"This situation appears rather grim. The captured expressions on both of your faces raise concerns, and despite my desire to trust your words over a mere photograph, how do we address the perceptions of others?" Chiara inquires."You know what, Chiara? Can I call you back on this?""Of course."As I pace around the room, I reassure myself that this decision is for the best. Blocking him was necessary after discovering that he was unharmed. I toss a heap of magazines into the bin, each one with ridiculous headlines from the art exhibition event. One headline stands out among the rest: "Marco, Surviving a Series of Mishaps, is Stung by the Sight of his Ex with New Lover, James Williams," with a picture of him looking at James with disdain.If I knew he was going to show up, I wouldn't have come. Just as I start to process the headlines, James walks through the door, startling me."James? You didn't mention you were coming over," I say, surprised."I was in the neighborhood and thought I

"Hey girl, are we seriously going to watch Giovanni and Flora's wedding?" Chiara asks, her eyes widening in disbelief."Love is a beautiful thing and everyone's going to think I've got some ancient curse or something. Is the universe trying to send me a message?" I sigh, chucking popcorn into my mouth with abandon."Enough of this pity party," Chiara declares, snatching the remote and shutting off the TV."Hey, give that back!" I protest, lunging for the remote."Valentina Luca, listen up! You are not cursed! Marco didn't bail because he wanted to, but because his parents made him. You said it yourself. And trust me, God's got bigger things to deal with than your love life," Chiara reassures me, her tone firm but loving."After seeing that text, I don't know what to believe anymore. It's like every word out of Marco's mouth was a lie," I confess, feeling a surge of frustration."About that text, you said he didn't reply. You need to talk to Marco about this, Valentina. Clear the air,"

I walk through the grand hall, immediately enveloped in a world of luxury and grandeur. The space is adorned with striking hues of black and gold, interspersed with vibrant touches of green. In the midst of the bustling activity, tables are adorned with sleek black linens accented with gold trim, complemented by centerpieces featuring fresh green foliage and delicate gold accents. Candles in ornate gold holders add a romantic ambiance to each table.Workers in black attire move about, meticulously adjusting lighting fixtures and sound equipment. The open floor space for dancing gleams under the shimmering lights above. The dance floor itself is expansive, bordered by elegant gold railings adorned with cascading greenery, promising a fantastic night tomorrow.I notice Adanna and the event planner, Hannah, deep in conversation at the alcove of the ballroom. Approaching them, I clear my throat to announce my presence."Hannah, Adanna, how are the preparations for the ball coming along?"

"It's now or never," I steel myself."Marco, I destroyed your life," I confess, my voice trembling with guilt."What do you mean?" he asks, his brow furrowing in confusion."After you reached out to me for forgiveness, I saw it as a chance to exact revenge on you and your family. I wanted you to experience what it feels like to come from nothing," I explain.His hands release mine as he unbuttons his suit, the gravity of my confession gradually beginning to sink in. Marco’s gaze bore into mine, his eyes searching for any hint of fallacy in my words.Marco’s jaw tightens, his features hardening with each passing moment. “What did you do?” he demands, his voice a low growl that sends shivers down my spine.“I.. I hired…”“Speak!”“I hired a private investigator to find any dirt on you and your family and then I found out that the company was experiencing some financial glitch and tricked your father into buying majority of his shares which he fell for. The private investigator found out

Chiara adjusts her belt, breaking the silence. "He still hasn't reached out?""No, and honestly, I don't blame him. What I did was truly unforgivable." I say as I exhale.Chiara offers a reassuring smile. "Well, you didn't want to go through with it eventually, so it doesn't make you evil. Give me that phone. This vacation is all about self-care and mental detox."Relieved, I hand her the phone. "Thanks for putting together this trip to Santorini and for booking the villa. I still insist I refund though."She chuckles. " And my response still stands. This doesn't even come close to the things you've done for me. I should be thanking you for inviting me along and giving me the chance to experience flying private. I promise you, this trip is going be worth it. Who knows, you might find your prince char—" She pauses, catching my glare. "I mean, your peace and closure."I manage a weak smile, my worst fears have just been confirmed, she definitely has something up her sleeve. 'This trip h