Aleena - POV

My eyes stayed glued to the screen as I typed lines of code, trying to create a model for studying human behavior. Frustration gnawed at me when another error appeared. I never made mistakes like this. What was happening? I am distracted.

"Sis!" A loud voice made me flinch.

Before I could react, El pulled me out of my chair and wrapped me in a bear hug, making me smile with happiness. I hugged her back, gently patting her wavy brown hair.

Then it clicked. She shouldn't be here.

"El, why are you here?" I asked.

She pulled back and raised an eyebrow. "That's the first thing you want to ask me? I thought you'd say you missed me."

"I missed you, okay?" I said. "But I told you to stay away from the Caruso estate."

I held her shoulders, my expression serious. From across the room, I could feel Caldwell's eyes on us.

"I said I wouldn't step foot in this estate again," she whispered. "But Dad said I shouldn't miss my sister's engagement. Guess what? I had to hear about it from him instead of you."

I sighed.

"I'm sorry. I wanted to tell you."

"Then tell me why you're marrying Nico Bellini of all people."

"You should've spent your vacation with your friends instead of coming here," I said, trying to change the subject.

"I'm not missing your engagement, Sis." Her voice softened. "So, you and Nico Bellini are tied in arranged marriage? Why didn't you tell me?"

I couldn't tell her the truth. My reason for agreeing to this arranged marriage.

"Because I love him," I lied. "But he doesn't feel the same way. I think this arrangement will help us fall in love."

What nonsense am I spewing to her? I am sure she won't buy it.

"Wait!" El's eyes lit up. "This is a one-sided love story, and an arranged marriage? Sis, this could totally turn into genuine love, like one of those romance movies."

Thank God she believed the lie. I hated how excited she sounded.

"Something like that," I muttered, turning back to the screen so she wouldn't see my face.

"Oh my God, sis. I can help you make Nico fall for you."

I didn't need help. I didn't even care about him. But I couldn't say that.

"First, you need a makeover," she said, dragging me away from my desk. "The nerd look with the glasses isn't helping."

"I like the nerd look," I argued. "And I don't mind going to my engagement like this."

I pulled away, but she kept trying to drag me.

"Hell no. You need a makeover, sis. Even if I have to drag you myself."

"Hell no," I shot back.

She huffed and planted her hands on her hips.

"Fine. Rock, paper, scissors. Loser does whatever the winner says."

"No. I'm not playing any games. I'll wear one of Mom's old gowns from the closet. It'll fit me."

She narrowed her eyes. "Are you sure you love this guy?"

"Yes," I said with a soft tone.

"Oh, I get it." She smirked. "You're scared you'll lose."

I didn't react.

"You know what, Sis? I heard you back down from challenges."

"It seems like you're not going to leave me alone," I hissed.

"Not a chance," El said with a cheerful grin.

"So, are you in or not?" she asked.

"How about we flip a coin?" I suggested with a smile.

She sighed, but nodded. "Fine. I call tails."

I flipped the coin into the air, catching it against my palm before revealing the result.

"Heads."

"You're cheating your sister." My head snapped toward the corner of the room at the sound of Caldwell's voice.

"Wait, what?" El asked, turning toward him. "What do you mean? Who are you?"

Caldwell walked over to me while I glared at him.

"You really shouldn't interfere in my business," I whispered.

His blue eyes held mine without a flicker of emotion. Then he held out his fist. One by one, his fingers opened, revealing another coin inside his hand. My stomach dropped. Before I could stop him, he easily pried open my fingers, took the coin from my hand, and handed it to El.

She stared at it in shock. Both sides were heads.

"You've been cheating me this whole time?" El gasped. "Every time we did coin flips?"

I gave her a guilty smile.

"Wait... whenever I picked heads, you still won?" she asked suspiciously.

"I had another coin with both sides having tails too," I admitted.

Her glare sharpened instantly.

"Can you forgive me for all the times I cheated?" I asked carefully while silently shooting daggers at Caldwell. Why did he suddenly care enough to expose me? He usually stayed out of everything.

"I'll forgive you," El said, placing her hands on her hips, "but only if you come shopping with me and finally get rid of the nerd look."

"I'll agree if you let this go permanently."

The look she gave me said she absolutely planned to use this against me later.

"Fine," she said proudly. "Let's go."

I shot Caldwell another irritated glare. For a brief second, I thought I saw amusement flicker in his eyes. But when I looked again, his face was unreadable.

"What's wrong with my current look?" I asked.

El looked me up and down.

"There's nothing wrong with being a nerd," she said carefully. "But sometimes you need to switch things up depending on the

situation."

I knew exactly what she meant. Eleanor could charm her way out of almost anything, especially speeding tickets. I followed her downstairs while Caldwell trailed behind us quietly. Eleanor glanced at him before looking back at me with curiosity.

"Who is this guy who revealed your secret to me?" El asked.

"Dad hired a bodyguard," I explained.

"He's handsome," she whispered with a grin.

"You have a boyfriend," I reminded her.

Her expression dropped for half a second before she brightened again, clearly too excited about dragging me shopping to care.

"I'm driving," El announced.

The chauffeur immediately stepped aside. I took the passenger seat while Caldwell sat in the back.

"Let's go shopping!" El shouted excitedly.

She drove like an absolute maniac, but strangely, the speed didn't scare me. It made me feel alive.

The wind rushing through the open windows cleared away some of the frustration weighing on my chest. She dragged me through one clothing boutique after another, forcing me to try on dress after dress. Saying no to El was impossible.

Eventually, I stepped out of the fitting room wearing a stunning burgundy gown. The fabric flowed softly around me, with a fitted bodice covered in delicate detailing and thin straps resting against my shoulders. The long, trailing skirt moved elegantly with every step. El gasped dramatically. Caldwell's blue eyes lingered on me for a brief second before he looked away, scanning the perimeter for danger.

"Damn, Sis. You look gorgeous," she muttered while quickly taking pictures on her phone. "You've been hiding those curves under baggy clothes this whole time."

After shopping, we stopped at a salon so El could force a full makeover on me. My hair was cut into something called a butterfly cut, my nails were done, and I got an entire makeup lesson I never asked for. At least learning makeup wasn't difficult. Still, my head hurt from the exhausting day.

"Did you enjoy shopping?" El asked as we got back into the car.

"No. I love my laptop and coding," I replied.

She sighed dramatically.

"Good thing I came the day before your engagement. The media's going to be everywhere tomorrow."

I rolled my eyes.

To the public, the Caruso family looked like wealthy business tycoons who owned Caruso Mart stores across the world. No one saw the darker reality underneath.

"You're my savior, El," I muttered sarcastically.

"Hey, you should be thanking me, not mocking me," she complained.

"Honestly, if you weren't here, I'd be a complete disaster."

I placed one hand dramatically against my chest while fake wiping tears with the other.

"You saved my life, El. I'm okay. I'm okay," I said in my best Khloé Kardashian voice.

El shook her head.

"Drama queen."

Then her expression softened.

"I missed your Kardashian impressions," she admitted quietly. "I hate being alone in London."

"I missed you too," I whispered, resting my hand over hers on the gear shift.

"Now tell me the truth," I said after a moment.

She blinked at me. "What?"

"You've been acting gloomy all day while pretending you're fine. What happened?"

She smiled weakly, trying to hide the tears building in her eyes.

"I'm twenty years old. I can handle myself," she whispered.

"I'm twenty-six," I replied softly, "and I can handle anyone who hurts you. So talk."

She looked at me with a weak smile. Changing into a sad look.

"I broke up with Brandon."

"Did he cheat on you?" I asked immediately. I should make sure to teach him a lesson.

"No," she shook her head. "He found out about our family's real mafia business. It scared him, and he couldn't handle it."

Her voice cracked slightly before she forced out a bitter laugh.

"Good. He was useless anyway."

"He's a loser, El," I said firmly. "Any man who walks away from love because he's scared was never worth your time."

"Damn right," she agreed.

I smiled slightly.

"So... should we celebrate your breakup with drinks?"

"Yes," El said with a watery smile. "Please."

Aleena - POV

I woke before dawn, only to find the most annoyingly handsome face already waiting for me. Caldwell. Of course. My day started with his bitter expression and rigid posture, standing in the corner like some damn soldier on guard duty.

Ignoring him was impossible. I hated this situation. Hated him even more for ratting me out to my sister. I still didn't know how he figured out my trick.

I pulled on my training clothes and zipped up my jacket.

"I'll be training with you."

I nearly jumped at the sound of his voice. Flat. Controlled. Emotionless.I turned toward him. He was already watching me.

"Is this my father's order now? You training me?"

"No. He didn't tell me to train you." His voice stayed calm. Detached.

I headed for the door, but paused when he spoke again.

"I'm not training you. I'm training myself."

I scoffed. "Really? Then let's spar."

Yesterday's interruption still burned under my skin. I planned on making him pay for it. He stared at me like I'd suggested something absurd.

"I don't want to spar with you."

"I wasn't asking," I shot back. "I was telling you."

His eyes narrowed slightly before he followed me into the training room.

The second we stepped onto the mat, I dropped into my stance.

He mirrored me instantly.

"I'm going on offense," I warned.

Caldwell only gave a single nod.

I lunged first, throwing a hard punch toward his jaw, but he ducked smoothly to the left. I followed with a low sweep aimed at knocking him off balance, but he jumped back just in time, landing lightly on his feet.

Damn him.

I pushed back to my feet and came at him again, throwing quick punches to distract him before sweeping low with my leg. He dodged it. Again.

Annoying bastard.

Those icy blue eyes stayed locked on me now, sharp with interest, like he was finally starting to enjoy himself.

I attacked faster this time, driving punch after punch toward him. He blocked most of them with infuriating ease, but I still managed to land a few solid hits to his ribs. A strained breath escaped from his lips.

Good. I grabbed his arm and tried to slam him onto the mat, but he twisted out of my hold. I reacted instantly, driving a hard sidekick into him and finally knocking him off balance.

He hit the mat hard.

Satisfaction rushed through me. It felt way too good to hit him. Caldwell looked up at me with an amused smirk tugging at his mouth.

"What's with the smile?" I demanded.

"You wanted this spar to kick my ass," he said calmly. "Not train."

I crossed my arms. "What gave you that impression?"

His smirk only deepened.

"I needed to kick someone's ass today," I shot back. "You were just the lucky target."

One brow lifted slightly. "Should we start a real spar?"

A grin spread across my face before I could stop it. It had been a long time since someone could actually keep up with me.

He moved back onto his feet in one smooth motion.

"Yes," I said, dropping into my stance again. "Let's do it."

This time, he attacked first. Fast. So fast, I barely dodged in time. His leg swept toward mine, aiming to knock me flat on my back, but I twisted away at the last second.

"Interesting," he muttered during the exchange.

I blocked another strike and countered with a sidekick, but he caught my leg mid-motion and yanked hard.

My balance disappeared instantly. He reached out like he meant to catch me before I hit the floor, but we both crashed onto the mat together. But somehow I managed to land on top of him.

My breath caught. His body felt solid beneath mine, hard muscles and heat pressed against me. I tried to push myself up, but the movement only left me straddling him more firmly. Neither of us moved for a second.

"How did you figure out my trick?" I asked quietly.

"I noticed when you flipped the coin in the air," he said, completely unfazed.

I narrowed my eyes. "Then why expose me? It's not exactly like you to involve yourself in my business."

He didn't answer.

"I knew I'd find you here."

I turned toward the familiar voice and froze. Nico stood in the doorway, dressed in a casual shirt and blue jeans, his black hair slightly messy and his green eyes colder than I'd ever seen them. Then I realized what he was looking at.

Me.

Straddling Caldwell. My stomach dropped. I pushed myself off Caldwell immediately and stood, putting distance between us.

"Nico," I said, forcing my voice to stay calm. "Didn't expect you this early."

"I was forced to come early," he muttered.

But his eyes weren't on me anymore. They were on Caldwell. I glanced over my shoulder. Caldwell had already risen to his feet, his expression guarded. Nico walked toward him, slow and controlled.

"Who is he?" he asked in a low voice.

"My bodyguard," I muttered.

Nico's eyes narrowed. "An American bodyguard?"

"Yeah. Apparently my father lost his mind and hired an American instead of one of the local Sicilian men. Trust me, I'm just as surprised as you are."

Nico's jaw tightened.

Then he looked at Caldwell.

"Spar with me."

The room went still. Caldwell glanced at me once before his face hardened. Then both men stepped onto the mat. They took their fighting stances, circling each other like predators. Nico struck first, throwing a sharp punch toward Caldwell's jaw, but Caldwell dodged and countered fast.

Nico blocked him. Barely. The sound of their fists cutting through the air made my pulse jump. They moved with brutal precision, each one testing the other. Caldwell fought like a soldier-controlled, efficient, lethal. But Nico wasn't behind him. Not even close.

Nico landed a hard punch across Caldwell's face. Blood split from Caldwell's lip. My breath caught. How the hell was Nico this good? Caldwell wiped the blood away with his thumb, his eyes darkening. Then he drove a clean punch into Nico's stomach.

Nico staggered back half a step. Caldwell came after him, aiming for his face, but Nico dodged at the last second and swung back. Both of their fists flew toward each other at the same time.

"Stop!" I shouted.

They froze mid-strike. For one tense second, neither of them moved. Then they lowered their fists and stepped apart, both looking annoyed that I had been interrupted.

Nico moved closer to me, stepping into my personal space like he had every right to be there. His expensive cologne wrapped around me he smelled like cedarwood mixed with something cool mint. He leaned down, his mouth close to my ear.

"Don't get close to other men, Aleena," he whispered coldly. "I'm not handling another scandal because of you."

His gaze moved over my face, sharp with quiet accusation. Anger burned through me. He dared to think that about me? I stepped closer instead of backing away, meeting his stare with my own.

"I'm not the kind of woman who cheats," I said, my voice low and steady. "I handle my responsibilities perfectly well. If people choose to misunderstand things, that's not my fault."

Nico's green eyes stayed unreadable.

"Careful, Aleena," he said. "Men like him are trouble."

His gaze flicked toward Caldwell.

"And when that trouble comes, you won't have anyone on your side."

Then he walked away, throwing one last cold look at Caldwell. Caldwell stared back with the same icy calm.

"I can handle myself," I called after Nico.

He didn't turn around. I looked back at Caldwell. Maybe Nico was right. Caldwell worked for my father. That alone meant I needed to be careful. I couldn't trust him either.

"I won't hurt you, Ms. Aleena," Caldwell said calmly.

I swallowed the bitter taste in my mouth.

"I've trusted too many people," I said. "They betrayed me anyway."

Then I walked out of the training room and headed back to my bedroom. Annoyed how my day even started.