Alessia
The mansion had a certain weight to it today, a suffocating heaviness that seemed to settle over every inch of the estate. Valentino was arriving. It wasn’t just the announcement at dinner last night that set me on edge; it was the air of formality, the whispers among the staff, and the fact that even my brothers had decided not to argue—for once.
Francesca had taken it upon herself to oversee every detail of the preparations, her voice sharp as she directed the maids to polish the silverware and arrange the floral centerpieces. My father was in his office, likely going over last-minute details with Marco, our capo. Marco wasn’t someone you’d call friendly, but his presence here only reinforced the importance of today.
Emily’s presence at the estate was a surprise, albeit a wel
