Over the next few weeks, Leo's presence beside Adrian became impossible to ignore. At first, Valeria thought it was just politeness—two sons of powerful men keeping up appearances. But slowly, Leo was seen more and more with Adrian: sitting beside him in class breaks, joining his group during sports, even laughing at his sharp remarks.
Adrian had a way of making it look natural, as if Leo had always belonged at his side. And soon enough, he did. Within the gang Adrian had built inside the school, Leo wasn't just another member—he was Adrian's right hand. His voice carried weight, second only to Adrian's, and the others quickly followed suit.
Valeria felt her chest tighten every time she saw it. She wanted to drag her brother away, warn him, but Adrian's watchful eyes always lingered on her. Her friends—once her refuge—were already under his thumb. Now her brother too. Speaking up felt dangerous… and useless.
One Friday evening, as they packed up to leave school, Leo turned to Adrian with a grin.
"Hey, why don't you come over to our place tomorrow? It's been a while since Dad's seen you outside of the business meetings. And Valeria will be there too, of course."
Valeria's head snapped toward him, alarm flashing in her eyes. "Leo—" she started, but Adrian cut her off smoothly, his smile curling like a blade.
"I'd be honored," Adrian said, his gaze locking onto hers. "After all, it's only fair I spend more time with my… closest friends."
Leo laughed, oblivious to the tension crackling between them. "Great. I'll let Dad know."
As the three of them walked out of school together, Valeria trailed slightly behind, her fists clenched. Adrian had already taken her friends. Now he had her brother, invited into their home—into her safe space.
And there was nothing she could do to stop it.
Saturday morning sunlight streamed through the Caruso mansion's tall windows, filling the dining hall with a golden glow. Valeria sat quietly at the table, stirring her tea absentmindedly while the servants set plates before her.
She was halfway through her toast when Leo walked in, cheerful as ever.
He dropped into the chair across from her, grabbing an apple from the bowl and taking a loud bite.
"Val," he said casually, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, "Adrian's coming over today."
Valeria's hand froze mid-stir. She lifted her eyes slowly to her brother. "I know. You invited him."
Leo grinned. "Yeah, and I was thinking… why don't the three of us go out somewhere? It'll be fun. A change of air. You, me, and Adrian."
Valeria frowned. "Why would I want to go out with him?"
Leo leaned forward, lowering his voice as if confiding in her. "Because it'll help, Val. Don't you see? Dad and Salvatore are working together again. Adrian's practically family now. If we get along with him, things will be smoother for all of us."
She set her spoon down with a soft clink. "Smoother? You're acting like we owe him something."
"It's not about owing," Leo argued, shaking his head. "It's about being smart. Adrian's not that bad once you get to know him. Honestly, I think you'll like him more if you give him a chance."
Valeria forced a tight smile, masking the unease boiling inside her. Not that bad? He's already ruined my friendships, and now he has you too, Leo.
Before she could respond, the sound of the front gates opening echoed faintly in the distance.
Leo straightened in excitement. "That must be him." He looked back at her, expectant. "So? Will you come with us after he arrives?"
Valeria glanced down at her untouched breakfast, her stomach twisting. She wanted to say no—but Adrian was already inside her home, and refusing in front of him would only make things worse.
"…Fine," she muttered at last.
Leo smiled, satisfied. "Good. You'll see, Val. This is for the best."
The heavy doors of the Caruso mansion opened, and Adrian Vitale stepped inside with the quiet confidence that seemed to follow him everywhere. He wore his usual black, a faint smirk playing at his lips as though he already owned the place.
"Adrian!" Leo's voice echoed warmly across the hall. He strode forward and clasped his hand in a friendly shake. "Glad you made it."
Adrian gave a short nod, his sharp eyes briefly scanning the grand foyer before settling on the figure lingering a few steps behind. Valeria stood stiffly near the staircase, arms folded as though bracing herself.
"Val," Leo called, waving her over with a grin, "come on." Then, with the ease of a brother who'd known her forever, he added in a teasing tone, "Vivi."
Valeria's eyes narrowed instantly. "Leo…" she muttered, warning in her voice.
Adrian raised a brow, his smile sharpening. "So," he drawled, "you have a nickname." His gaze lingered on her, a mix of amusement and curiosity, like he'd just uncovered a secret meant to be his.
Before Valeria could respond, Leo laughed and cut in, oblivious to the tension. "Yeah, I gave her that name when we were kids. Then Dad picked it up too. Only me and Dad call her that. She gets mad if anyone else uses it in public.
Valeria glared at her brother, her cheeks warm with irritation. Adrian, however, said nothing more—only smirked faintly, filing the detail away like a weapon he might use later.
By mid-afternoon, the three of them were in Leo's car, heading into the city. Leo was at the wheel, humming along to the radio, clearly in good spirits.
Adrian sat in the passenger seat, calm and unreadable, while Valeria sat quietly in the back, her gaze fixed on the blur of streets outside.
"So," Leo said cheerfully, breaking the silence, "where should we go first? I was thinking maybe the arcade or the new café on Via Roma?"
Adrian leaned back in his seat, his voice smooth and decisive. "The arcade sounds good. Let's go there."
Leo grinned. "Arcade it is."
Valeria said nothing, though her hands tightened around her bag. She didn't miss the way Adrian's word seemed final, as if Leo hadn't even realized he'd given up the choice.
The arcade buzzed with noise and flashing lights. Valeria stood near the air hockey table, arms crossed, watching her brother laugh with Adrian over some shooting game. She hated to admit it, but Leo looked… happy. Too happy.
After a while, Leo excused himself. "I'll grab us some drinks," he said, jogging off toward the vending machines.
That left Valeria alone with Adrian. She shifted uneasily, pretending to watch the blinking machines, when she felt his presence draw closer.
"Standing here all quiet again?" Adrian's voice was low, almost amused.
Valeria ignored him, her eyes fixed firmly ahead.
But then, without warning, Adrian leaned in—his hand brushing against her cheek as he swept a strand of hair behind her ear. The gesture was deliberate, intimate, far too close.
Valeria's breath hitched. For one brief second, her eyes locked with his. His gaze was steady, intense, as if he were memorizing every flicker of emotion on her face.
Quickly, she turned away, avoiding him, her cheeks hot.
Adrian chuckled under his breath, his smirk growing wider at her reaction. "Still pretending you don't notice me, huh?" he murmured.
Before Valeria could answer, Leo returned with the drinks, grinning and oblivious. "Here you go, Vivi," he said, handing her a can before tossing one to Adrian.
Valeria accepted it silently, but her heart was still racing, Adrian's touch burning like a mark she couldn't erase.
As they finished another round of games, Leo clapped his hands together. "Alright, I'm starving. Should we grab dinner somewhere?"
Valeria shrugged lightly, fiddling with the unopened can in her hands. She hadn't spoken much all evening, but Leo had been too busy laughing with Adrian to notice—until now.
"Vivi, you've been quiet today," Leo said, tilting his head at her. "Everything okay?"
"I'm fine," Valeria replied quickly, forcing a small smile. "Just… a little tired, that's all."
Leo grinned, as if satisfied with the answer. "Then let's fix that. How about your favorite restaurant?" He nudged her playfully. "That should cheer you up."
He turned to Adrian. "What about you? Or do you want to go somewhere else?"
Adrian leaned back casually, his lips curling into that ever-present smirk. His eyes flicked to Valeria before answering. "I'm fine with it. How could I have a problem with something she likes?"
Valeria's heart skipped, though she masked it with another faint shrug. Leo, oblivious, only laughed. "Good, then it's settled."
At Dinner
The dishes arrived, filling the table with the rich aroma of herbs and butter. Leo immediately dug in, chatting between bites.
"See? Best risotto in town. Vivi's got good taste," he said proudly, raising his fork at Adrian.
Adrian leaned forward slightly, eyes on Valeria instead of the food. "I don't doubt it," he murmured.
Valeria kept her gaze lowered, stabbing at her plate just to avoid meeting his eyes. But Adrian had a way of pulling her into his orbit even in silence. Every brush of his words, every glance, it was as if the whole restaurant shrank down to just him and her.
Leo, oblivious, started talking about a new event their families were planning. He turned to Valeria mid-sentence. "Right, Vivi? Don't you think Adrian should come with us next week?"
Valeria's lips parted, but Adrian cut in smoothly, voice warm. "I'd be honored. Especially if Valeria will be there."
Leo grinned, missing the tension entirely. "Then it's settled."
When dessert came, Adrian leaned closer across the table, lowering his voice just enough so only Valeria could hear. "You should smile more. It suits you."
Her fork froze midair. She swallowed hard, ignoring him, but the faintest pink touched her cheeks. Adrian's smirk deepened, satisfied.
After dinner, the three stepped out into the cool night air. Leo was humming in a good mood, pleased with how the evening had gone. The car pulled up, and Leo insisted on driving, leaving Adrian and Valeria to sit together in the backseat.
Valeria slid in first, pressing herself slightly toward the window. Adrian followed, settling beside her with calm ease, his presence filling the small space.
As they drove, Leo chattered cheerfully from the front. "Adrian, you should've seen Vivi when she was little—she hated vegetables so much she'd hide them under the tablecloth. Even Dad caught her once." He laughed, glancing at them through the rearview mirror.
Valeria groaned softly, covering her face with her hand. "Leo…"
Adrian chuckled, his voice low, velvet smooth. "I can't imagine her doing that. She seems… disciplined." His eyes flicked toward her, catching the way she peeked out from behind her hand.
Leo kept going, dragging Adrian into more stories, and slowly the topic drifted toward Valeria's favorite things—her books, her favorite flowers, the places she liked to visit when she wanted quiet. Leo answered most of it for her, proud that he knew his sister so well.
Adrian listened with sharp attention, memorizing every detail, as though each fact was a key meant for him.
Halfway through the ride, Valeria's responses grew slower, her eyelids heavy from the long day. Leaning slightly against the window, she finally drifted into sleep, her breathing soft and even.
Leo noticed and smiled warmly. "See? She always falls asleep after a good meal. Like a kid."
Adrian's gaze lingered on her peaceful face, the strands of hair falling against her cheek. Slowly, deliberately, he reached out and brushed one back, his touch light enough not to wake her.
Leo, still focused on the road, didn't see.
Adrian let his hand rest near her for a moment longer before pulling back, his smirk returning. His voice was calm when he spoke, as though nothing had happened. "You're lucky, Leo. You've got a sister who makes the world quieter just by being in it."
Leo chuckled, pleased at the compliment but missing the deeper meaning. "Yeah, she's special."
Adrian leaned back in his seat, eyes never leaving Valeria. "She is."