Chapter 23
Melanie's POV
Idris straightened his tie again as we got out of the car. He was dressed in a full suit, and honestly, it felt excessive to me.
It was just dinner with my parents, not a boardroom negotiation. I knew why, though. My dad’s approval.
“Ease up a bit,” I said as I linked my arm through his.
I hadn’t put that much thought into my outfit, just a snug wool gown that made me feel cozy, with my hair packed into a ponytail.
“I’m calm,” he said and kissed my forehead, something he only did when one of us was nervous.
And I wasn’t.
We walked toward the family mansion, passed down through generations on my dad’s side. It had been a while since I’d stopped by here, especially since Idris and I had settled into our apartment in town.
We stepped into the dining area, and
