DANTEThe low hum of my sleek Aston Martin reverberated through the air as I parked in front of the building. The sleek lines of the building mirrored the precision that defined my life. Russo Enterprises.Stepping into the building, the familiar nod from the receptionist greeted me."Good morning, Mr. Russo.""Morning," I replied, the routine of corporate life unfolding around me.Victoria, my personal assistant, rushed with a tablet in hand. "Mr Russo, there's an urgent matter from Anderson Global. They're eager for the collaboration we discussed."I sighed inwardly. Anderson Global – a calculated risk that could tip the scales of profit or loss. "Set up a meeting. Let's see if they're worth my time.""Of course, Mr. Russo," Victoria acknowledged.Walking past my secretary, Marissa, she flashed me a seductive smile, "Morning, Mr Russo." I nodded in acknowledgement, ignoring her failed attempt to flirt.We shared a history, but I made sure her place in my world was clear. A pawn in
OLIVIAGetting up from bed and stepping into the world often feels like signing up for a game of "How many things can go wrong today?"That's right.First, there's the struggle with the alarm clock, rudely interrupting my fake and peaceful scenarios more interesting than the reality I'm about to face.Then comes the bathroom routine and wardrobe crisis. Do you go for comfort and risk resembling a zombie who hasn't eaten brains for days, or do you attempt to look like a functional human being? Comfort is easier but uglier.The walk or drive to school has to be the most challenging part. You're on the road knowing you're walking or driving into everlasting doom, yeah, that's what college feels like sometimes, and you can't really do anything about it. I mean there's the choice of dropping out and eloping with the man of my dreams, maybe Chris Hemsworth, if he ever notices me that is, but-And finally, you arrive at college grounds, and it's a miracle if you make it through the day with
OLIVIAThe shuffling sounds reached my ears, building anticipation until, the door swung open."Hey, Olly," Matteo greeted, his warm smile causing a flutter in my stomach.I replied with a wide smile, "Hey, Matteo.""Come on in, make yourself comfortable," he held the door open for me as I stepped inside.Beige and brown hues draped everything, from the walls to the furniture, creating a cozy yet neutral ambiance.Matteo smiled while shutting the door behind him. "I'm glad you could make it. I thought you might not because of the rain," he said, acknowledging the obvious challenges."I had the worst day today. First, the surprise test, then the rain totally caught me off guard. To top it off, I left my chocolate frappe in Izzy's car—the same car that stopped in the middle of the road. And guess who finally got me here? Dante!" I exclaimed."Dante helped you out? That's surprising. He's not really one to offer assistance willingly.""He thought I was Izzy. I'm sure if he knew it was me
OLIVIAThe morning sun spilled into the room, casting a warm glow on the tousled sheets that wrapped around Matteo and I."Morning, sleepyhead," Matteo's voice greeted me.As I turned, I noticed he was already wide awake, most likely watching me watching me while I was sleep."Good morning. We've turned into a puzzle, haven't we?"A playful smirk adorned Matteo's face, "Best way to wake up, in my opinion.""Yeah, not a bad way at all," I agreed, snuggling further into him.Matteo's eyes sparkled, "So, how'd you sleep?""I had a dream, I was solving mysteries in a chocolate factory. I had on the Sherlock Holmes hat and all.""Maybe your dreams are trying to tell you something."I raised an eyebrow, "Like what?""Maybe you need more chocolate in your life," He teased. "Speaking of, hungry?""Starving," I admitted."How about some waffles? I make a mean batch," Matteo suggested, untangling himself from the sheets."I'm definitely interested, now take me to the kitchen and feed your starv
OLIVIAIsabella held up a backless halter top and skater skirt, asking, "How about this?""Well?" Emma pressed."Not that either," I sighed, and they both groaned in annoyance."We've been at this for an hour; everyone is ready, dressed, and you're still in your pajamas."Emma wore a Criss Cross tie-up crop top with a denim mini skirt, complemented by brown ankle boots that matched her top. Completing the look, she sported a smoky eyeshadow look, along with a deep burgundy lipstick coated with gloss, while, Isabella flaunted a black drawstring mini dress paired with white ankle-strapped stilettos. Her makeup featured a hooded eyeshadow look, complementing her nude lip combo, also coated with gloss.I'm the last man standing."Okay, this," Emma presented a white strapless corset top with a black mini skirt.That doesn't look bad, actually."I'll take it.""You will?" Izzy sighed in relief.I nodded, snatching it from Emma and walking into my closet to change.Shortly after, I stepped o
DANTE.Sorting through paperwork, I felt the night's rhythm humming outside the building. I juggled with the increasing workload while still contending with my father's persistent efforts to force a collaboration I want no part in, I need him to grasp that he no longer owns me or this company. I've built it up through my own hard work, not his.My thoughts has also been consumed by a particular brunette – someone I shouldn't be dwelling on, someone who shouldn't even be on my mind. Perhaps it's her infuriating and irksome nature that leads me to think about her, and damn, it's getting on my nerves.The phone suddenly rang, and Izzy's name flashed on my screen. Answering, a mix of muffled voices and background noise spilled out."Dante! You won't believe it! No wait, first of all, I was thinking you'd be busy with some random chick," Izzy slurred over the phone."Where the fuck are you, Izzy?""Oh, I'm at this party with Izzy and Olivia—oops, I'm Izzy. I'm at a party with Emma and Oll
OLIVIAEver imagined the sensation of a massive brick wall falling on your head or the impact of a truck hitting you, sending you flying over the road with your head colliding against a hard concrete wall? That's precisely what I feel right now. It's like the brick is repeatedly crashing onto my head, and the little guy in my head, meant to catch the brick, is preoccupied trying to piece together everything that happened last night.The only thing the little guy can recall is Tyler exchanging words with Denny while Emma and I continued drinking. Isabella disappeared to God knows where, and that's about it. I remember who brought us home because Dante told me, and even if he didn't, I'd figure it out from the chaos unfolding at the moment.Two pairs of eyes scrutinized the five of us, each dealing with a severe hangover. Well, mine was less severe since I took painkillers earlier when I woke up."This is seriously unnecessary," Isabella muttered as she maintained eye contact with both
OLIVIAThanksgiving arrived swiftly, the days leading up to it blending into a blur of moments. I opted not to go home for Thanksgiving, but fortunately, I'm not spending it alone in my dorm. Matteo and Isabella insisted I join them, and though I initially thought it might be awkward, I eventually caved in. Emma had already left for Miami on Sunday, and things have felt different without her. Tyler seems pretty miserable, or so I heard from Matteo.I already called my dad earlier this morning , and now I'm getting dressed with Izzy to go to her parent's house. Opting for a maxi gown and cropped sweater paired with a black purse, I spent most of the night contemplating what would be appropriate to wear, especially since Isabella informed me last minute that I'd be accompanying her.I would be meeting Matteo's parents as his girlfriend for the first time, it has me on edge, and saying I'm nervous would be an understatement. The anticipation is heightened, particularly with the wary glan