e car rolled forward, I gripped the edge of my seat, my stomach knotting tighter with every meter we covered. Beyond the gates, manicu

Armando said casually, his voice break

light. He looked calm, at ease, as though walking into

e right through this." Armando had requested that I come see his family because they were the reason

thout looking at me. "And i

nce. "This isn't a board meeting, Armando. These a

dark eyes locking onto mine

tion catching me off

the ring on my finger. It felt foreign, heav

e said, his voice st

k suit opened my door. Armando stepped out first, extending a hand to hel

massive crystal chandelier, and the faint scent of fresh flowers hung in the air. A group of elegantly

re sharp, softened only by the warmth in her smile. She looked every bit

aid smoothly, his hand resting

n, unreal, and yet it slipped

aid, extending my hand with

er than felt comfortable. "You've kept her a secret

s assessed me like I was a stock market figure rather than a person.

rmando replied with a shrug,

sed eyebrows, but no one pres

like a test, every question a trap. Armando's mother was particularly intense, her p

, her tone bordering on condescending. "But what

sinking in. What made me think I was r

doesn't need to prove herself," he said, his voic

s were definitive, leaving no room for argument. But his mothe

ooking the sprawling gardens. The cool night air was a w

ndo said, his voice

acket off, the sleeves of his shirt rolled up. He look

the tension in my sho

ze steady. "You did well.

view," I said dryly, earni

in silence, the distanc

oice barely above a whisper. "Out of all

cause you're stronger than you realize," he said simply. "

aught me off guard, leaving

ty came crashing ba

mal afternoon, when a man approached our table. His s

aid, his voice

the smooth, charming man I had come to know.

ied, his tone clipped.

t thought I'd remind you to tread carefully," he said, his smile sharp

ip firm but reassuring. "Olivia has nothing to do

ead. "They always say that. Unt

as he walked away, leaving a

ut?" I demanded, m

t," Armando replied, though his

," I snapped. "If being wi

ted, his eyes locking onto mine. "

ight of his world was beginning to press down on

of Armando's penthouse, his words echoed in

I wondered if even he