Chapter 0512

Nina

My heart pounded as I finally stepped out of my bedroom, dressed and ready for the ball.

I looked down at the gown, its midnight black fabric shimmering under the soft glow of the hallway lights. For the first time in forever, I felt like I almost belonged in this extravagant setting. But even as I started descending the grand staircase, the awkwardness seeped back in, making me hyper-aware of my every step, of every eye that turned toward me.

"Dazzling, aren't you?" My dad's voice was tinged with pride as I reached the bottom step I chuckled nervously. "Just trying my best to blend in."

My mom stood next to him, her eyes misty. "You look absolutely beautiful, Nina."

I took a deep breath and turned to the crowd. Enzo was talking to a group of people across the room, but when our eyes met, he offered me a reassuring smile that made my heart swell, and made his way over to me.

"Well, hello, there," he said, taking my hand and kissing it as if this was the first time we had met. "You're stunning. Are you single?"

actually. I have

he doesn't

a strange sensation of being in a

were trying to read my thoughts. "Have you given any thought to what your mom and I talked about earlier? About staying here during

his eyes, then my gaze flickered to Enzo across the room. He was still mingling. but there was a certain seriousness to his demeanor

softly, "but I can't leave our home. Enzo and I have built

I

but also understanding. "I thought you might say

I questioned, my eyes

haven't gotten to know each other until a few months ago, but I can tell how fiercely independent you are. I just worry about you, that's all. I'd

leaned my head on his chest.

melancholy. "But promise me you'll think about it,

offer a

now looking at me, his eyes lingering, filled with a sort of quiet

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