VIN’S POV

By the time I reached the hotel, the night had already settled heavily over the city. The streets outside were glowing under rows of streetlights, and the glass walls of the tall buildings reflected the quiet elegance of the late evening.

My driver stopped at the entrance, and the moment I stepped out, the doorman greeted me politely and opened the large glass doors.

The lobby was extravagant—far more than I had expected.

Marble floors reflected the golden chandelier light above, and the air smelled faintly of expensive perfume mixed with fresh flowers placed carefully on every table. Soft piano music floated through the air, creating an atmosphere of calm luxury.

I sighed internally.

Valerio.

Only he would think it necessary to book a place like this.

I checked in at the reception and took the key card from the receptionist before heading toward the elevator. Within minutes I reached my floor and walked down the long hallway until I found my room.

The executive suite.

Sliding the card into the lock, I pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The moment I entered, I paused and slowly looked around.

The room was huge.

A spacious living area opened in front of me, decorated with modern furniture, a large glass window overlooking the city, and a bedroom further inside separated by elegant sliding doors. Everything in the room screamed luxury—from the plush carpet beneath my shoes to the soft ambient lighting along the walls.

I shook my head in disbelief.

“Seriously, Valerio?” I muttered under my breath.

Why spend this much money on a hotel room when a normal one would have been perfectly fine?

I was never someone who cared about luxury.

A bed was a bed.

A room was a room.

But Valerio always insisted on maintaining “standards.”

Huffing quietly, I placed my phone on the side table and loosened the collar of my shirt.

Just then, the doorbell rang.

When I opened the door, the bellboy stood outside with my luggage. I stepped aside to let him in, and he placed the bags neatly near the wardrobe before giving me a polite smile.

“Anything else you need, sir?”

“No,” I replied, handing him a generous tip.

He thanked me and left.

Once the door closed again, silence filled the room.

For a moment, I simply stood there, staring at nothing.

The exhaustion from the flight slowly began creeping into my body.

Since it was already late, I decided not to waste time. I walked straight to the bathroom, turned on the shower, and let the warm water wash away the fatigue of the journey.

The hot water relaxed my stiff muscles, and for a few minutes, I simply stood under the stream, letting my thoughts drift aimlessly.

When I stepped out of the shower, I changed into comfortable clothes and grabbed my laptop from my bag.

Even though I was tired, work always came first.

Sitting on the couch, I opened my emails and began checking them one by one. Several messages from different branches had arrived during the flight, along with updates from the Frankfurt office.

My meeting was scheduled for seven in the morning.

Which meant I needed proper rest.

After replying to the important emails and reviewing a few documents, I finally shut the laptop.

My eyes drifted toward the large bed in the bedroom.

Soft.

Comfortable.

Inviting.

It felt like the bed was practically calling my name.

Since I had already eaten dinner during the flight, I did not need to order anything. So without wasting another moment, I turned off the lights and slid beneath the covers.

Within minutes, sleep claimed me.

________________________________________

The next morning arrived far too quickly.

I woke up to the faint sunlight slipping through the curtains.

After getting ready and dressing for the meeting, I stood in front of the mirror, buttoning my vest coat while adjusting the collar.

Just then, my phone rang.

A small smile formed on my lips the moment I saw the caller ID.

Mama.

I picked up immediately.

“Hey, Mama.”

“Hello to you too, Vincenzo. How are you, my son?” she said warmly.

Hearing her voice after three days felt… comforting.

“I called you yesterday,” I complained lightly. “You didn’t pick up.”

“I know,” she replied with a cheerful laugh. “I was busy with my friends. You know we came to Via Brabançonne, and Vincenzo, it is so beautiful here. I wish you were here with me.”

I could practically imagine the small pout on her lips.

My mother was forty-five years old.

But sometimes she sounded like an excited teenager discovering the world for the first time.

She had conceived me when she was only eighteen.

And somehow…

I have always pitied her.

Her youth had been stolen from her because of a single night—one incident that changed the lives of several people forever.

And I was the result of that night.

She always says I am the best thing that ever happened to her.

But deep down…

I know that is not true.

Because of that pregnancy and the sudden marriage that followed—a marriage that existed only in name—she never completed her studies.

My maternal grandfather knew the truth.

He knew my father never accepted the relationship.

So, before he passed away, he ensured my mother would never depend on anyone. He gifted her a beautiful house where I grew up and left her his school to manage.

That school became her entire life.

She buried herself in work there.

And raised me alone.

But even after all these years…

She still blames herself.

I have seen her cry when she thought no one was watching.

She believes she destroyed her sister’s life.

That night, my uncle had given juice to both my parents—juice laced with drugs.

Under the influence, they committed a mistake that none of them could undo.

My mother still believes she is the homewrecker of her own sister.

And in a twisted way… she is not entirely wrong.

Because when I was born, my father was forced to divorce my aunt—my mother’s elder sister—and marry my mother.

But the marriage meant nothing.

My father left the country soon after.

Like a coward.

Leaving behind a pregnant wife and a broken family.

My mother fought every battle alone.

And I grew up watching her struggle.

She shaped me into the man I am today.

But she could never teach me how to remove the darkness that kept growing inside my heart.

Outwardly, I learned how to smile.

How to act normal.

But inside…

My wounds never healed.

They simply spread.

Slowly.

Quietly.

Like poison.

That is why I stay away from people.

Relationships only bring pain.

The only people I allow close to me are my mother, Valerio, and Waldo.

And… Lorenzo.

My elder brother.

Technically, he is not my real brother.

But in every way that matters, he is.

We were never very close while growing up, but we never hated each other either.

Everything changed when the truth came out about my uncle.

When Lorenzo discovered who had truly ruined our family.

After that day, he began treating me differently.

Warmer.

Kinder.

He openly declared his love for me and never missed a chance to show his affection.

Sometimes it feels strange.

But also… comforting.

He is one of the few people who has ever made me feel that my existence is not a mistake.

Even though I rarely return his calls, he still checks on me from time to time.

I know he is trying to fix the broken bond between us.

But I do not know if I am capable of that.

“Vincenzo, you should get married,” my mother suddenly said.

There it was.

The same topic again.

“I will always need you, Mom,” I murmured softly.

It hurt whenever she said I did not need her anymore.

Because the truth was the opposite.

She was the only person I wanted around me.

But she sighed.

“You need a woman in your life now, my son.”

Guilt twisted inside me.

Once, during an argument, I told her I had rejected my mate.

It broke her heart.

But it also stopped her from asking questions.

Because the truth is simple.

If I ever find my mate…

I will reject her.

Without hesitation.

“Mom, I have a meeting in fifteen minutes,” I said gently. “I will call you later. Love you.”

Before she could continue the conversation, I ended the call.

Taking one last look at myself in the mirror, I left the room.

________________________________________

The meeting went surprisingly well.

The client seemed pleased with the proposal, and by the end of the discussion, he invited me for drinks that evening.

Which I absolutely hated.

Social gatherings.

Crowds.

Pointless conversations.

But he was an important client.

So, I agreed.

Back in my room later, I packed my bags since I planned to leave right after the drinks.

When I reached the hotel bar, however, they informed me that the group had moved to the club owned by the hotel.

Great.

Clubs.

Exactly what I needed.

The moment I stepped inside, loud music slammed into my ears, and flashing lights illuminated the crowded dance floor.

And then—

A scent hit my nostrils.

Sharp.

Sweet.

Overpowering.

Nate instantly stirred inside me.

Restless.

Uneasy.

I frowned slightly and looked around, trying to locate the source.

But the club was too crowded.

People were everywhere.

Dancing.

Laughing.

Drinking.

The atmosphere was suffocating.

Crowds have always irritated me.

My calm control can easily snap under too many people.

And Nate was not helping either.

Still, I somehow managed to keep my composure while entertaining the client.

Honestly, I almost wanted to reward myself for that level of patience.

While sipping my drink, my eyes scanned the room.

Couples danced together under the neon lights.

They looked happy.

Too happy.

I often wondered what they talked about.

What made them smile like that.

Because most of it was probably fake.

Yet… something unexpected happened.

Amid all the chaos…

A voice reached my ears.

Soft.

Calm.

Soothing.

Nate instantly focused on it.

And strangely…

So, did I.

Something about that voice pulled at me.

Every instinct inside me wanted to find its owner.

But I could not leave the client.

Meanwhile, the mysterious scent kept hitting my senses like a missile.

My hands trembled slightly.

Sweat formed on my palms.

The only thing keeping me calm was the alcohol.

So, I had two more drinks.

Throughout the night, I felt something strange.

Someone was watching me.

I could feel it.

A constant gaze.

Every time I turned to look—

Nothing.

No one suspicious.

Yet the feeling never disappeared.

Strangely, for the first time in a crowded place…

I was not completely irritated.

Something was calming me.

Maybe the alcohol.

Maybe that voice.

Maybe… something else.

Finally, I stood up and said goodbye to the client.

Nate protested instantly.

For the first time, he did not want to leave.

But I was done.

My mind had already checked out hours ago.

So, I ignored him.

I walked out of the club.

But the moment I stepped outside…

An unexpected emptiness spread through my chest.

Like something important had just slipped away.

I frowned slightly.

“What is this feeling…?”

*

GIA’S POV

Sitting on the edge of my bed, I let out a long, sleepy yawn while staring at the stack of photographs resting in my hands. The pile felt endless, each glossy picture representing yet another “perfect” man chosen carefully from different packs around the world.

Handsome faces.

Perfect physiques.

Charming smiles.

Every single one of them looked like someone women would easily fall for.

But strangely… my eyes refused to linger on any of them.

With little interest, I kept flipping through the photos one after another, the glossy paper sliding between my fingers as if they meant nothing at all. My eyelids felt heavy, and another tired yawn escaped my lips. My eyes watered slightly from the exhaustion that still clung to my body.

I had returned from my world tour only last night, and the fatigue of traveling from one city to another had finally caught up with me.

All I wanted right now was sleep.

Deep, peaceful sleep.

“Just a few more…” I muttered softly to myself as I hurried through the remaining photographs.

The faces blurred together.

None of them stirred anything inside my heart.

Speeding up, I tossed most of the pictures aside carelessly and walked toward my favorite place in the world—my large, comfy, fluffy bed. The soft mattress practically called out to my tired body.

Without hesitation, I jumped onto it, landing on my stomach as the mattress dipped slightly under my weight.

A soft sigh escaped my lips as I hugged the pillow beneath me. In my hand, I still held a few remaining photographs of these so-called heartthrobs that my father had carefully selected for me.

My eyes lazily skimmed through them.

One.

Two.

Three.

Then suddenly—

My hand froze.

My eyes had already moved to the next picture when something inside me stirred, making me pause. A strange feeling tugged at my chest, forcing me to go back.

Slowly, almost hesitantly, I reached out and picked up the picture I had just skipped.

I placed the others aside and brought the photograph closer to my face.

For a moment… everything around me felt still.

It felt like he was staring directly into my soul.

My breath caught in my throat.

A strange sensation washed over me, as if someone had suddenly reached into my chest and stolen the air from my lungs.

There was nothing extraordinary about the picture itself. No dramatic pose. No forced smile.

But his eyes…

Those eyes held something I had never seen before.

They carried a depth of emotions that words could never explain.

Longing.

Loneliness.

Pain.

And something else… something I could not quite name.

They looked like the eyes of someone who had seen too much of the world but had never spoken about it.

My fingers tightened slightly around the photograph.

Why was I feeling this?

Why did this stranger’s eyes make my heart react this way?

I had seen countless men throughout my life—handsome Alphas, charming princes, powerful warriors.

Many had approached me.

Many had tried to win my attention.

But none of them had ever managed to make my heart react the way this simple photograph just did.

Not once.

I have never entered a relationship before.

Not because I disliked the idea of love… but because I had never truly felt connected to anyone.

Something had always been missing.

But today…

Today something felt different.

For the very first time, my heart whispered a possibility.

Maybe… just maybe… it had found the person those longing eyes were searching for.

“If he is meant for me,” I murmured softly, tracing the edge of the photograph with my finger, “then God will guide me to him.”

And strangely enough…

I believed it.

A small smirk slowly formed on my lips as I continued staring at his handsome face.

“Will you be my man?” I whispered playfully.

The one I want to touch.

The one whose touch I want to feel.

The one whose eyes I want to understand.

Without another thought, I tossed the remaining pictures onto my side table.

They no longer mattered.

Only one picture remained in my hand.

His.

Leaning back against the headboard, I rested my head on the pillow behind me while continuing to gaze at his face.

My eyes slowly began to grow heavier.

The exhaustion I had been fighting all morning finally began to win.

I do not even remember when my eyes closed.

The last thing I remember seeing…

Was his face.

And then I drifted quietly into dreamland.

________________________________________

“Gia.”

A distant voice slowly reached my ears through the fog of sleep.

I stirred slightly under my blanket.

“Gia, sweetheart.”

My father’s gentle voice pulled me further out of my dream.

“Papa…” I mumbled drowsily, my voice barely audible. “Let me sleep a little longer.”

A soft chuckle escaped him.

“Darling, look at the time. It is already two in the afternoon.”

His warm hand gently stroked my hair, a familiar gesture that had comforted me since childhood.

Slowly, I opened my eyes.

The first thing I saw was my father’s loving gaze.

“Good morning,” I said lazily, smiling at him.

My father.

Otello Bianchi.

The Alpha of our pack.

Our pack is known as one of the strongest in the world, and my father is respected not only as a powerful leader but also as one of the kindest Alphas anyone could ever meet.

And me?

I am Gia Bianchi.

His daughter.

His entire world.

“Do not look at me like that,” I said softly when I noticed the faint sadness hiding behind his eyes.

I knew that look very well.

He must be thinking that I had rejected all the boys again.

But this time…

Things were different.

My father raised me single-handedly.

My mother passed away while giving birth to me, and since that day, it had always been just the two of us against the world.

My grandparents believed I was a bad omen for the family.

They blamed me for my mother’s death.

But my father never once believed that.

To him, I was not a curse.

I was his miracle.

His blessing from heaven.

“You like him?” Papa suddenly asked.

His eyes sparkled with curiosity as he noticed the photograph lying on my bed.

I followed his gaze.

The same picture was still resting beside me.

I nodded slowly, a playful smirk appearing on my lips.

“Now would you like to tell me who he is?” I asked, leaning comfortably against the headboard.

My father glanced at the photograph again before answering.

“He is Vincenzo Accardi,” he said calmly. “Brother of King Lorenzo Accardi.”

I nodded thoughtfully.

But then I noticed his smile fading slightly.

Lorenzo Accardi was not a stranger to our world.

He was the Alpha of the Red Moon pack and one of the most respected leaders across the werewolf world.

Everyone admired him.

Being part of royal bloodlines, I had met him a few times during gatherings and ceremonies.

We were not close, but I knew enough to understand that their family valued privacy more than anything.

My father was a werewolf.

But my mother had been human.

Which meant…

I was human too.

At least mostly.

I had inherited a few werewolf traits, but when I failed to shift on my eighteenth birthday, it confirmed what everyone had already suspected.

I would never have a wolf.

I remember seeing the brief disappointment in my father’s eyes that day.

But it lasted only a moment.

Soon after, he hugged me and told me he was relieved.

Relieved that I could live a peaceful human life away from pack politics.

My father always found light in every situation.

He was the most positive person I had ever known.

“What?” I asked when I noticed his serious expression.

“Sweetheart,” he said gently, “there is something you should know before we proceed with this alliance.”

I nodded for him to continue.

“He is Lorenzo’s brother… but not from the same mother.”

He paused briefly before continuing.

“He is his stepbrother.”

I remained silent, waiting.

“He lives in Frankfurt,” Papa explained. “And he does not like royal life at all.”

His voice softened slightly.

“And… he did not have an easy childhood.”

Something tightened inside my chest.

“We do not know the entire story,” my father continued. “Their family protects their privacy very carefully. But from what little we know… it was not easy for him.”

Hearing that made my heart ache unexpectedly.

What had he gone through?

Why did life treat him that way?

“Lorenzo and Vincenzo share a good relationship,” Papa added thoughtfully. “At least… I believe they do.”

“But Papa,” I said gently, “why does that matter? I am marrying him, not anyone else.”

He smiled faintly.

“What I mean is,” he explained, “most girls dream of marrying an Alpha or a prince… living a royal life filled with luxury and power.”

He looked at me warmly.

“I have never forced you into anything, Gia. I just want you to think carefully.”

And in that moment…

I understood him.

This man sitting in front of me had given his entire life for me.

He had been both my mother and my father.

There were moments when I needed a mother.

Like the day I got my first period.

I had run to him in panic, thinking something was terribly wrong.

But he had not panicked.

Instead, he sat beside me calmly and explained everything with patience and care.

He even taught me how to use sanitary pads.

He had done everything for me.

Everything.

I might not be fully ready for marriage yet…

But I knew one thing for sure.

It was my father’s dream to see me settled.

And I would do anything to make him smile.

“Papa,” I said softly, meeting his eyes, “you know me. I never cared about royal life.”

He listened quietly.

“I have always fulfilled my responsibilities, but if I ever get the chance… I would prefer a peaceful life away from all the politics.”

I glanced down at the photograph again.

“I want to meet him.”

A warm smile slowly spread across my father’s face.

“I like him very much,” Papa admitted. “He is hardworking and respected. He built his own reputation.”

His eyes softened.

“I would be proud to see you two married.”

“Then arrange the meeting,” I said with a grin before he could continue giving a long lecture.

He laughed softly and stood up.

“Freshen up and come downstairs,” he said. “Let us have lunch together. Meanwhile, I will speak with the Alpha.”

As he left the room, I leaned back against the pillow and picked up the photograph again.

My eyes slowly traced his face.

“Let’s see, Vincenzo Accardi…”

A small smile curved my lips.

“What destiny has planned for us.”

**

Lorenzo Accardi POV

I had just finished reviewing some documents when my phone began vibrating against the glass surface of my desk.

The sound echoed softly in the quiet office.

I glanced down absentmindedly, expecting it to be another business call or a report from one of the council members. But the moment my eyes landed on the screen, my brows lifted slightly in surprise.

Otello Bianchi.

A small smile appeared on my face.

It had been quite some time since we last spoke.

Without wasting another second, I picked up the phone and pressed the green button before bringing it to my ear.

“Accept my greetings, Mr. Bianchi. How are you?” I greeted respectfully.

Otello Bianchi was one of the few people in our world whom I genuinely respected. He was not only a powerful Alpha but also a man of integrity and wisdom. He had always treated me with kindness—even during times when the world around me was not so forgiving.

“Greetings to you too, Alpha Lorenzo. I am doing well. How are you?” he replied politely.

The moment the word Alpha left his lips, I sighed softly.

I had never liked being addressed like that by elders.

Titles were for formal gatherings and political meetings, not for people who had known me since I was younger.

“Please call me Lorenzo,” I said gently.

For a brief second there was silence before he chuckled warmly.

“Very well, Lorenzo. But on one condition.”

I leaned back slightly in my chair, curious.

“And what condition is that?”

“If I call you by your name, then you must call me Uncle.”

A smile tugged at my lips.

“That seems fair,” I replied. “Alright… Uncle.”

His laughter echoed through the phone.

“So, Lorenzo,” he continued after a moment, his tone becoming slightly more serious, “I called today because I wanted to talk about something important.”

Immediately my full attention sharpened.

I straightened in my chair and closed the file in front of me.

“I wanted to speak to your father first,” he continued, “but I heard he is currently in the United States. Considering the time difference, he must be asleep right now. So I thought it would be better to talk to you instead. After all, you are the one who handles most of the family matters now.”

He ended the sentence with a soft laugh.

I smiled faintly.

That part was unfortunately true.

“Of course, Uncle,” I said sincerely. “Tell me how I can help you.”

There was a small pause before he finally spoke.

“I was calling regarding a possible alliance.”

I leaned back slowly, waiting for him to continue.

“I was thinking about Vincenzo… and my daughter, Gia.”

For a moment, I forgot to breathe.

Then suddenly, a strange warmth spread through my chest.

A proposal… for Vincenzo.

As his elder brother, nothing in this world would make me happier than seeing him finally find someone who could bring light into his dark, guarded life.

But at the same time… I knew my brother.

Vincenzo did not believe in relationships.

He did not believe in love.

Not after everything he had gone through.

Many times, I had tried to speak to him about marriage, about companionship, about having someone beside him.

Every single time he avoided the topic like it was poison.

Even Mother—who was technically my stepmother but whom I respected deeply—worried constantly about him.

She never said it openly, but I knew her heart ached whenever she thought about how lonely he truly was.

And yet…

Otello Bianchi was not someone whose proposal could simply be dismissed without thought.

He was respected across the entire werewolf world.

And I had met his daughter a few times when she was younger during diplomatic gatherings.

But that was years ago.

I had no idea what kind of woman she had grown into now.

Still… a small voice inside my mind whispered something hopeful.

Maybe this was destiny finally knocking on Vincenzo’s door.

“That is wonderful to hear, Uncle,” I said sincerely.

“I would very much like to meet your family,” he continued carefully. “And if possible… Vincenzo too.”

His hesitation was understandable.

Everyone in our circles knew that Vincenzo stayed away from Brussels as much as possible.

He had built his own life in Frankfurt—far from royal politics, far from palace walls, far from the whispers of society.

“I think it would be best if we meet first,” I suggested thoughtfully. “You already know that Vincenzo is not currently in Brussels. But I will speak to him and ask him to visit soon.”

“That would be perfect,” he replied warmly.

After a few more polite exchanges, we ended the call.

The moment the phone left my ear, I sat silently for a few seconds, staring at the screen.

Then I immediately dialled another number.

If there was one person who deserved to know about this before anyone else, it was her.

The phone rang twice before it was answered.

“Greetings, Lorenzo.”

Her voice sounded cheerful.

Even through the phone, I could hear the warmth in her tone.

“Accept my greetings, Aunty,” I said respectfully. “How are you?”

“I am doing well, my dear,” she replied lovingly. “Tell me, how are you? How is Aria? And the children? Is everything peaceful in the palace?”

I chuckled softly.

Those were always the first questions she asked.

“Everyone is doing well,” I replied. “You should come visit soon. The kids would love to see you.”

“I definitely will,” she said warmly.

There was a brief pause before I finally spoke again.

“Aunty… I wanted to talk to you about something important.”

Her tone immediately became attentive.

“What is it, dear?”

“I received a marriage proposal today… for Vincenzo.”

For a moment, there was complete silence on the other end.

Then suddenly—

“Oh my God! Really?”

Her voice burst with excitement like that of a child.

Despite the seriousness of the situation, I could not stop the smile that spread across my face.

“Yes,” I confirmed gently. “Otello Bianchi wishes for his daughter Gia to marry Vincenzo.”

Her happiness was almost palpable through the phone.

“Lorenzo… you have no idea how happy this makes me.”

Then she added softly,

“But you do not need my permission for such matters. I trust you completely. I know you will always do what is best for him.”

Her words were sincere.

But I shook my head.

“No, Aunty. You are his mother. You deserve to know everything about him.”

A soft sigh escaped her.

“But Lorenzo… he will not agree,” she murmured sadly. “You know how he is. The moment I mentioned marriage once; he practically ran away from the conversation.”

I rubbed my forehead slightly.

Yes.

That sounded exactly like Vincenzo.

“Do not worry,” I assured her calmly. “First, we will meet the girl and her family. If she seems right for him… I will convince him.”

“You always find a way,” she said softly.

After ending the call, I contacted Uncle Bianchi again and scheduled the meeting for the coming weekend.

Once everything was arranged, I informed Aria as well.

She listened quietly… and then smiled in that mysterious way of hers.

“I have a feeling this girl might be interesting,” she had said.

________________________________________

A week passed quickly.

Soon it was the weekend.

The palace was buzzing with activity.

Servants moved through the hallways making final preparations for the guests’ arrival.

The living room had been arranged perfectly, flowers placed carefully, tea prepared, everything in its place.

I sat on the couch scrolling through my phone while chaos unfolded somewhere deeper inside the palace.

Aria’s voice echoed loudly through the halls.

She was probably chasing after our three little devils.

And to make matters worse, my cousin’s children were also visiting.

I sighed and shook my head.

My peaceful palace had become a battlefield.

My attention shifted when I noticed Aunty sitting nearby.

She was twisting a handkerchief nervously in her hands.

Her eyes carried a familiar anxiety.

I leaned toward her slightly.

“You do know they are not coming here to see you, right?” I teased gently.

She smiled faintly but the worry remained.

“I know… but what if they…”

Her voice trailed off.

I immediately understood.

“Aunty,” I said firmly, placing my hand over hers, “we are not hiding anything. Vincenzo is not an illegitimate child. Father married you before he was even born.”

Tears filled her eyes.

“That does not matter,” she whispered. “Many people still think I ruined my sister’s marriage.”

Her voice broke slightly.

Even after all these years… she still carried that guilt.

My chest tightened.

“You are worrying for nothing,” I assured her firmly. “I am on your side. No one will disrespect you here.”

“And if they do,” Aria’s voice suddenly interrupted from behind us, “then they are definitely not worthy of our Vincenzo.”

I turned and smiled at her.

She always knew exactly when to appear.

Moments later, a maid approached us.

“Alpha, the Bianchi family has arrived.”

We all stood and walked toward the entrance to welcome them.

But the moment I stepped outside…

I froze.

Near the car stood a girl.

She was leaning casually against the vehicle, looking around the palace grounds.

And then—

She whistled.

I blinked.

Wait.

Did she just whistle?

At the palace?

At the house of the man, she was potentially going to marry?

She wore ripped jeans, a short crop top, and a cap with a bold letter ‘G’ on it.

Her eyes were hidden behind sunglasses.

She was casually chewing gum.

This…

This was definitely not how a princess usually presented herself.

Somewhere deep inside my mind, a voice had already decided.

This alliance will never work.

But Aria caught my glance.

And she winked.

I narrowed my eyes at her.

She was enjoying this far too much.

Suppressing a smirk, I stepped forward.

“Accept my greetings. I hope your journey was comfortable, Uncle?”

“Greetings, Alpha and Luna,” he replied respectfully.

I immediately shook my head.

“First, it is Lorenzo for you. And second, you are my elder. King or not, I cannot forget my manners. Please, come inside.”

Then the girl stepped forward.

She removed her sunglasses.

And for the first time…

I saw her eyes.

Clear.

Bright.

Surprisingly pure.

“Accept my greetings,” she said politely.

My earlier judgment faltered slightly.

“Greetings to you too,” I replied with a nod.

“This is my daughter, Gia,” Uncle said proudly.

Aria stepped forward immediately.

“You are very pretty, Gia. And I absolutely love your name.”

I looked at Aria.

That smile she was giving Gia…

That was usually reserved only for me.

Which meant one thing.

My wife already liked her.

And that complicated things.

A lot.

As we all moved inside and began talking, I slowly started noticing more about the girl.

She was an Oxford graduate.

She understood politics remarkably well.

She loved music and singing.

And she had travelled to half the world with her band.

Independent.

Confident.

Fearless.

And surprisingly intelligent.

Slowly… my earlier judgment began to shift.

But still…

Two days.

That was all I needed.

Because no one can pretend forever.

And I intended to see the real Gia Bianchi before making any decision about my brother’s future.