As Victoria and Alex approached the entrance of her family’s ancestral home, Victoria’s steps began to slow. Her usual confidence seemed to waver, and a visible tension settled over her as they neared the door. She shot Alex a nervous glance, her hand tightening slightly around his arm.
“Listen,” she said, her voice quieter than usual, “they're going to scrutinize every word and move you make in there. My family can be… intense. But don’t be afraid, okay?"
“Afraid?” Alex suppressed a smile, finding her attempt to comfort him amusing. “I’ll be fine. I promise.”
Victoria nodded, though her nerves didn’t seem to ease. With a deep breath, she led him through the grand doors of the mansion.
Inside, the entire Hale family stood in the center of the grand hall, as if expecting something monum
