Chapter 2

Valentino 's POV

"You've got to be kidding me, dad," I inquired while arching my brow.

He was obviously playing some kind of cruel joke on me with this. There's no need to stress yourself out.

Dad snatched the newspaper from me and read the front page's headline. Immediately, a smile spread across his elegantly aging face. He appeared to be fairly content. He tossed it on his desk and said, "well, at least the media did everything right this time."

Then, when he leaned against his desk, my father only looked at me. I was indignant. I resisted his request for me to sit down, but eventually I did. My dad seemed to have a different idea in mind than what I just needed: a clear and simple explanation.

He spoke softly in his compelling manner, "Val, my son, you must get married."

I made an effort to appear cool as I raked my hand through my hair. I utterly failed at it. I opened the neck button and loosened my tie. I drank a glass of water that I had just poured for myself and stared into his eyes.

"What the hell is this drama about? Have you truly made up your mind to wreck my life, Dad?

"I wouldn't intentionally ruin your life, kid. Believe me when I say that I found this to be more difficult than you could possibly think.

"You look pretty composed about this whole nonsense, Dad, and damn proud of yourself!"

"This must take place. The future prosperity of both businesses depends on each other. A strong connection must exist for this to take place, and there must also be a history of cooperation on initiatives and assistance. He said while swinging a pen, "Our company will receive shares in their prosperous business, and so will their company.

"The other primary motive is to isolate opponents. This year, we'll be working together on several initiatives. This way, we may enjoy the Dante family's advantages, and they can access ours, making us stronger. We will be a family, so nobody will question us. You are aware of the reactions of some board members when outsiders receive private benefits. I'm constructing your future.

I'm unable to get married. You are aware that I am unable to. I don't want to offend you in any way, but I'm not getting married. I told him, my mind racing, "You could have at least told me before leaking it to the media.

"Valentino , it's not a lifetime commitment. Only for one year.

"Dad, one year has the power to ruin my entire life."

It will not. Son, you need to go get ready. We only have a few hours left," he said, averting his eyes. Although he appeared tranquil, his eyes were far more animated than mine.

I had Julio Alexander in everything. My dad. He had shared every moment of my life with me and held my hand at the most trying times.

I was just twenty-one when I lost my mother to cancer five years ago, and it devastated me since she was everything to me. She was Dad's entire world.

Almost any issue in the world could be solved, according to my mother. She was devoted to both of us. The two of us took the impact rather hard.

He always acted in my best interests, and I always made an effort to follow his instructions. It was different this time. This was more than simply a personal issue for me. Caylee's heart was also in jeopardy.

"Dad, you know I adore Caylee. I want to be with her alone after two years of dating. I'll make her my wife. My children's mother will be her. Dad, it's your daughter-in-law. You have already given your blessing to our union.

My heart was racing and bleeding, and I could feel it. Caylee was too lovely and delicate. The thought of me getting married to someone else was killing. "Caylee Facer is the love of your life; I know that perfectly well, and I have no objection to your relationship. I had pledged that I'd marry her, hail or shine. After a year, you can wed her. I decided to do this after gaining her approval.

"What? You discussed this with her, right? I evidently inquired in shock. I was completely unable to fathom what she was going through.

You don't need to fall in love with the Dante bride you'll marry, Valentino. Just publicly introduce yourself as her husband. You two can possibly live in peace and accept friendship in private. You should have no trouble with this.

"Dad, I'm angry with you. I acknowledged, "This is not the life I wanted to live. I didn't want to keep this conversation going. Dad had done a lot for me, and now he was in dire need of something from me. He was obviously hurting. I was in pain as well. I had to get out of his office now. I didn't want to say anything I would later regret.

"I'll attend. I don't desire a lavish wedding.

"Don't worry, it's a small ceremony. Val, I'm happy for you, and I know you'll treat your wife with respect. I'll wait until you're calm before we speak. Kyle knows the specifics. He will enlighten you.

I didn't have anything to say, so I just got up and walked away. I am currently experiencing a range of emotions. I had to take a breath. I had to see my love. I had to be sure she was okay. I could only find the will to survive in her.

I sank into my office chair and went to sleep. I was annoyed. The door was opened by me. I struggled to find the right words to inform Caylee. I had to see her right away and hug her tightly.

Hey there. Who's getting hitched tonight? Kyle entered the room with a great smile. He had always been the effervescent, carefree type.

In him, I had discovered more than a best friend. He was my sibling. My first day buddy.

"Leave it, Kyle. He sat opposite me with his legs crossed, and I informed him, "I most certainly don't need your nagging right now. He had an active appearance.

"How are you, my man? You appear to be upset.

"Really, Kyle. Is that the appropriate time to ask me that? I'm married to a stranger right now.

"Oh, kindly. Don't worry about finding a bride. I obviously don't worry about her. Just the fact that…

"Valentino bro, you know I've got your back. I am aware that Caylee is currently your top priority. I have already completed the task for you.

I quickly raised my head again and peered out.

Do you? How so? Have you spotted her? Is she alright? Was she sobbing?

Wow, wow, brother. You sound so frightened right now, damn you. Your best friend is right here, so don't worry. "Your dad visited her apartment last night," he said as he fiddled with his finger's ring.

What the devil were you doing?

After her session, I drove her home. She contacted me because you weren't answering your phone, and I ended up saving the day," he said, looking pleased with himself. He simply had to use his ethereal tone to make me feel it.

When will you discuss the specifics?

"Right! Around eight, your father arrived and explained the situation. Val, I won't lie to you. Despite being broken, Caylee managed to get through the conversation.

"She cried a lot, right?" I made a simple inquiry. In my mind, I could see her lovely face covered in tears.

Yup, buddy, but following your dad's departure. You know, he's actually a wonderful guy. He treated her well and reassured her that he would always adore her. She broke down and sobbed uncontrollably when he left. She likes you a lot, man. Through it all, I held her hand, consoled her, and spoke to her in ways I knew you'd say. She then relaxed in her bed as I ordered her favorite pizza, enjoyed some ice cream, and watched a movie. She left for another shoot outside of town this morning after being good. She made me promise I would make sure you were alright and handling things well after she said she would call you. Verify that I'm performing a fantastic job.

Without this maniac, what would I ever do?

Inhaling deeply, I watched Kyle pour a glass of wine. He poured himself a drink and then handed me one.

"Kyle, you are fantastic. Thanks. I genuinely did say, "For everything."

Valentino , please don't make me feel like this. What exactly are friends for?

"Yes, I agree."

However, you still owe me money for all the times I've stood in for you and written your high school assignments.

"Hello there. Who supported you during your nightmares and all of your breakups back then? Not to mention holding your hand in the pitch black in case a monster was lurking somewhere?

"Are we returning to kindergarten now? Should I begin?

"Please save me. Some recollections are simply too humiliating. I grinned as I recalled our outrageous anecdotes. We had traveled far.

"Let's address the elephant in the room now that you are in a better mood."

"Right. Let's finish it up and move on. Who is this bride from Dante? Tell me about the research you completed.

"Uh, yeah. I investigated the Dante family for the entirety of the night. Do you recognize Flavia, Alton, and Alisa?

I was familiar with them all, especially Alton. We had collaborated on a few projects in addition to being in the same high school class.

Regarding Alisa, she just so happened to be Caylee's buddy. We attended high school together, and they are currently signed with the same modeling agency. We had previously met a few times.

Having Caylee's best friend as my wife would be strange.

"Permit me to read your mind. Marrying your girlfriend's best friend would be awkward.

I clapped back, "Bingo," and said fortunately, awkward is not an option, even though in your situation I would prefer awkward.

Please enlighten me.

You won't wed Alisa, I assure you. This Dante is the most recent.

As he filled up his glass, he introduced her as Myrah Paris Dante.

Who is that? Other than Alton and Alisa, I've never heard of Dante.

"Right. I felt the same way. She is real, and she will be your bride.

At least I won't be trapped with some socially awkward freak who needs to be taught how this world works because she's Dante, I thought.

Certainly, right?

"I'm not sure, to be honest. The unpopular person is her. Some stories claim that she hardly ever speaks.

"That's great for me," you said.

She is socially inactive. She has been labeled as uninteresting, unattractive, Dante unworthy, etc. Some sources also offer encouraging comments.

"Please don't tell me I'm going to enter a dull marriage. She doesn't sound at all like my type. We probably won't even pass for friends.

Wait until you meet her before making a decision.

"Is she cute?" I ask, which made us both laugh. It reminded us of a high school cliche.

"Valentino , look for yourself. Personally, I believe she is okay.

Kyle replied as he handed me his phone. If she seemed to be doing OK, that meant that Caylee wasn't even near her.

The girl in the picture looked dejected. She had a fresh, naive appearance. I didn't like her. I never held out hope that we would get along.

Everything collapsed back on itself. All the anxiety and depression brought on by this unwelcome union altered my attitude. It's an old picture, Valentino . So don't use that example to judge. On the internet, not much is known about her. She may be more effective in person. Take a chance on her.

"We simply cannot be."

"If you want that, it's OK. You can always have a change of heart. Time is running out, pal. Let'

s leave.

I detested it. I despised her. Why did she need to enter my life? She introduced an unwanted adjustment into my life.