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Lia’s POV
As I walked down the quiet street toward Benedicta’s house, a shadow lingered at the edge of my vision, too familiar to ignore. I knew Finn had someone following me; he’d been testing me for days now, trying to catch any hint that I might be hiding something. I could almost feel his eyes, watching from somewhere far behind, questioning my every move. Part of me wanted to turn around, to catch this follower in the act and confront them head-on, but I knew better. Let them watch, let them wonder. It didn’t change my plans, not now.
I reached Benedicta’s door and knocked lightly, my mind replaying Luca’s instructions. Meet me after the wedding… it had sounded easy enough, but Finn’s surveillance was making everything twice as complicated. If he suspected anything more than he already did, it wouldn’t just be me in trouble; Luca, too, would be caught up in his web. I took a deep breath as Benedicta opened the door, her face lighting up with a small, welcoming smile.
“Lia, it’s good to see you,” she greeted, stepping aside to let me in.
I returned her smile, grateful for a moment of calm. “You too, Benedicta,” I said, following her inside. The house felt warm and comforting, a rare refuge from the whirlwind of secrets I’d been caught up in lately.
We settled into the cozy living room, where the faint scent of freshly brewed tea hung in the air. Benedicta poured a cup for each of us, and I took a moment to gather my thoughts. I needed answers and reassurance that things were still under control. The plan had felt so clear before, but now with Finn watching so closely, I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling gnawing at the back of my mind.
“Benedicta,” I began, keeping my voice steady, “do you know why Luca called me here? Why does he want to meet?”
Benedicta shook her head, her expression thoughtful. “He didn’t give me any specifics. Just that he needed to speak with you about the plan, to make sure everything was still on track.”
I frowned, my fingers tapping against the side of my cup. “Finn’s been watching me closely… he even had me followed on my way here. It’s clear he doesn’t trust me—not yet, anyway.”
Benedicta nodded, her gaze softening with understanding. “Finn’s a cautious man. He’s always looking for the truth, even if it means doubting the people closest to him. Don’t let it discourage you, Lia. He just needs time.”
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “It’s not just about time. He’s trying to figure out why I want this marriage so badly, why I’m pushing for it now of all times. He’s suspicious, and I can’t blame him.”
Benedicta placed a reassuring hand on my arm. “Remember, you’re doing this for a reason, and Luca knows that. Whatever Finn may think, he’ll come to understand in time. Luca wouldn’t call you here if he didn’t have a plan in mind.”
I bit my lip, my mind still racing with questions. “It’s just… the phone,” I said, my voice dropping. “Finn’s been fixated on finding out who left it at the gate, who the owner might be. If he finds out it’s connected to Luca…”
Benedicta’s eyes flickered with concern, but she maintained her calm. “Don’t worry about the phone. Luca’s made it clear that he’ll handle everything on his end. He wouldn’t let anything happen that would jeopardize the plan.”
I nodded, trying to take comfort in her words, though a part of me still felt unsettled. Every time I thought we were one step ahead, Finn seemed to close the gap, always just a breath away from uncovering everything.
Benedicta offered a small, encouraging smile. “Remember, Lia, we’ve come this far. You’re stronger than you realize, and you’ve managed to keep Finn in the dark up to this point. Just hold on a little longer. Luca has everything under control, and soon, Finn’s suspicions will be the least of your worries.”
I smiled, grateful for her support. “You’re right. I just need to focus and stay one step ahead.”
Benedicta patted my hand, her gaze filled with warmth and determination. “Exactly. And whatever happens, just remember that you have people who believe in you. Luca, me… we’re with you.”
A sense of calm washed over me as I took her words to heart. Despite the tension, despite Finn’s doubts and the ever-present shadow following me, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. This wasn’t just about me anymore; it was about everyone who’d placed their trust in me and who believed that I could pull this off.
We sat in comfortable silence for a moment, each lost in our own thoughts. I could feel the weight of what lay ahead, the delicate dance of deception and trust, the high stakes that seemed to grow with every passing day. But for now, I had what I needed—a plan, a purpose, and, most importantly, a small glimmer of hope that, somehow, everything would work out.
As I stood to leave, Benedicta gave me a firm nod. “Stay strong, Lia. Tomorrow is the start of something new, and you’ll be ready for whatever comes.”
I smiled, grateful beyond words.
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Luca's POV
I arrived at the dimly lit warehouse, the kind of place where shadows felt at home, merging with the darkness and keeping secrets. Lex was already waiting, leaning casually against a pillar with an air of confidence. He straightened up as I approached, his expression serious and his gaze unflinching.
“Luca,” he greeted with a curt nod.
“Lex,” I replied, mirroring his tone. There wasn’t time for pleasantries; we both knew this meeting was about something far more pressing.
He cut right to the chase. “Jenny and Bianca are planning to act soon. They want Lia out of the picture, and they’re not wasting any time.”
A surge of irritation sparked inside me. I had expected something from Bianca eventually, but not so soon, and certainly not with Jenny involved. “What exactly is their plan?” I asked, my tone sharp.
Lex sighed, glancing away for a moment. “They want to use the wedding as an opportunity to remove Lia. Bianca has this idea to abduct her right after the ceremony, make it look like she disappeared on her own, or like she’s involved in something shady. It’s all about planting doubts and breaking Finn’s trust.”
I clenched my fists, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me. If Bianca got her way, everything I’d carefully set in motion would come crashing down. Lia was integral to my plan; she needed to be right there by Finn’s side, gaining his trust, not vanishing and leaving questions in her wake.
“That’s not going to happen,” I said firmly. “You need to make sure they don’t act on any of these plans.”
Lex arched a brow, his curiosity piqued. “And how exactly do you want me to handle it?”
I took a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. “For now, keep them in check. Let Bianca and Jenny believe they still have the upper hand. I need you to hold off on any actions until I give you a clear signal. If they feel like they’re being watched too closely, they might get suspicious or change tactics.”
Lex seemed to consider this, crossing his arms as he looked at me. “So you want me to keep them on a leash, but not stop them completely?”
“Exactly,” I replied. “Let them think everything is going as planned. They’ll be less likely to make impulsive moves if they think they’re still in control. But at the same time, be ready to intervene the moment I say so. Nothing happens unless I give the order.”
Lex gave a slow nod, understanding dawning in his expression. “You know, they’re not going to take it well if they realize I’m in your pocket.”
I smirked, a hint of satisfaction slipping through. “That’s a risk I’m willing to take. You’re in a unique position, Lex. You know both sides, and that gives us an advantage. Use it wisely.”
He seemed to weigh my words before finally nodding again. “Understood. I’ll play along and keep them on a leash. But, Luca… this is dangerous. One wrong move and this could blow up in our faces.”
I met his gaze, holding it with a calm assurance. “I know the stakes, Lex. But that’s why we’re doing this carefully. We’ve come too far to let Bianca ruin it all with her petty schemes. Lia has a role to play, and as long as she’s in position, things will go as planned.”
Lex looked at me, his expression a mix of respect and wariness. “Fine. I’ll hold them off for now. Just make sure you know what you’re doing. Bianca’s not one to cross lightly, and she’s got her sights set on Lia.”
“I’ll handle Bianca if it comes to that,” I assured him. “Just remember—wait for my signal. Nothing moves without it.”
With that, Lex nodded one last time and walked off, his silhouette quickly blending into the shadows. As I watched him disappear, I felt a grim satisfaction settle over me. Bianca might think she’s smart, but she didn’t know how many steps ahead I already was. As long as everything went according to plan, this game was mine to win.