Chapter 17
Ava’s POV
As I’d predicted, Fabio offered no explanation to Diego. He simply ushered me into his car, and we were soon speeding towards his mansion. I glanced down at my attire: a simple summer short, a striped black cotton jacket, and white tennis shoes. If hat on earth?
“What are you doing? Can’t you just leave me at my house, Don Fabio–or Moretti, or whoever you are? Why are you dragging me into your family’s issues, your business? I’m not even involved,” I said, my voice slowly calm, though I was fighting the urge to scream at him
He couldn’t resist a soft, half–smile as he drove, his eyes focused on the road. “I didn’t know you could talk to me like this.
“Then how am I supposed to talk to you, if you don’t treat me like a normal person?” I asked quietly, still trying to make him understand.
“My grandfather wants me to marry the Sullivan heiress and I don’t want to marry her, Fabio said, his tone flat.
I scoffed softly. “Oh, and how is that my problem?”
“It is my problem, he corrected, then added, “And this could be a win–win situation. Since I’m rest of your life, you can do me a small favor. You’ll come to dinner with me, and act like we’re… well, flirting. Just enough to
g to protect you for the discourage that woman from pursuing me.”
I was right. Fabio Moretti, a man who seemed to only care about himself. He had no interest in women, no desire for marriage. He was almost thirty–one, yet he lived as if he intended to be the last Moretti heir, a dead end to the family line.
“Okay, so by showing up dressed like this? Like some random gardener?” I scoffed. “Fine. Deal. I don’t have the time or energy to impress them anyway
He smiled, a real, happy smile, which was surprising. I’d never seen him look like that. I thought he didn’t know how to smile, which is part of why I disliked him. But now, I felt like I was making a dangerous friend.
When we got to the mansion, we walked down the hallway together. To my shock, the long dining table was full of people, including my ex–husband and his new wife, Erica. They were here for this event?
“What’s happening?” I whispered to Fabio.
“Engagement party,” he whispered back. “The one I’m about to ruin.”
My heart started pounding. Oh, wow.
Erica stood up, clearly surprised to see me at the family gathering. Her smile was tight, fake, and didn’t reach her eyes. We exchanged air kisses, a hollow formality. Then, Fabio moved away to greet the other guests.
“Oh, look at you, Erica said, her eyes scanning my gardening attire with thinly veiled disdain.
“Oh, well, I was gardening when Fabio… whisked me away,” I replied with a fake smile.
She gave a forced chuckle and gradually raised her hand to her forehead, showcasing her engagement and wedding rings. She said in a low voice, meant only for my ears, “There’s no way you’re close to the Don. You can’t call him by his name without his permission. you’re kidding yourself, Ava. She glanced at Caspian, who chitchatted deeply with other organization members. Then she added, “Unless you’re trying to make Caspian jealous. Keep dreaming”
I nodded and smiled at her. “Actually. Im not here for you or Caspian. I’ve moved on
Erica raised an eyebrow, her smile still in place, but her voice now edged with annoyance. “You’re lying.”
“Excuse me,” I said, cutting her off. She was draining, a complete energy vampire. One conversation with her, and I felt utterly depleted.
I grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, and suddenly, Fabio’s grandfather noticed me. “Oh, look who we have bere… Ava Romanov”
1 put the champagne glass on the table, smiling politely. “Hello, Senior Alessandro.”
+8 Pearls
Then, I saw Hailey and her father surrounded by their guards. They brought them everywhere like they were royalty. Hailey raised an eyebrow, her expression disdainful. “What are you doing here at my engagement party, dressed like that?” Every eye in the room turned to me. Fabio, hearing the commotion, approached me, his gaze sweeping over his grandfather and then the crowd. “She’s here because I invited her
Mr. Sullivan looked at me, confused. Hailey’s face twisted like she was about to cry. She looked like a spoiled child whose candy was taken away. She glared at her father, signaling him to do something.
“The food is ready. Let’s feast, shall we?” Senior Alessandro announced, trying to ease the tension.
I sat in the chair Fabio pointed to, and suddenly, everyone was staring. It felt like we’d done something wrong.
Hailey looked upset and sat next to her dad, even though she clearly wanted to sit by Fabio.
The table was overflowing with food, but I wasn’t hungry. With everyone here being, well, killers, I half expected it to be poisoned.
Then Fabio sat right next to me and smiled. “Why are you so surprised? I wanted to sit here.”
I remembered our deal.
Right, the deal to discourage the Sullivan heiress.
Caspian, sitting across from me, stared so intensely that it made me uncomfortable.
What the fuck is his problem?
Then Erica saw him looking at me and tried to get his attention back. “Eyes here, Caspian.”
Just then, Diego and Dante showed up. They sat down, looking fierce.
“What’s going on?” Dante asked, his eyes sweeping across the table, stopping on me. “Or are we celebrating something?”
Hailey’s face lit up with a broad, beaming, sweet smile. “Oh, we’re celebrating the engagement! I’m so excited to be part of the Moretti family soon.”
Dante smirked, a playful edge to his voice. “Then why are you sitting next to your dad? You should be glued to your future husband
Hailey’s smile faltered, replaced by a trace of irritation.
Then Dante chuckled softly, picking up a lobster. “Just teasing.”
Mr. Sullivan clasped his hands together, his tone smooth and measured. “So, Fabio, when are we thinking of the wedding date? Are we aiming for this year?”
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