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Alessandro's POV
The morning sunlight filtered through the sprawling windows of Alessandro's family villa, casting a golden glow over the ornate dining room. Normally, mornings like this were a time of peace, a chance to prepare for the day ahead. But today, he found himself seated across from Kara McAllister, his new fiancée.
She was picking at her croissant, her lips pressed into a thin line, clearly regretting every life decision that had brought her here. Alessandro sipped his espresso, watching her with barely concealed amusement.
"Do you always look this miserable in the morning, or is it just me?" he asked, breaking the silence.
Her head snapped up, her green eyes narrowing. "Do you always enjoy being insufferable, or is it just me?"
He grinned. "Touché."
Kara rolled her eyes and set her fork down with a sigh. "Let's get one thing straight. I agreed to this arrangement because I had no other choice. But that doesn't mean I'm going to play the part of your doting fiancée without boundaries."
"Boundaries?" Alessandro leaned back in his chair, feigning surprise. "I thought we were madly in love."
"Madly in something," she muttered under her breath.
Alessandro chuckled, but his amusement faded as his aunt swept into the room, her presence as commanding as ever.
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Kara's POV
Kara barely had time to brace herself before Alessandro's aunt, Isabella De Luca, entered the dining room like a whirlwind. Dressed in an elegant emerald-green ensemble, she radiated authority and charm. Her sharp eyes immediately zeroed in on Kara, and a warm smile spread across her face.
"There she is!" Isabella exclaimed, clasping her hands together. "The woman who's stolen my nephew's heart."
Kara's stomach churned. This is going to be a disaster.
"Good morning, Aunt Isabella," Alessandro said smoothly, rising to kiss her cheek. "You're as radiant as ever."
"Flattery will get you nowhere," Isabella replied, though her expression softened. She turned to Kara. "And you, my dear, how are you adjusting to all this excitement?"
Kara forced a smile, trying to channel the grace of someone who belonged in a villa like this. "It's... a lot to take in, but I'm managing."
"Well, you must let me know if you need anything," Isabella said, taking a seat. "After all, you're family now."
Kara shot Alessandro a look, silently demanding how long she'd have to endure this charade. He responded with a subtle smirk and a raised brow, as if daring her to back out.
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Alessandro's POV (continued)
As the morning progressed, Alessandro found himself unexpectedly enjoying Kara's quick wit and barely concealed irritation. She wasn't like anyone he'd met before-sharp, fiery, and completely unimpressed by him.
But beneath her defiance, he sensed vulnerability. He caught it in the way her gaze flickered nervously whenever Isabella mentioned weddings or family traditions. It was clear she wasn't used to this kind of attention, and he couldn't blame her.
Still, he needed her to succeed in this role. His family had already bought into the story, and any cracks in their performance could lead to disaster.
"Since we're all here," Isabella began, her tone deceptively casual, "I think it's time to discuss the engagement party."
Kara froze. "Engagement party?"
"Of course!" Isabella exclaimed. "We must celebrate this union properly. I'll handle all the arrangements, but I'll need you both to approve the guest list."
Alessandro hid a sigh. He should have anticipated this. His aunt never did anything halfway.
"That sounds... lovely," he said, glancing at Kara.
She didn't respond immediately. Instead, she fixed him with a look that could have melted steel.
"I'll leave you two to discuss the details," Isabella said, rising gracefully. "But remember, appearances are everything."
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Kara's POV (continued)
As soon as Isabella was out of earshot, Kara rounded on Alessandro.
"Engagement party? Are you serious?"
"I told you this wasn't going to be simple," he replied, his tone infuriatingly calm.
"You also told me this was temporary," she shot back. "A quick fix, remember? Not a full-blown charade with parties and guest lists."
"It still is temporary," he said, leaning forward. "But if we don't sell this story, it won't work. My family is nothing if not thorough."
Kara groaned, burying her face in her hands. She felt like she was losing control of her life, one carefully crafted lie at a time.
"Look," Alessandro said, his voice softer now. "I know this isn't easy for you. It's not exactly how I envisioned my life, either. But we're in this together now. The sooner we make them believe, the sooner we can end this."
She looked up at him, surprised by the hint of sincerity in his eyes. For a moment, she wondered if there was more to Alessandro De Luca than the arrogant businessman he appeared to be.
"Fine," she said, her voice heavy with resignation. "But if you so much as think about adding another layer to this madness, I'm out."
Alessandro nodded. "Fair enough. Now, shall we start on that guest list?"
Kara groaned again, but this time, there was the faintest trace of a smile tugging at her lips.
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