TASI

rain screams at me to speak, to give him a reply,

myself. "I... I don't," I stut

eyes narrow as he crosses his arms across his

new finance officer, I know this number is impossible. Yes, we ma

ision to make, Miss Anastas

distracting himself and finally allowing me to breat

cologne filtering into my

oy the facilities," he says, his voice p

see yo

me, turning his gaze t

continuing his walk. The double doors pull ope

again. I breathe out a heavy s

is out," I whisper t

rk, trying to find a way to avoid th

ring out the windo

hair. The office is empt

r, shaking my hea

to him but also wanted to grab a gun and shoot him in the face. He arranged a marriage

t hours," I mutter

phone l

ime. "Who could that be?" I spin my chair towa

and my eyes wide

eralds? Or m

engagement rings, each nestled in a navy b

leather watch wrapp

my spine. "Dante

m.? I type quickly, sliding my finger across t

haven't even agreed to your proposal ye

gret it. "I should've ignored

antly. I guess you'l

art r

ht, Mrs

rise acro

next day, I take Matteo to t

father tells him with a small smile.

nods

r sister," my father coughs, making m

ing him, the way they look a

ante's proposal, I'll never ha

y, drawing th

dad whispe

ce is steady, my exp

elp us in some way. If that includes ma

sigh of relief,

soon as I can," my

t, turning away. "I ha

ately, Rupert

rough the doors, Bia

d-playful, annoying, always conv

," she tea

ing me that," I laugh,

a dress for dinner

idn't pull out a dress-I bought you a whole new outfit."

ow, already

ose scraps of fabric you c

u'll wear it

ntics. Soon, we're

nner dress; Bianca's

g and a luxurious atmosphere. We sit near

, your server. Can I start you wi

rders wh

hand-and in the other, a bouquet of rich r

a and then back to Vivian

ening. "They're from the ge

ey're for M

n at me, her mouth falling open. Slowly, her gaze s

ns his head, piercing bl

away, clutching my wine glass,

es, eyes darting between