One Perfect Day

ARYA’S POV"Absolutely not," Giovanni said, crossing his arms and planting his feet like a stubborn child. "I agreed to come with you. I didn't agree to participate."We were standing in the spa's reception area, surrounded by the soothing scent of lavender and the soft sounds of meditation music. The spa workers, two cheerful Italian women who clearly recognized Giovanni and were doing their best not to show it, as they exchanged amused glances."But that's the whole point!" I protested. "You can't just sit there and watch me get pampered. That's weird.""I'm providing security.""You're providing excuses." I turned to one of the workers and read the name on her tag. “Sofia, tell him that couples' spa treatments are meant to be done together."Sofia's eyes darted between us nervously. "Well, signora, typically both guests do participate in the couples treatments.""See?" I looked at Giovanni triumphantly. "Even Sofia thinks you should participate.""I don't need a facial," he said f

Last Updated : 2026-01-15

Caught Again

ARYA’S POVThe shopping bags were heavy, cutting into my palms as we made our way back to the villa. I didn't mind because they were evidence of the best day I had. But the moment we pulled up to the entrance, something felt off.Enzo was waiting at the door, his usual smile was replaced with a grim frown. The second he saw us, he straightened up, his eyes going immediately to Giovanni."Boss," he called out. "We need to talk. It's urgent."I paused on the steps, my bags rustling. "Is everything-"Giovanni was already moving toward Enzo and they met halfway, and Enzo leaned in close, speaking in rapid Italian that I couldn't follow.Whatever he said made Giovanni's expression harden immediately."Cazzo," Giovanni muttered, then more words I didn't understand. His whole demeanor had shifted and they started walking toward the house, completely absorbed in their conversation. I stood there holding my bags, suddenly feeling very much like an outsider.Giovanni seemed to remember I exis

Last Updated : 2026-01-16

The Plan

ARYA’S POVGiovanni stepped out from the study, positioning himself beside Enzo, and I felt my face flush with embarrassment. I quickly tried to hide the Italian-English dictionary behind my back, pressing it against my spine like that would make it invisible.But Giovanni's eyes tracked the movement immediately, and he raised his brows in suspicion. "What's that?" he asked, his voice deceptively casual."Nothing," I said quickly. "Just a book I was reading."His hand extended. "Let me see it.""It's really not anything important.""Arya." The warning in his voice was clear.I reluctantly pulled the dictionary from behind my back and handed it over. Giovanni flipped through it, his frown getting deeper with each page he turned. He stopped on a page I had dog-eared and let out a sharp laugh that held no humor."Were you spying on us?" he asked, looking up at me with those storm-cloud eyes."I wasn't… I stammered, trying to find words that would make this better. "I just wanted to un

Last Updated : 2026-01-16

Training Day

ARYA’S POVI woke up to sunlight streaming through my window and the distant sound of waves crashing against the rocks below the villa. After a long bath that left me feeling almost human, I threw on denim shorts and an oversized sweater and padded downstairs barefoot, following the smell of fresh coffee and something sweet.The dining room was empty except for Enzo, who was already halfway through a plate of pastries and scrolling through his phone."Morning," he said without looking up. "Sleep well?""Better than you, apparently." I gestured at his plate. "Is that your third cornetto?""Fourth, actually." He grinned, completely unashamed. "I'm bulking."I arched my brow, frowning. "You're what now?""Bulking muscle. It's a fitness thing." He said with a grin. I poured myself coffee and sat down across from him. "Enzo, four pastries is not bulking. That's just... eating four pastries.""Carbs are important for muscle development.""Is that what you tell yourself?""It's what I tell

Last Updated : 2026-01-17

The Masquerade Ball

ARYA’S POVThe dress was a deep midnight blue that seemed to shimmer between black and sapphire depending on how the light hit it. The bodice was intricately beaded, the skirt flowing and elegant, with a slit that reached mid-thigh. My hair was styled in an elaborate updo, with a few curls framing my face.And the mask.The mask was a work of art with silver shaped like delicate feathers, covering the upper half of my face but leaving my lips and jaw exposed. It tied with black silk ribbons at the back of my head.I looked like I belonged at a masquerade ball full of Italian crime lords. “You can do this,” I said to myself. “You've trained for this. You're ready.”My reflection didn't look entirely convinced, but she was trying.I took a deep breath, adjusted the mask one final time, and headed downstairs.The foyer was busy with guards checking equipment, Enzo reviewing something on a tablet, Luca speaking rapid Italian into his phone. And in the center of it all, waa Giovanni.He

Last Updated : 2026-01-18

Into the Lions Den

ARYA’S POVMy heart was hammering so hard I was convinced everyone could hear it. The security guard was still staring at her computer screen, and more people were starting to look our way, their conversations quieting as they sensed drama.I adjusted my mask, trying to look confident rather than terrified.Luca stepped forward smoothly. "Perhaps there's been a mistake with the database entry? Signorina Colombo's father is very particular about security measures. It's possible-""What's going on?" A new voice cut through the tension, it had the kind of easy confidence that came from knowing you owned the room.I turned to see a man approaching, probably in his late twenties, devastatingly handsome in a tailored tuxedo and a gold mask rested on top of his head yet it made his dark eyes even more striking. The security guards immediately straightened, their demeanor shifting to respectful."Signor Conti," the female guard said, her tone apologetic. "We're just verifying some identific

Last Updated : 2026-01-19