Charmaine's s POV I stand in front of my closet, scanning the array of outfits before me. I need to look perfect for this meeting. Not because I'm trying to impress Luca, but because I want to show him that I'm serious, that I've thought this through. I'm about to tell him that I've made a decision, one that will change everything. I'm going to tell him that I've chosen Marcus as my mate, as Lily's father and ally. My hands move swiftly, selecting a elegant black dress that accentuates my curves. I slip it on, feeling the soft fabric glide over my skin. I pair it with a pair of sleek heels, the ones that make me feel confident and powerful. I take a deep breath, studying my reflection in the mirror. My hair is styled perfectly, my makeup subtle yet striking. I look like a woman on a miss

