Ayla
The clinking of silverware echoed through the dining room, blending with the rich aroma of tomatoes, basil, and garlic that wrapped around us like a warm blanket. Mom sat beside Papa as usual, her eyes flicking from me to tonight’s guest—River.
My heart was hammering in my chest. From the moment the front door opened and River walked in, the room had felt smaller, tighter—every gaze, including Rhett’s, zeroed in on us.
“So, River,” Mom finally broke the awkward silence. Her voice was gentle but laced with curiosity. “Tell us a little about your family. You’re from a business family, right?”
River straightened his back, looking calm even though I knew he had to be nervous. “Yes, Mrs. Corsetti. My father runs a tech company, and I’m… uh, studying architecture at Da Vinci College. I
