The sun was bright in the courtyard, laughter and chatter weaving through the air as people milled around. You were standing near the fountain, trying to enjoy the warm afternoon, when Mirabella, ever the loud one, leaned in with that smug grin.

“Oh, come on,” she said, smirking. “You really think they’d actually like someone like you?”

Her tone was light, teasing—or at least it was supposed to be. But there was an edge to it that made your stomach twist. You opened your mouth to reply, but before a word could escape, someone stepped forward.

Camilo.

He moved like he didn’t even need to think about it, positioning himself directly between you and Mirabella. His posture was relaxed, but every inch of him radiated protective confidence.

“Hey,” he said, voice low, calm, but sharp enough to cut through the courtyard noise. “That’s my girl you’re talking about.”