed me warily. “You’ve been zoning out.”“Yeah, I’m okay,” I lied, nodding. My hands began to shake, and I clasped them together once again, taking in a deep breath as she continued.“Miss Abramo, it’s get
Alaric’s POV.I watched the girl scurry off to the elevator, her hair falling loose from the bun it was tied in and the horrible skirt she was wearing flowing behind her.The elevator doors closed behind her, and I watched as she disappeared, her figure swallowed up by the steel doors. I clenched my jaw, suppressing the irritation bubbling under the surface. Emilia. That woman was a complication, a thorn that hadn’t been there this morning and yet somehow had made her way into the very heart of my day.“Are you sure she’s not Mommy?” Francesca’s voice was small, almost like she was asking herself rather than me.I looked down at her, the tears glistening on her cheeks, her bottom lip trembling. I was used to Francesca’s questions and the way her curiosity would fixate on the strangest things, but this... this fixation on a woman she’d only just met? Unusual, even for her.“Yes, Tesoro,” I replied, keeping my voice firm but softened just enough for her, though I could feel her slipping
Emilia’s POV.I was pacing in the hallway outside my brother’s room, my thoughts tangled and all about the brutal men that I had just encountered in the hallway. I had gotten into the elevator, only to go and take the second route, where they wouldn’t see me, and gone back to Matteo’s room, though I didn’t enter. He’d see through me, and I didn’t want him getting worried. My mind kept replaying the scene in the hospital lobby—the little girl who looked at me like I was the answer to something, and her father, his presence as intimidating as it was magnetic.I was lost in those thoughts when I felt someone grab my arm. I jerked around, ready to defend myself however I could, only to find a tall, muscular man gripping me tightly. He was dressed sharply, but his eyes were cold, businesslike. Allesio. He was the one holding the gun to my head.“Let’s go,” he said, his voice low but firm.I tried to pull away. “Excuse me, who do you think you are? Let me go!”“You’re coming with me,” he re
Emilia’s POV I released a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding, relief washing over me even as a new wave of anxiety took its place. I’d just agreed to work for a man who practically oozed power, and I had no idea what I was getting myself into.“Good,” I said, trying to sound confident. “When do I start?”“Immediately,” he replied, his voice as decisive as ever. “Francesca is waiting for you.”The suddenness of it left me stunned. “Now?”He raised an eyebrow. “Do you have a pressing engagement?”I shot him a look, and he merely smirked, clearly unfazed by my reaction. “Fine,” I muttered. “But this doesn’t mean I’m at your beck and call.”A flicker of amusement crossed his face. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”Somehow, I didn’t believe him.With a sigh, I turned around, feeling his gaze follow me as I moved. I turned back to look at him, my heart racing despite my best efforts to stay calm.“One more thing,” I said. “I’ll be honest with Francesca. I won’t lie to her or make promises I ca
5Alaric’s POV Emilia had surprised me, and it took a lot to do that. Most people I dealt with were quick to nod, to obey, and to walk away as fast as they could manage. But Emilia? No, she had come back with demands of her own. The moment she’d lifted her chin, fire in her eyes, and laid out her terms, I’d felt an unexpected flicker of admiration.I watched her closely from my office, just across the hall. Through the glass door, I could see her kneeling on the floor, surrounded by a sea of crayons and papers, fully engaged in whatever imaginary world my daughter had conjured up. Francesca had always been spirited, a handful even on her best days, but in Emilia’s presence, she softened. She was calm, happy even, and that made me feel lighter.Emilia was resourceful. She didn’t waste time coddling Francesca, but instead, she encouraged her to express herself, to chatter away about every little thought that crossed her mind. She listened intently, nodding at all the right times, react
6Emilia’s POV. The moment Alaric walked into the room, his presence overpowered me, clouding my senses, and I knew it was only a matter of time before I lost my wits and became clumsy around him. It was a strange thing, to be both grateful and cautious around him, like standing in front of a storm—beautiful from a distance, but dangerous up close. He stood across from me, a small, self-satisfied smile playing at his lips, and when he spoke, his words stopped me in my tracks.“I’ve taken care of your brother’s bills,” he said, casually, as if he hadn’t just thrown a lifeline to the person I loved most in the world.For a second, I couldn’t speak. My throat tightened, my heart raced, and all I could think was that Matteo was safe—that Alaric, despite being the cold, impenetrable man he was, had actually kept his word. I felt tears prick the back of my eyes, and I pressed a hand to my mouth, trying to gather myself.“Thank you, Alaric. Really, I…” My voice broke, and I looked down, sud
7Alaric’s POV I stepped into the house, a frown forming on my face at how quiet the house was. And it made me very very uneasy. Normally, by the time I stepped through the door, Francesca’s laughter would echo down the hall, and I’d catch glimpses of Emilia chasing her around, a small, stubborn smile always tugging at her lips. But tonight, it was so quiet, almost as if something was wrong.I hung my coat by the door and glanced around, half-expecting Emilia to appear, carrying Francesca in her arms or perhaps ushering her to bed. But instead, when I found them, Emilia barely looked up. She sat with Francesca on the couch, brushing through her silver hair with a gentleness that looked at odds with how stiff her shoulders were.“Daddy!” Francesca squealed, but she didn’t get up from the couch, keeping still as Emilia continued brushing her hair. I grinned at her in reply.“Good evening,” I said, keeping my voice even as I stepped closer. Emilia didn’t respond. Not immediately, anyway
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
219Matteo’s POVI leaned back in my chair, swirling the coffee in my mug as Emilia paced the living room in front of me. She wasn’t good at sitting still, especially when she was in one of her overthinking moods. Today, she was obsessing over some party Alaric was hosting, which I honestly couldn’t care less about.If it were up to me, she wouldn’t be with him in the first place, talk less of attending a stupid party he was hosting.“So, what’s the big deal if you don’t wear the exact right dress?” I asked, smirking as she shot me a glare. Since I didn’t have to.go.to work today, what better wah to spend my day tham to spend it infuriating my big sister?“It’s not about the dress, Matteo,” she said, throwing her hands up. “It’s about the impression.”“Right, because mafiosos are known for their deep appreciation of fashion,” I teased, taking a sip of my coffee.She groaned and finally dropped onto the couch across from me, glaring at me like I was the root of all her problems.“Why a
218Gianna’s POVI had just settled onto the couch with a steaming mug of tea when I heard a knock at the door. My heart did a little flip. I could already tell who it was without checking. Not many people knew my residence, and the people who did wouldn’t just come here unannounced. Only he would.Matteo wasn’t supposed to visit tonight, but then again, Matteo rarely followed plans. I set the mug down and went to open the door.There he was, leaning casually against the doorframe, his dark hair slightly tousled, a sheepish grin on his face.“Surprise,” he said, holding up a bag of takeout like a peace offering.“Matteo,” I said with a smile, stepping aside to let him in. “You know you don’t have to bribe me to let you in, right?”“Bribe?” he repeated, walking past me. “This is just me being thoughtful.”“Uh-huh,” I said, closing the door behind him.He kicked off his shoes and made his way to the couch like he owned the place. I followed, plopping down next to him. He opened the bag