HER UNTAMED HEART

Diana Crawford had survived exactly forty-three minutes of the evening before deciding that she had had enough. The ballroom was beautiful, as always. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting warm light over the elegantly dressed guests. Soft music played in the background while waiters moved between clusters of wealthy families with trays of champagne and expensive appetizers. Everywhere she looked, people were smiling. Talking. Pretending to be interested in conversations they probably wouldn't remember tomorrow. Diana picked up another pastry from a passing tray and took a bite. She had no idea what the man beside her was talking about. Something about an investment. Or a merger. Or perhaps the weather. She had stopped listening several minutes ago. “Diana.” She glanced toward her mother. Crawford Elise was giving her the look. The look that meant behave. Diana swallowed her food and smiled innocently. “What?” “Try to stay with us for a little while,” her mother said quietly. “You disappeared twice already.” “I was here,” Diana replied. “You were outside,” Elise pointed out. “Outside is still part of the building.” Her mother sighed. “Just behave yourself tonight.” Diana smiled. “I always behave.” Her mother's expression made it clear that neither of them believed that. Before she could say anything else, Diana spotted one of her friends across the room and immediately raised a hand. “I'll be right back.” “Diana...” her mother called after her. But she was already walking away. She slipped between the guests, ignored two greetings from people she barely remembered meeting, and made her way toward the balcony. The moment she stepped outside, the noise from the ballroom faded behind her. Diana breathed out in relief. Much better. She walked toward the railing and looked over the illuminated gardens below. The night air was cool against her skin, and for the first time that evening, she could hear herself think. She reached into the small purse hanging from her shoulder and pulled out the little packet of snacks she had brought with her. She had learned long ago that fancy gatherings were much easier to survive when she came prepared. Diana leaned against the railing and peacefully munched on her snack. A few minutes later, the balcony door opened. She didn't bother turning around. “I knew you'd come here.” The familiar voice made her glance over her shoulder. Lancaster Stefan stepped onto the balcony. He looked exactly like he always did at these gatherings. Perfectly dressed. Perfectly composed. Perfectly uninterested. Diana turned back toward the garden. “You say that like I'm predictable.” “You are,” Stefan replied. She scoffed. “That's rich coming from you.” Stefan walked toward the railing and stopped a few feet away from her. “You never get tired of acting this way at every gathering?” he asked. Diana looked at him. “What way?” “Disappearing,” Stefan replied. “I don't disappear,” she said. “You do,” he insisted. “I relocate,” Diana corrected. His lips twitched. “Whatever you call it.” Diana smiled triumphantly and popped another snack into her mouth. “And you never get tired of walking out of every gathering either,” she said. “I don't walk out,” Stefan replied. “You're standing on a balcony.” Stefan glanced around before looking back at her. “Technically, I'm still at the gathering.” Diana laughed. “Exactly.” He shook his head and looked toward the ballroom. Diana held out the packet toward him. “Want some?” “No,” he replied. She shrugged and pulled it back. “Your loss.” Stefan glanced at the packet before looking at her again. “Is this how you act with everyone?” he asked. Diana frowned. “What?” “Like this.” He gestured vaguely toward her. “Running away from formal events, eating snacks in corners, ignoring people.” Diana stared at him for a moment before smiling. “Is this how you act with everyone?” she asked. Stefan raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?” “You're Lancaster Stefan.” She gestured toward him with her snack. “You're from the richest family here. Surely you're used to these gatherings.” “I am,” Stefan replied. “Then why are you always walking away from them?” she asked. He was quiet for a moment. Diana grinned. “Exactly.” Stefan looked at her with an expression that suggested he regretted coming outside. “You're impossible,” he said. “And yet you keep coming to the balcony,” Diana pointed out. “I came out because it was quiet,” Stefan replied. “So did I,” she said. “That doesn't mean anything,” he said. “Of course it doesn't,” Diana replied. She turned back toward the garden, clearly amused. For a moment, neither of them spoke. It wasn't awkward. It never really was. They had known each other for years. Their families moved in the same circles, which meant they had crossed paths at countless dinners, celebrations, charity events, weddings, and business gatherings. They weren't friends. They weren't particularly close. But Diana knew Stefan well enough to know that he hated crowded rooms almost as much as she did. And Stefan knew her well enough to know that she would rather eat snacks on a balcony than stand beside her parents pretending to care about a conversation. The balcony door opened again. Stefan's assistant, Leon, stepped outside. He looked toward Stefan first. “Sir,” Leon said. Stefan straightened slightly. “What is it?” “Your parents have been looking for you,” Leon replied. Stefan frowned. “Why?” “I wasn't told,” Leon answered. Leon then turned toward Diana. “And your parents are looking for you too, Miss Crawford.” Diana stopped chewing. “My parents?” “Yes,” Leon replied. She looked at Stefan. “Why would they be looking for both of us?” Stefan's expression hardened slightly. “I don't know.” Leon stepped aside. “They asked me to bring both of you inside.” Diana looked suspiciously toward the ballroom. “This sounds serious.” Stefan glanced at her. “Everything sounds serious to you.” “Because rich people don't call their children together for fun,” Diana replied. “You're a rich person too,” Stefan pointed out. “I know. That's why I'm concerned.” Stefan gave her a look. Diana smiled. “Come on.” She slipped the snack packet back into her purse and walked toward the door. Stefan followed. The three of them returned to the ballroom together. As soon as they stepped inside, Diana's eyes moved across the crowd until she spotted her parents standing near Stefan's parents. Her smile slowly disappeared. “Why are they all standing together?” she asked. Stefan didn't answer. They walked over. Diana's father looked at her with a seriousness that immediately made her uncomfortable. “There you are,” he said. Diana glanced at Stefan. “Apparently, we've both been summoned.” Her father ignored the comment. “We need to speak with you,” he said. “About what?” Diana asked. Her mother exchanged a glance with Stefan's mother. Diana noticed. So did Stefan. Stefan's father cleared his throat. “Not here.” Diana folded her arms. “Then where?” “We'll be having a family dinner soon,” his mother said. Diana blinked. “A family dinner?” “Yes,” his mother replied. “When?” Diana asked. “Soon,” she answered. Diana looked between the adults. “That was it?” Her father nodded. “We'll discuss everything at the dinner.” She stared at him. “Discuss what?” “We'll explain then,” he replied. Diana narrowed her eyes. She hated surprises. Especially the kind that involved both families. Stefan seemed equally unconvinced. “When is the dinner?” he asked. His father gave him the date. Stefan nodded once. “Fine.” Diana looked at him. “You're fine with that?” He shrugged. “It's dinner.” “Exactly. Which means something is wrong,” Diana said. Stefan almost smiled. “Not everything is a conspiracy.” Diana pointed at him. “That's exactly what someone involved in a conspiracy would say.” He shook his head and walked away. Diana watched him go before turning back to her parents. Her father was already speaking to another guest. Apparently, the conversation was over. Diana sighed. Fine. She would attend the dinner. Whatever it was about couldn't possibly be that serious. At least, that's what she told herself. Later that night, Diana stepped out of her car and walked into the Crawford mansion. She kicked off her heels near the staircase before picking them up again. Her mother would complain if she left them there. She climbed the stairs and entered her room. The moment she closed the door behind her, her phone buzzed. A message from one of her friends. Diana smiled as she dropped onto her bed. The family dinner was already slipping from her mind. She had plans for the weekend. That was far more important. She was halfway through replying when there was a knock on her door. “Come in,” Diana called. Her mother entered. Diana looked up from her phone. “What's wrong?” “Nothing is wrong,” her mother replied. “Then why are you here?” Her mother sat on the edge of the bed. “We need to talk about the family dinner,” she said. Diana slowly lowered her phone. “I knew it.” Her mother frowned. “Knew what?” “That something was wrong.” “Diana...” “Is someone sick?” she asked. “No,” her mother replied. “Did Dad lose money?” “Of course not,” her mother said. “Did Stefan's family do something?” Her mother stared at her. Diana sat up straighter. “What?” Her mother took a slow breath. “Your father and I have made a decision.” Diana waited. “You're getting married.” Silence. Diana stared at her. Then she laughed. “Very funny.” Her mother didn't laugh. Diana's smile disappeared. “You're serious?” “Yes,” her mother replied. “To whom?” Her mother held her gaze. “Lancaster Stefan.” Diana froze. For the first time that night, she had absolutely nothing to say.