Lily's POV
I didn’t sit. I couldn’t. Dante stood across from me, perfectly calm, like he was discussing a quarterly report instead of… whatever impossible thing he was about to propose.
He watched me for a long moment, then exhaled slowly. “Lily,” he said gently, “I know you’re overwhelmed. But I need you to listen to me fully before you decide anything.”
I swallowed, my throat dry. “Fine,” I managed. “Explain. Start from the beginning.”
He nodded once, slowly, and approached the edge of the desk, not too close, as if he knew I’d bolt if he pushed even a little.
“The engagement banquet,” he began. “It can’t be canceled without a substantial explanation. My mother is… fragile when it comes to family reputations. After everything my father’s second wife did, she clings to order and ap
