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“I understand that, Andrea, but why must it fall on me to make that happen?” I ask, still giving him the cold shoulder.

Andrea shakes his head. “I’ve never asked anything of you your entire life, Gia. I need you to do this one thing.”

“So the one time you ask, you ask something huge and life-altering.”

“Consider it payment for all the smart-ass comments I’ve put up with,” he tries to joke. He sighs. “You’re part of this family too, Gia, whether you like it or not.”

I look out of the window, leaning on the counter as I do so. I can see the people moving throughout the villa who are like family to us, who would give their lives for us. I sigh softly and nod.

“Thank you, my darling baby sister,” Andrea sighs, coming around to scoop me up in a hug. “You won’t be sorry.”

But I already am.

I take a moment for myself before I plaster on a smile and begin the recording of the apple crumble cake. I can edit it before going to dinner tonight.

I’m not showering again, so I go upstairs and change into an evening dress and style my hair in an updo with ringlets falling down either side of my face. I slip into some high heels as Andrea calls upstairs to me.

“Gia, he’s here.”

I pick up my purse and hurry downstairs. Andrea beams at me proudly as a Lexus pulls up outside in front.

“That’s a very humble car for him,” I say, surprised.

Michael gets out and walks up the stairs, first greeting my brother. “Mr. Bianchi, it’s good to see you.” They shake hands, and Andrea nods.

“It’s good to see you too. Gia is ready.”

“Guilia,” Michael takes my hand and kisses it. I’m already grossed out but force a smile.

“Hello, Michael.”

“I can’t begin to explain how happy I am to have you join me for dinner,” he says, but I can tell he’s just trying to be smooth in front of my brother.

He offers me his arm, and I give him a forced smile and take it. He bids my brother goodnight and leads me to the passenger side of his car.

“You’ll forgive that I brought the Lexus. It’s my run-around car. My sports cars are reserved for weekend events.”

I try not to puke in my mouth or roll my eyes and simply nod so he opens the door, and I get in, fastening my seatbelt.

We drive to Vini’s, one of the fanciest restaurants around, one my brother normally brings me to. Now it’s ruined. We take our seats, and Michael immediately orders me a salad, which seriously pisses me off.

But I can’t say anything because he launches into a long lecture about how amazing he is. I stare at him, remembering to force a smile and nod. This is going to be the most boring night of my life.

He goes on and on about his businesses and assets. I don’t know why he’s trying to sell himself so hard. The marriage is already arranged; it’s not like I care or can back out.

After dinner, Michael suggests we go to the promenade by the waterfront. We walk together under the beautiful lights. It’s romantic, at least the notion is, but Michael isn’t appreciating the scenery; he just jabbers away about his family. I sigh, but he doesn’t hear.

I take off my shoes. “I’m going to walk closer to the water.”

“You’ll get dirty,” he points out with a grimace.

I ignore him and step onto the beach sand, walking closer to the water. Thankfully, the thought of getting dirty stops Michael from following me, and he remains on ‘dry land’ while I stroll closer to the water, enjoying the feeling of the sand between my toes.

I don’t go straight back; instead, I lift my dress and dip my feet in the ocean. I enjoy the silence that comes with the waves lapping the shore and without Michael’s constant arrogant chatter.

I have to go back though, so I take a deep breath in and return to him. He looks annoyed that I left him alone, but I really don’t care.

He takes my arm and says, “We should go home. Just wipe your feet before you get back in my car.”