ived at New York City Hall. The morning air was c

black Maybach S-Class parked near the entrance. The lic

blue dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing silver armbands that highlighted the subtle, powerful muscles of his forearms. His

hed, Aurore noticed the faint flash of re

ted him, the title sli

in front of her, staring down from his im

alizing her mistak

nted, his expre

?" she asked, tilti

king past her toward th

bic responses but followed him inside. He was a noto

heir status. Photos, signatures, official stamps

re of the two freshly printed marriage c

a picture to my dad, too," Aurore said, taking out her o

Call them Mom and Dad," Kane corrected her

corner of the certificate and smiled. "I definitely need

hone screen. "S

. She remembered her plan to establish clear boundaries

he busy street. "There

and barista turned to stare. Their combined looks and commanding presence w

r table and ordered

You didn't object at the dinner to maintain the families' dignity, and you're going through wi

fear. I will not hinder your work - I have my own career to pour all my energy into. No

and wish to marry, we can negotiate an amica

octave, turning frigid and heavy. A faint, involuntary shiver

ous? What had sparked this abru

through her swirling, panicked thought