DANGEROUSLY YOURS MR.VALE

CHAPTER 14

Sienna’s Pov

I sat at the table with the notes spread out. Luca stood next to me, looking serious. “Victor will ask tough questions at dinner tonight,” he said. “We need to be ready.”

I took his hand. “We will stick to our story. Loving couple who met six months ago. Nothing more.” Luca squeezed my fingers. “I love you for saying that. But this dinner feels like a trap.”

Noah came over holding his phone. “Ethan just texted again. He says he has a video of Valerie talking to Victor. He really wants to meet you, Sienna. Alone.”

Luca frowned. “Alone? Tell him no.” I sighed. “Let me handle it.” I called Ethan on speaker. “Ethan, I’m not meeting alone. What’s the video about?”

Ethan’s voice sounded urgent. “Sienna, this marriage is wrong. I see how stressed you look in photos. I can help you escape. I still love you as a friend… maybe more. Come see me before the dinner.”

Luca’s jaw tightened. “She is staying with me, Ethan. Send the video or stop calling.” I added quickly, “I love Luca. We’re real. Send anything useful, but respect that.” Ethan replied, “The real Damian is in the city. He contacted me. Be careful tonight. This could blow up.”

I hung up and looked at Luca. “See? Just info. No meeting.” Luca pulled me close. “His words bother me. He wants you back.” I kissed him softly. “Only you. Stop worrying about Ethan. We have a bigger drama.”

Clara called right after. “Sienna, Victor changed the dinner to his private office. He invited extra people and kept mentioning the plane crash. I am worried.” I held the phone tight. “What should we say if he asks about Luca’s past?” Clara answered, “Stick close to the memory loss story. But if the real Damian shows, get out fast.”

Luca took the phone. “Thanks Clara. We will handle it. You watch his face for us.” Clara said, “I will. But this feels off. Victor knows too much now.” The drama made my stomach twist. I looked at Luca. “If Damian appears tonight, what do we do?”

Luca hugged me. “We stay calm. Tell the truth about us. Our love is real now.” Noah spoke up. “I hate waiting here. Call me right after.” I nodded. “We will. You stay safe with Marco.”

Luca turned to me. “All this drama with Ethan, Clara’s warnings, and Damian rumours. It is too much before dinner.” I touched his cheek. “We talk it out. What if Victor asks about my investigation?” Luca replied, “Say you stopped for love. For me.” I smiled a little. “That part is true now. I love you more than any story.”

We practised lines again. “Victor, we are happy,” I said, pretending. Luca played along. “Yes Dad, Sienna changed me for the better.” He stopped and kissed me. “That line feels real. You did change me.” I kissed back. “Good. Because you changed me too. From alone to this family.”

Noah interrupted. “Ethan texted me now. Says Damian paid Valerie for info.” I groaned. “More drama. Call him quickly.” Luca dialled. “Ethan, what exactly did you hear?” Ethan answered, “Damian wants his life back. He knows about the fake marriage. He might crash the dinner. Sienna, please think about leaving.”

I grabbed the phone. “Ethan, stop. I am not leaving Luca. We love each other. Send proof if you have it, but no more pressure.” Ethan sighed. “I just want you safe. This world is dangerous.” Luca added, “She is safe with me. Focus on helping or stopping.” After the call, Luca looked at me. “His caring makes me jealous. Tell me again it’s only me.”

I held his face. “It is only you, Luca Moretti. Fake name at first, but real husband now. I love you.” He kissed me deeper. “I love you too. This drama tests us every minute.” Noah smiled. “You two are solid. Ignore Ethan.”

Clara called back. “Victor just asked me if Luca seems different lately. I covered it, but he is suspicious.” I asked, “Any word on the real Damian?” Clara said, “Rumours say he is close. Be careful what you say tonight. I will sit next to you.” Luca replied, “Thanks. We owe you.” Clara ended with, “For Sienna. She makes this family better.”

The unknown number messaged again. Luca read it out. “Damian knows everything. Dinner will expose you.” I shook my head. “Someone wants us scared.” Luca deleted it. “We do not scare. Tell me what you feel right now.” I said, “Nervous but sure about us. Our love beats their games.”

We sat with Noah. “What if Victor brings up my debt?” Noah asked. Luca answered, “I paid it. Say it was family help.” I added, “And we are stronger now. Right?” Noah nodded. “Yes. You two give me hope.” Luca patted his back. “You are part of this. Call us if anything happens here.”

I pulled Luca aside. “All the calls today. Ethan, Clara, messages. It feels like everything is closing in before dinner.” Luca hugged me tight. “It does. But talk to me. What worries you most?” I replied, “Losing this. Losing you to the real Damian or Victor’s trap.” Luca said, “You will not lose me. I choose you over revenge. Every day.”

We kissed many times. “I want normal after tonight,” I said. Luca smiled. “Me too. Dates. No phones ringing with bad news.” I laughed softly. “Coffee and walks. Talking about Isabella joining us.” Luca nodded. “Yes. She will love you. I told her about you in a safe message.”

Noah joined us again. “Ethan sent the video. Valerie really met Victor.” I watched quick. “She sold me out.” Luca said, “We deal with her later. Focus on dinner.” I agreed. “Together. No secrets.” Luca held my hand. “No secrets. I love you, Sienna Hart. Or Vale. Or whatever. Mine.”

We practised one more time. “Victor, the marriage is the best thing,” I said. Luca replied, “She makes me better, Dad.” He stopped. “Those words are true now. Drama or not.” I kissed him. “I feel it too. Even with Ethan pushing and Damian rumours.”

Clara texted the final warning. “Dinner in two hours. Victor seems ready for something.” I read it to them. “We can do this.” Luca said, “Yes. Stay by my side. Hold my hand.” Noah added, “Come back safe. I love you, sis.” I hugged him. “Love you too. We will call right after.”

Luca and I talked alone. “Whatever happens tonight, remember our talks,” he said. I replied, “I will. Our future. Kids, maybe. Real home.” Luca smiled. “Yes. You make me want all that.” We shared soft kisses. “I love you more through this drama,” I said. He answered, “Same. You are my strength.”