*ADELINE*
The morning sun slipped through the curtains, casting muted golden rays across the room like fingers reaching out for me. I stirred in bed, suddenly aware of a warmth beside me. Vincenzo was sprawled out, his dark hair tousled and his breathing steady. Memories from the previous night flooded my thoughts—the passion that ignited between us like a firework show, bright and consuming. But right alongside it was that gnawing ache of betrayal from my parents. I couldn't shake the feeling that my life had just been turned upside down.
The truth—my parents had orchestrated everything to protect me, to trap me, but what kind of protection required k********g? I felt that familiar twist in my gut. They said they were trying to shield me from becoming a pawn in someone else's game, yet
