THE SPARK OF SOMETHING NEW

Russo’s POV

The moment Cleo said yes, it felt as though the world shifted. It wasn’t just relief that washed over me, but a rush of emotions I hadn’t let myself feel in a long time. I had planned this proposal with the intention of sealing our public image, convincing Nonno and the rest of the family that our union was real. But as I slid the ring onto Cleo’s finger and pulled her into my arms, I realized it wasn’t just an act anymore. She had become something more that I couldn’t afford to lose.

After the proposal, we returned to the main beach area, where the rest of the family was lounging, playing in the sand, and soaking up the sun. Cleo slipped away to change into the bikini I’d picked for her at the mall, and I settled into a sun chair, trying to keep my composure as I waited for her to come back. I told myself that this trip was still about business, about convincing everyone that our relationship was genuine but my mind kept wandering back to her and the way her voice had tre