“Did you just say dazzle?” I smirked, and he scowled at me. “Trust me, Ugo, this is where I plan to shine.”
I started down the stairs after Nonna Rosa and suddenly felt my stomach bottom out as I saw the sea of people staring up at me.
Here we go.
Nonna Rosa stepped down and waited for the crowd to simmer to a low buzz before she introduced me, using my birth name, and I fought my sigh that wanted to huff out. The crowd greeted me with a cheer and smiles for as far as I could see.
I gathered my dress in my hands, hoped to God I didn’t fall, and dug my heels into the thin carpet.
Ugo disappeared again, and I was met by a handsome young man with a killer smile.
“Welcome to the party, Alessia.” He offered me a hand to help me down the last two stairs. “I’m Leonardo.”
“Please call me Si
