CH-4

GIA’S POV

Sitting on my bed, I yawned while looking at the stack of pictures in my hands.

I had photos of handsome men from around the world. Believe it or not, they were all attractive and tempting—but my eyes did not settle on anyone. I kept flipping through the pictures quickly, one after another.

Another tired yawn escaped me. My eyes watered from the heaviness. I wanted to sleep as soon as possible.

Speeding up, I tossed most of the pictures aside and walked toward my comfy, fluffy bed. I jumped onto it, lying on my stomach while still holding a few photos of these so-called heartthrobs.

Suddenly, my eyes locked onto someone. My hand froze. I moved on to the next picture, but something made me go back and pick up the one I had just seen.

I placed the others aside and looked at him carefully.

It felt like he was staring straight into my soul.

For a moment, it felt as if someone had taken my breath away.

There was nothing extraordinary about the picture itself, but his longing eyes seemed to tell stories he had never shared with anyone.

I felt an instant connection.

Why was I feeling such a strong pull toward him?

I had never felt this way before. Many men had come and gone, but none had ever made my heart react the way this mere photograph just did.

I have never entered a relationship because I never felt connected to anyone. But today… I do.

For the first time, I believe my heart might find what these eyes desire. And if he is destined for me, God will guide me toward him.

And somehow… I believe it is him.

I smirk, biting my lip as I continue staring at him.

Will he be my man?

The one I want to touch.

The one I want to be touched by.

I throw the other pictures onto my side table and keep his in my hand. Resting my back against the headboard, I lay my head on the pillow.

I do not remember when I closed my eyes while looking at his handsome face and drifted into dreamland.

“Gia.”

I stir in my sleep as my father’s voice reaches my ears.

“Papa, let me sleep a little longer,” I mumble drowsily.

“Darling, look at the time. It is two in the afternoon.” Papa strokes my hair lovingly, and I open my eyes, knowing he will not let me sleep anymore.

“Good morning,” I say with a smile, looking at my father, who is gazing at me adoringly.

My father, Otello Bianchi—the Alpha of our pack. Our pack is considered one of the strongest, and my father is the most beloved Alpha.

And I am Gia Bianchi.

“Do not look at me like that,” I say softly. I know why he looks at me with that hint of sadness—he must think I have rejected all the boys again. But this time, I am ready with an answer.

My father raised me single-handedly. My mother passed away while giving birth to me, and since then, it has always been just the two of us.

My grandparents believed I was a bad omen for the family, but my father never agreed.

To him, I am a blessing from heaven. I know he exaggerates sometimes, but I have never felt like a bad omen. I am happy—and my father taught me how to live life that way.

“You like him?” My father’s eyes sparkle when he notices the picture on my bed. I nod, smirking.

“Now would you like to tell me who he is?” I ask, resting my head against the headboard.

“He is Vincenzo Accardi, brother of King Lorenzo Accardi,” my father says, smiling at the picture. I nod, but then his smile fades slightly.

Lorenzo Accardi is not a name unfamiliar to us. He is the Alpha of Red Moon and a highly respected leader worldwide. Everyone admires him. Being royals, I have met him a few times at gatherings, though we do not share a close relationship. I do know, however, that their family values privacy deeply.

My father is a werewolf, but my mother was human, which makes me human too—with a few werewolf traits. When I did not shift on my eighteenth birthday, I noticed my father was slightly disappointed at first. Later, though, he was relieved that I could live a normal life. My father is one of the most positive people I know—he always finds light in everything.

“What?” I ask when I notice his serious expression.

“Sweetheart, there’s something you need to know before we proceed with this alliance.” He looks hesitant, and I nod for him to continue.

“He is Lorenzo’s brother, but not from the same mother. He is his stepbrother.” He pauses briefly.

I nod again, encouraging him.

“He lives in Frankfurt. He does not like royal life at all. And I would be lying if I said he had an easy childhood. We do not know the complete story—they keep their privacy intact—but I do know it was not easy for him.”

As my father speaks about his life, I feel myself connecting to him even more. My heart aches. How could he have gone through all that? What was his fault?

“Lorenzo and Vincenzo share a good relationship… at least, I believe they do,” my father says thoughtfully.

“But Papa,” I reply, confused, “why does that matter? I am marrying him, not anyone else. It is fine even if he does not.”

He smiles faintly. “What I mean is, like other girls, you must have dreamed of marrying an Alpha or a prince. Living a royal life like other princesses. I have never stopped you from doing anything, and I do not want to know. Just think carefully before deciding.”

Now I understand him.

He has been both father and mother to me. I know how difficult it was for him to raise me alone. There were moments when I needed a mother—like when I first got my period and ran to him in fear. But he did not panic. He made me sit beside him and gently explained everything—how I was no longer a little girl, how my body was changing. He even taught me how to use sanitary pads.

The man sitting in front of me dedicated his entire life to me.

I will not lie—I am not entirely ready for marriage. But I know it is my father’s dream to see me settled. And I would do anything to bring even a small smile to his face.

So far, he has allowed me to chase all my dreams. Whatever my future holds, wherever life takes me, I will go without regret—because I have already lived my dreams.

I am ready to marry someone of his choice. However, he wants me to choose someone I genuinely like. That is why, when I returned from my world tour last night, he handed me this stack of pictures.

Yes, I am a singer and composer. I have a private band. The five of us started it in college, and over time, we became successful. Now we perform in different cities and countries.

And the man in this picture—he caught my attention long ago. I have already seen the emptiness in his eyes. I do not know why, but I want to know him.

My heart longs to know his story.

And perhaps… create our own story together.

Papa thinks I dream of marrying an Alpha or prince and living a glamorous royal life. But honestly, that life suffocates me. Knowing that he does not like royal life and chooses to stay away from Brussels only makes me more curious about him.

“Papa, you know me. I never cared for royal life. I have never denied my responsibilities because I understand them. But if I ever get the chance, I would like to live away from all this drama. I want to meet him—if you approve too.”

“I like him very much,” Papa says warmly. “He is hardworking. He has earned his respect through his own efforts. I would be proud to see you both married.”

“Then arrange the meeting,” I say with a smile, ending the topic before he can continue for hours.

“Alright. Freshen up and come downstairs. Let us have lunch together. Meanwhile, I will speak to the Alpha.” He stands and leaves the room, closing the door behind him.

I sigh softly.

Let us see what destiny has planned for me.