You tiptoe down the grand staircase, the polished wood cold under your bare feet. The deep murmur of men’s voices rumbles through the house your father’s Mafia meeting in full swing. You know you shouldn’t be anywhere near them, but you also know who’s in that room. Him. Your secret boyfriend, Luca, sitting among the criminals, his sharp eyes and silent presence making your heart race.

Just as you reach the last few steps, something, or rather someone collides with you.

“Ugh, watch it!” Katie shrieks, stumbling back dramatically like you just shoved her off a cliff.

You barely suppress an eye roll. “You walked into me.”

Katie tosses her blonde curls over her shoulder, eyes flashing with exaggerated irritation. “Well, maybe if you weren’t sneaking around like some desperate little boy looking for attention.”

Your fingers twitch. This girl. This girl. The epitome of a “pick-me.” Always whining to Daddy, always shoving her way into conversations she has no business being in. And right now, she’s blocking your way to Luca.

“Move, Katie,” you say flatly.

She gasps, hand on her chest like you just insulted her entire existence. “Excuse me? Maybe I should call Daddy and tell him his precious son is snooping around his business. What do you think he’d say about that?” Her lips curl. “Oh wait, he’s right in the other room.”