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Romola
I stand in front of the full-length mirror, trying on one dress after another. My room’s a mess, my closet turned upside down and yet, I try telling myself that I’m only going through all this effort to get him close so that I can steal from him.
My mind is a whirlwind of thoughts as I debate my true intentions for meeting Fiero. Had it been just the mission, would I be this exasperated by a dress that doesn’t hug my curves the way I’d like it to?
I groan and rip it off, moving on to the next one.
"Focus, Romola," I mutter to myself, trying to shake off the nervous energy coursing through me. I can literally feel my skin vibrate off my bones.
Next, I slip into a little black A-line chiffon number. It’s a halter, tight to the waist, before swirling a few inches up my knees. I pause and take a deep breath, and my nerves fade away. This dress, with its plunging neckline and darling skirt, makes me feel free, young and enchanting – just what I need for this mission.
Yeah, right.
I tell myself that I'm only meeting Fiero to gain access to the diamond, but deep down, I know there's more to it. I know I’m lying to myself, but what other choice do I have? The alternative, to admit out loud that there’s this chemistry between us that’s swiftly sweeping me off my feet, seems unfathomable.
"Okay, Romola, you can do this," I say, giving myself a pep talk as I admire my reflection one last time. The dress clings to my curves in all the right places and makes me dangerous.
With a final glance in the mirror, I gather my belongings and prepare to face the night ahead, praying I don’t fall down this rabbit hole so deep that there’ll be no way out.
I step out of the cab and onto the compound. To my surprise, I turn and find Fiero standing there.
“Fiero!” I gasp, my hand reaching for my chest. I didn’t even have time to check my lipstick. Suddenly, I feel self-conscious.
Perhaps he senses it because he inches closer and kisses my cheek. “You look beautiful,” he murmurs, immediately putting me at ease.
His eyes sweep appreciatively over my dress. I find a rush of heat creeping up my neck and onto my cheeks. The way he looks at me as if I'm the most captivating thing he's ever laid eyes on, is a way I’ve never been appreciated before.
He gives me his arm, and I take it, trying to keep my composure while being enveloped in his intoxicating presence.
“You were waiting outside?” I observe.
“Yes, and you happened to be three minutes late,” he teases.
“Ouuf, you!” I scoff, patting his shoulder playfully, as I break into giggles. “Well, they do say a way to a man’s heart is by making him wait.”
“I thought it was through his stomach,” he says. “Plus, I thought this was just a friendly dinner?”
“Who said I wouldn’t want to make my way into a friend’s heart?” I try to play it down, even though I know he and I both are aware of the lies we’re telling ourselves.
The lies he’s telling serve to make me feel at ease. And mine? To betray him.
As Fiero chuckles at my banter, I feel a painful tug of guilt in my chest. The way his eyes crinkle at the corners when he smiles, the genuine warmth in his laughter - it's almost enough to make me forget the mission, the deceit waiting in the wings.
If only I hadn’t met Rafaele Bressan. Suddenly, a lingering sadness encompasses me. When did my life get so out of control?
I sigh, and he looks at me. “Are you alright?” he asks.
I didn’t realize I sighed out loud. “Oh, I just need a drink,” I pretend to be exhausted.
“Tough day?”
Now he wants to know about my day. My heart melts, butter in his hands, and I nod. “I just don’t know what I want to do with my life… what’s next for me, you know?”
Before he can say another word, we enter the garden. I gasp, immediately taken aback by the magical atmosphere that surrounds me. “It looks so different from last night!” I exclaim.
“Well, I do like to put in some effort… for my friends,” he says, his voice turning an octave lower on the last word.
“Friends,” I whisper as he takes my hand in his, and we begin to walk forward. Beautiful lights twinkle among the trees like stars brought down to earth, casting a soft glow on the vibrant flowers that line the path.
