---
Kara's POV
Kara's instincts immediately went on high alert as the blonde woman-Clara, was it?-lingered just a little too close to Alessandro. There was a familiarity in her tone, a smugness that set Kara's nerves on edge.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Kara," Clara said, her smile dripping with false sweetness. "I had no idea Alessandro was engaged. How long have you two been together?"
Kara's mind scrambled for an answer, but Alessandro smoothly stepped in.
"Long enough to know I couldn't let her go," he said, his hand settling lightly on the small of Kara's back.
The touch was meant to reassure, but it sent an unexpected jolt through her. She resisted the urge to step away, knowing it would only make things worse.
Clara's gaze flickered to Kara's left hand. "And the ring? May I see it?"
Oh, no. Kara froze. In the whirlwind of fittings and rehearsals, they hadn't thought to arrange a ring.
"It's being custom-made," Alessandro said smoothly, without missing a beat. "Only the best for Kara."
Clara raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "How thoughtful of you. Alessandro always did have expensive taste."
Kara bristled at the condescension in her tone, but Alessandro's grip on her back tightened slightly-a silent warning to stay calm.
"Well, I won't keep you," Clara said, her tone sickly sweet. "Enjoy the party. I'll catch up with you later, Alessandro."
As Clara walked away, Kara turned to Alessandro, her voice low and sharp. "Who was that?"
"No one important," he said, his jaw tightening.
"Really? Because she looked at you like she knows everything about you."
"She's an old acquaintance," he said, clearly unwilling to elaborate. "Drop it, Kara."
Her irritation flared, but she forced herself to stay quiet. This wasn't the time or place for a confrontation.
---
Alessandro's POV
Alessandro watched Clara disappear into the crowd, his stomach knotting with unease. He hadn't expected her to show up tonight, and her presence was a complication he didn't need.
Clara was from his past-a chapter he had closed long ago. Or so he thought. Seeing her again brought back memories he'd rather forget, and he didn't want Kara anywhere near that part of his life.
"You're awfully quiet," Kara said, her tone laced with suspicion.
"I'm just thinking," he said, steering her toward the bar. "Would you like a drink?"
She crossed her arms, clearly unimpressed. "Don't change the subject."
Alessandro sighed, realizing he wouldn't get away with deflecting. "Clara and I dated a long time ago. It ended badly, and I haven't spoken to her since. She has no bearing on this."
Kara's eyes narrowed. "Why do I get the feeling there's more to it than that?"
"There isn't," he said firmly. "Now, can we focus on surviving this party?"
She didn't look convinced, but she let the matter drop-for now.
---
Kara's POV (continued)
As the evening wore on, Kara couldn't shake the nagging feeling that Alessandro wasn't being entirely honest with her. Clara's arrival had thrown him off balance, and that alone was enough to make Kara wary.
Still, she had to admit he was doing an excellent job of playing the devoted fiancé. His hand rested on hers during conversations, his laughter was easy and natural, and his compliments-though often teasing-felt surprisingly genuine.
And yet, every time she caught sight of Clara across the room, her stomach churned. There was a tension in Alessandro's demeanor that hadn't been there before.
"Kara, darling," Isabella's voice interrupted her thoughts. "Come, there's someone I'd like you to meet."
Kara followed Isabella reluctantly, Alessandro trailing behind. They were introduced to a dignified older man-a potential investor, Kara guessed. She smiled and made polite conversation, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Alessandro's cryptic reaction to Clara.
---
Alessandro's POV (continued)
From across the room, Alessandro caught Clara watching him. Her gaze was calculating, her smile knowing. It was the same expression she used to wear when she was about to make a move-one he wouldn't like.
He needed to put an end to whatever game she was playing before it spiraled out of control.
"Excuse me," he murmured to Kara and Isabella, stepping away.
Clara was waiting for him by the balcony, her posture casual but her eyes sharp.
"You've done well for yourself, Alessandro," she said as he approached. "The American fiancée. Very convincing."
"Why are you here, Clara?" he asked, his tone cold.
"Can't an old friend pay her respects?" she replied innocently.
"We're not friends."
Her smile widened. "No, I suppose we're not. But I couldn't resist coming to see the man who once claimed he'd never settle down. And now here you are, the picture of domestic bliss."
"This isn't your business," he said tightly.
"Isn't it?" she said, stepping closer. "You and I both know your family is everything to you. I wonder how they'd feel if they knew the truth about this little arrangement."
Alessandro's blood ran cold.
---
Kara's POV (continued)
Kara spotted Alessandro and Clara on the balcony, their conversation clearly intense. She couldn't hear what they were saying, but Alessandro's rigid posture spoke volumes.
She didn't know why she felt so uneasy. This was supposed to be a fake engagement-she shouldn't care who Alessandro talked to or what his past held. And yet, watching him with Clara filled her with an inexplicable sense of dread.
"Jealousy doesn't suit you," Isabella said, appearing at her side.
Kara jumped, flustered. "I'm not jealous."
"Of course not," Isabella said, her smile sly. "But if you were, I'd suggest doing something about it."
Kara frowned, unsure what Isabella meant. But as Alessandro reentered the room, his expression stormy, she resolved to get to the bottom of whatever was going on.
---
End of Chapter Six