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Kara's POV
The days following Alessandro's request passed in an almost surreal haze. Something had shifted between them after their day in Tuscany. Their conversations flowed more easily, and their silences felt less charged with tension. Yet, Kara couldn't ignore the lingering shadow of Clara's reappearance.
She had promised not to believe anything Clara said, but Alessandro's warning only made her more curious. What was he hiding?
That morning, Kara found herself wandering through the villa gardens, where the lavender bushes were in full bloom. She didn't notice Alessandro approaching until he spoke.
"You're up early," he said, his voice softer than usual.
"I couldn't sleep," she replied.
He stood beside her, hands tucked into his pockets. The warmth of the morning sun cast a golden glow over his features, making him look almost... approachable.
"What's on your mind?" he asked, his tone uncharacteristically gentle.
Kara hesitated, then decided to take a risk. "You."
His brows shot up in surprise. "Me?"
"Yes, you," she said, crossing her arms. "You're like a puzzle that doesn't fit together. One minute, you're the charming businessman, and the next, you're warning me about some woman from your past. I don't know who you are."
Alessandro's expression darkened slightly. "I thought we agreed not to dwell on Clara."
"This isn't about Clara," Kara said, her voice firm. "It's about you and why you keep hiding parts of yourself."
For a moment, he said nothing, his gaze fixed on the horizon. Then, he sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"I'm not hiding," he said finally. "I just don't like being vulnerable. It's not... safe."
Kara frowned. "Safe? What does that mean?"
"People like Clara," he said, his voice low, "they see vulnerability as a weakness to exploit. I've learned to keep my guard up because letting it down only leads to pain."
His words hit Kara harder than she expected. She understood that feeling all too well-the fear of being hurt, of trusting the wrong person.
"Maybe you've just been letting the wrong people in," she said softly.
Their eyes met, and for a moment, it felt like the rest of the world faded away.
---
Alessandro's POV
Her words lingered long after she walked away.
Kara had a way of cutting through his defenses, of seeing parts of him he didn't even realize he was hiding. It terrified him, but it also intrigued him.
That evening, as he prepared for yet another business dinner, Alessandro found himself distracted. He kept replaying their conversation in the garden, the way her eyes had softened when she spoke.
He knew he was treading dangerous territory. This was supposed to be a business arrangement, nothing more. But the lines were blurring, and he wasn't sure how to stop it.
When he stepped into the dining room, Kara was already there, dressed in a simple yet elegant emerald dress that made her look effortlessly beautiful.
"Ready?" she asked, her tone light but her eyes searching his.
"Always," he replied, offering his arm.
---
The Dinner: Both POVs
The dinner was a small gathering of influential figures, hosted by one of Alessandro's closest allies. Kara played her role perfectly, charming the guests with her wit and knowledge of art. Alessandro couldn't help but admire her adaptability, the way she commanded attention without even trying.
But just as the evening seemed to be going smoothly, Clara arrived.
Kara felt her stomach tighten as the blonde woman sauntered into the room, her smile as predatory as ever. Alessandro stiffened beside her, his jaw tightening.
"Alessandro," Clara purred, ignoring Kara entirely. "What a coincidence."
"Clara," he said coldly. "I wasn't aware you were invited."
"Of course I was," she replied with a smirk. "I wouldn't miss an evening like this."
Her gaze finally shifted to Kara. "And you must be the lovely fiancée. How charming."
Kara forced a polite smile. "Clara. It's nice to see you again."
"Oh, I'm sure it is," Clara said, her tone dripping with insincerity.
Alessandro's hand found the small of Kara's back, grounding her. But as Clara leaned in to whisper something in his ear, Kara felt a flash of something she couldn't quite name.
Jealousy.
---
Clara's Move
The dinner dragged on, and Kara's patience wore thin. Clara seemed determined to stay close to Alessandro, her laughter too loud, her touches too familiar.
Finally, as the evening wound down, Clara made her move.
"Alessandro," she said, her voice low but loud enough for Kara to hear, "you really should be careful who you trust. Not everyone has your best interests at heart."
Kara felt her blood boil, but Alessandro responded with a calm she envied.
"I'll keep that in mind," he said, his tone icy.
As Clara walked away, Kara turned to him, her frustration bubbling over.
"Are you just going to let her say things like that?" she demanded.
"What would you have me do?" he replied, his voice sharp. "Cause a scene?"
"Maybe!" she snapped. "At least then I'd know you care!"
The words hung between them, heavier than she intended.
"Kara..." he began, but she shook her head, stepping away.
"I need some air," she said, leaving before he could stop her.
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The Balcony: Alessandro's POV
He found her on the balcony, her arms wrapped around herself as she stared out at the city lights.
"Kara," he said softly, stepping beside her.
She didn't look at him. "I don't know why this is bothering me so much."
"Because you care," he said simply.
Her head snapped toward him, her eyes wide with surprise.
"This was supposed to be simple," she said, her voice trembling. "A deal. Nothing more."
"Things change," he said, his gaze steady.
She laughed bitterly. "And what happens when this ends? When we go our separate ways? What then, Alessandro?"
For the first time, he didn't have an answer.
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End of Chapter Eight