th ride felt unbearably slow, and he found himself tapping his foot incessantly against the car floor, a nervous habit he couldn't

was clenched tight, his thoughts spiraling as he tried to anticipate what might be wrong. He had always bee

to calm the storm of emotions brewing inside him. But it was no

ly, his heart pounding as he made his way inside. He barely registered the familiar su

he. His sister, Elena, was seated by the window, her delicate frame bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon light. She was r

ht of her like this, and he quietly stepped into the room, closing the door behind him with a soft click. He wanted to r

own thoughts. The room was thick with unspoken tension, and Luca k

w, and he wasn't goi

ftly, placing a gentl

Her eyes met his, a mix of emotions dancing

a strand of hair behind her ear. Sh

d you spend the night?" she as

f frustration creeping in. "

oncerned? If Dad finds out you spent the night with another

, yes, I know. But that's not the point. You didn'

y were both seated, she finally spoke up. "So, here's the thing... Pa

u want to fly alone to Paris for a b

ce. "Yeah, I do... But I need you to talk to

hook his head, a mix of disbelief and concern washing over him. "

Mr. Carlo's for a meeting. But pleas

fine. Anything for you, pookie," he finally relented,

e gently caressed her arm. "I'm al

le since we went shopping together," she su

e forming on his lips. "S

asked, his eyes narrowing thou

they've got some new stores," Elena sugg

," Luca agreed, givin

their bond unspoken but deeply felt. As they rested side by side, Luca couldn't help but think about how much Elena m

With Luca by her side, everything seemed more manageable. She cl

Mean

he belt of her robe when the door to her room flew open. Gina ba

Gina exclaimed, rushing ov

a's enthusiasm. "Thanks, Gina. You've a

Paris," Gina teased, pulling back to look at Isabella.

ed an eyebrow, curious. "

hout showing off your new style. So hurry up and get dre

her vanity. "Where are we going?" s

lied with a mischievous grin, crossing he

s in one of her playful moods. "Alright, give me a minute. I'll be ready soon,"

ing along. "Perfect! I'll wait for you downstairs. Don't keep me

t feel a bit of excitement herself. A day out with Gina was just