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Kara's POV
The week leading up to the engagement party felt like an elaborate game of endurance. Kara wasn't sure what was worse-learning to smile through endless fittings for extravagant dresses or enduring the constant scrutiny of Alessandro's family.
The villa buzzed with activity. Florists, caterers, and decorators scurried in and out, turning the sprawling estate into something out of a fairy tale. Kara, meanwhile, was trying to figure out how she had gone from a quiet life immersed in art history to being the center of an Italian soap opera.
"Try this one," Alessandro's aunt Isabella said, thrusting yet another gown toward her. It was a deep burgundy silk creation, dripping with glamour and opulence. "It will highlight your figure perfectly. Alessandro won't be able to take his eyes off you."
Kara managed a polite smile, but inwardly she groaned. This is all for show, she wanted to shout. But she held her tongue.
She slipped into the gown, her reflection in the mirror startling her. For a moment, she barely recognized herself. The dress was stunning, hugging her curves and cascading in soft waves of fabric.
"You look breathtaking," Isabella declared, clasping her hands together.
Kara couldn't deny the dress was beautiful, but the thought of parading around in front of a crowd, pretending to be in love with Alessandro, filled her with dread.
---
Alessandro's POV
From his spot in the hallway, Alessandro watched as Kara stepped out of the dressing room. The sight of her in that burgundy gown knocked the air out of his lungs.
She looked... different. Not just beautiful-though she was undeniably that-but strong, poised, and utterly captivating.
"You're staring," Kara said, breaking the spell.
Alessandro smirked, recovering quickly. "Just trying to commit this moment to memory. You know, for the performance."
Her eyes narrowed. "Keep your memories to yourself, Romeo."
He chuckled, but his amusement faded as his aunt joined them.
"Alessandro, darling, don't you think Kara looks exquisite?" Isabella gushed.
"Exquisite doesn't cover it," he said smoothly, watching Kara's cheeks flush.
She looked like she was about to retort, but Isabella clapped her hands. "Wonderful! Now, the two of you must rehearse your entrance. The guests will expect perfection."
"Rehearse?" Kara repeated, alarmed.
"Yes," Isabella said firmly. "You'll walk arm in arm, greeting everyone as the perfect couple."
Kara shot Alessandro a glare that practically screamed, This is your fault.
He offered her his arm with a teasing grin. "Shall we?"
She hesitated, then took his arm begrudgingly.
---
Kara's POV (continued)
As they practiced walking down the grand staircase, Kara was hyper-aware of Alessandro's presence. His arm was warm and solid beneath her hand, and his cologne-a blend of cedar and something faintly citrusy-was distracting.
"Relax," he murmured, his voice low enough that only she could hear.
"I am relaxed," she shot back.
"Sure you are," he said, his lips curving into a smirk.
The smugness in his tone ignited her temper. She stopped abruptly, causing him to stumble slightly.
"Kara-"
"I don't need you telling me how to act," she snapped, her voice low but fierce.
For a moment, Alessandro looked genuinely taken aback. Then his expression softened, and he leaned closer.
"You're right," he said quietly. "I'm sorry."
Kara blinked, startled by the unexpected apology. She wasn't used to him backing down so easily.
"I'm not doing this for me," he added. "This is for both of us. If we don't pull this off, the consequences won't just fall on me."
His words struck a nerve. As much as she hated to admit it, he was right. They were in this together, whether she liked it or not.
"Fine," she said, her tone grudging. "Let's try again."
---
Alessandro's POV (continued)
By the time the evening of the party arrived, Alessandro felt the weight of the charade pressing down on him. The villa sparkled with lights, and the air buzzed with anticipation.
As he waited for Kara at the base of the staircase, he couldn't shake the nervous energy coursing through him. He wasn't used to this-pretending, lying, and caring so much about whether someone else was okay.
When Kara appeared at the top of the staircase, all thoughts fled his mind.
She descended gracefully, the burgundy gown clinging to her in all the right places. Her hair was swept up, exposing the delicate line of her neck, and her green eyes sparkled with determination.
For a moment, Alessandro forgot how to breathe.
"You're staring again," she said as she reached him, though her voice held a note of teasing this time.
He offered her his arm. "Can you blame me?"
She rolled her eyes but took his arm without hesitation.
---
Kara's POV (continued)
The party was as overwhelming as Kara had feared. The guests were a mix of Alessandro's family, influential businesspeople, and the glitterati of Italian society. All eyes seemed to be on her, scrutinizing her every move.
Alessandro, to his credit, played his part perfectly. He was attentive without being overbearing, charming without being insincere.
"You're doing great," he murmured in her ear as they moved through the crowd.
Kara resisted the urge to elbow him. "Don't patronize me."
"Wouldn't dream of it," he said with a grin.
As the evening wore on, Kara began to relax-just a little. The wine helped, as did Alessandro's surprisingly steady presence. She hated to admit it, but he had a way of making her feel... safe.
But just as she was starting to think they might pull this off, a woman approached them-a tall, elegant blonde with piercing blue eyes.
"Alessandro," the woman purred, her gaze flickering to Kara. "And who is this?"
"Clara," Alessandro said, his tone guarded. "This is Kara, my fiancée."
The woman's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Fiancée? My, how quickly things change."
Kara's stomach twisted. Who the hell is this?
---
To be continue!