na -

model for studying human behavior. Frustration gnawed at me when another error

d voice made

wrapped me in a bear hug, making me smile with happines

ed. She shoul

re you her

"That's the first thing you want to ask

d. "But I told you to stay

n serious. From across the room, I

pered. "But Dad said I shouldn't miss my sister's engagement

igh

I wanted t

u're marrying Nico B

h your friends instead of coming here,

ce softened. "So, you and Nico Bellini are tied

th. My reason for agreeing

oesn't feel the same way. I think this

pewing to her? I am

ry, and an arranged marriage? Sis, this could totally t

d the lie. I hated ho

red, turning back to the scree

can help you make

dn't even care about him

dragging me away from my desk. "The ne

gued. "And I don't mind goin

but she kept tr

keover, sis. Even if I

o," I s

planted her han

issors. Loser does wha

I'll wear one of Mom's old gowns

yes. "Are you sure

aid with a

smirked. "You're s

n't r

I heard you back do

e not going to leave

El said with a

u in or not

p a coin?" I sugg

nodded. "Fine.

ir, catching it against my pa

ea

ad snapped toward the corner of the

urning toward him. "What

over to me while

t interfere in my bu

his fingers opened, revealing another coin inside his hand. My stomach dropped. Before I coul

in shock. Both

s whole time?" El gasped. "E

er a gui

ed heads, you still won?

th both sides having t

sharpened

ly while silently shooting daggers at Caldwell. Why did he sudden

s on her hips, "but only if you come shopping

you let this

she absolutely planned to

said proudly

second, I thought I saw amusement flicker in his ey

ith my current

d me up

" she said carefully. "But sometimes you

uat

, especially speeding tickets. I followed her downstairs while Caldwell trailed b

o revealed your sec

bodyguard,"

," she whisper

oyfriend," I

before she brightened again, clearly too

ing," El

d aside. I took the passenger se

ping!" El shou

, but strangely, the speed didn't

n weighing on my chest. She dragged me through one clothing boutique after an

covered in delicate detailing and thin straps resting against my shoulders. The long, trailing skirt moved elegantly with every step. E

ickly taking pictures on her phone. "You've been hidi

o something called a butterfly cut, my nails were done, and I got an entire makeup lesson I never

ng?" El asked as we g

laptop and codi

ed drama

e your engagement. The media's g

led m

business tycoons who owned Caruso Mart stores acros

r, El," I mutter

hanking me, not mocki

ren't here, I'd be a

y against my chest while fake

okay. I'm okay," I said in m

ok her

ma q

expressio

ssions," she admitted quietly.

spered, resting my hand o

e truth," I sai

ked at m

all day while pretending

ying to hide the tear

ld. I can handle my

softly, "and I can handle an

h a weak smile. Chan

up with

ed immediately. I should mak

about our family's real mafia business.

ghtly before she forc

was useles

y man who walks away from love because

ght," sh

ed sli

celebrate your br

with a watery s