The unexpected connection

Celeste's POV

I barely had time to process the grandeur of the living room before the heavy double doors to Luca's office swung open. My breath hitched. There he was Luca Moretti standing in the doorway, a dark silhouette against the light, his presence as commanding as the mansion itself. He gestured for me to enter, his eyes unreadable, but for the first time, I felt a strange pull a reluctant curiosity rather than just professional obligation.

Stepping into his office felt like entering the inner sanctum of a king. It was less an office and more like a command center it was sleek, modern, yet imbued with an old-world power. A massive, dark wood desk dominated the room, covered with complex charts and legal documents. The air was cool, faintly scented with sandalwood and something else… something sharp, like ambition.

"Good morning, Celeste," Luca said, his voice surprisingly calm, almost soft—a stark contrast to the clipped tones he usually used. He gestured to a chair opposite his desk. "Thank you for coming on such short notice."

I sat, my posture straight, my professional facade firmly in place.

"Of course, Mr. Moretti. You mentioned a new acquisition? So I had to come. Can I know what it is about?."

He nodded, leaning back in his chair, his gaze fixed on me. And then, something unexpected happened. He began to speak not in tense commands, but with a surprising openness. He started explaining the acquisition, not just the legalities, but the reason behind it. He spoke of consolidating power, of expanding the Moretti empire, of strategic moves to outmaneuver rivals. He spoke of legacy, of securing his family's future, of a vision that stretched far beyond mere profit. And I was surprised if not inspired.

"These acquisitions aren't just about money, Celeste," he said, his voice dropping slightly a rare vulnerability in his tone. "They're about control. About ensuring that what my family built what my father fought for remains untouchable and continue leading." His eyes, usually cold and calculating, held a flicker of something deeper a quiet intensity and to me it was almost a plea for understanding.

I found myself listening. Truly listening and captivated by the raw honesty in his voice. It was unlike any conversation we had ever had. He wasn't just giving orders; he was sharing his world, his burdens. And as he spoke, his gaze softened, lingering on my face, almost as if he were seeing me for the first time. He looked at me not as a lawyer but as someone who might, just might, understand the weight of his crown. And I did but there were too many complexities attached to him.

And in that moment, a strange, warm feeling bloomed in my chest. It wasn't love—not yet but a profound sense of connection, of shared understanding. It felt… like something utterly different. A strange, dangerous, yet undeniably compelling sense of belonging in this man's formidable world.

And that bothered me.

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Luca's POV

I watched Celeste across the desk, her intelligent eyes following my every word, absorbing every detail. I had intended to give her the bare minimum—the necessary instructions for the acquisition. But then, the words just kept coming. I found myself explaining the why behind the intricate web of shell companies, the ruthless strategy, the relentless drive for power. I spoke of consolidating the empire, of protecting the family name, of the very real threats that constantly circled my world.

And as I spoke, I saw something shift in her eyes. Not just professional comprehension—but a flicker of genuine understanding, of empathy and It was disarming. I hadn't expected it nor I hadn't wanted it. Yet, the more I spoke, the more I found myself drawn to the quiet fire in her gaze, the way her lips curved ever so slightly as she processed my words.

Why am I telling her all this?

The question flashed sharp and unwelcome in my mind. It was unlike me. I never revealed my hand, never showed weakness, never explained my motives. But with Celeste, the words flowed, unbidden, almost compelled by her presence. The way she looked at me with that blend of defiance and quiet intelligence—it was… captivating and unnerving.

A foreign feeling stirred in my chest. Something warm. Something akin to a strange, unsettling admiration for her.

Does she actually like me? The thought was absurd. I was Luca Moretti the soon to be Don of an underground empire—a man who inspired fear and respect, not affection, a man who has a lot of blood in his hand's. Yet, the way her hair framed her face, the subtle tilt of her head as she listened, it was… beautiful. And for a fleeting moment, a dangerous thought sparked

Does she actually like me?

Or can she like me?

The idea was foreign, unsettling, yet undeniably intriguing.

And I for ones wished she could be mine one way or the other, but we different in a lot of ways.As I stay and work in the dark side of the world, while she works with light.

And that is definitely a problem.