The Meeting

Alessia didn’t know which burned more—Luca’s scent still on her skin or the panic she felt when she saw Daisy at the other end of the hallway.

Her heart hammered as she adjusted her dress quickly and walked toward her friend. She masked her flushed cheeks with a polite, tired smile.

“Where have you been?” Daisy asked, folding her arms.

Alessia forced a chuckle. “Luca asked me to tidy up… an abandoned room downstairs. He said he was expecting a special guest.”

Daisy raised a brow, skeptical. “He’s usually expecting his usual sluts, but not a maid,” she said jokingly.

Alessia dropped her gaze, guilt washing over her. Then, trying to change the topic and use the moment to apologize to her, she said, “Daisy… I’m sorry. I shattered your dreams of becoming married into the Morano family. But you know I didn’t choose any of this. If I had my way, you’d be the one Donato chose for Luca. You deserve it. You’ve worked just as hard as I have.”

“I’ve worked hard, yes,” Daisy replied softly. “But I’m not bitter. I’m your friend, Alessia. I wish you well… even if it hurts a little.”

Alessia's eyes welled up. “Do you mean that?”

Daisy nodded, her smile tight with emotion. “Yes. Now, come on. Let’s not keep the entire house wondering where the two closest people to the inner chambers disappeared to.”

They laughed lightly, hugging each other before dashing up the stairs, brushing off the weight in their chests.

But the calm didn’t last.

***

Two days later, the Donatos arrived at the Bianchi family’s home.

Their presence was impossible to miss—sleek black cars, sharp-suited bodyguards, and velvet boxes filled with golden jewelry and ceremonial gifts.

Alessia stood still as her mother wept beside her, caught between pride and dread. Donato made their intentions known in public. The wedding would take place in six weeks. Invitations were already being sent.

What was supposed to be a secret arrangement had become a spectacle. Alessia barely had time to breathe before fate decided to shove her further down a path she hadn’t chosen.

***

That weekend, Lorenzo came.

She had longed for his face. The way he used to hold her hands and whisper that he’d wait. That everything would work out.

But as he stood outside the door, seeing the luxury cars and the guards at the gate, something twisted inside him. He didn’t knock. He didn’t announce his arrival.

Instead, he heard them.

Voices from inside. Laughter. The Donato name spoken like a crown placed on Alessia’s head.

He clenched his fist.

By the time Alessia spotted him from her window and rushed out to the gate, he was already walking away.

“Lorenzo!” she cried, running towards him.

He paused. His back was to her. She caught up and grabbed his arm.

“I didn’t ask for any of this,” she said breathlessly. “You know I didn’t. You know the kind of people they are. They don’t ask. They just... decide.”

Lorenzo turned around. His eyes were unreadable. Cold. But his smile was worse—it was empty.

“Well,” he said simply. “Happy married life in advance.”

She blinked, stunned. “That’s it? You’re not even going to fight for me?”

“Fight?” he repeated with a small laugh. “Fight the Moranos? For a woman who’s already halfway into their world? No. I’m not that foolish.”

Her chest tightened. “Lorenzo, you’re hurting me.”

“No, Alessia. I’m just not hurting for you anymore.”

With that, he turned and walked away.

She didn’t follow him.

She couldn’t.

As the sound of his footsteps faded behind her, Alessia stood in the middle of the gate, her world crumbling in silent pieces. For the first time since her father’s death, she felt completely alone.

And in the shadows of the upper window, someone else had been watching.

It was Luca........