My heart pounded like a war drum, each step making my pulse race faster. A subtle tremor ran through me with every breath, but I kept my head high and my shoulders square as I made my way down the grand hall. Stefano and our two guests awaited me at the other end, a scene that held more weight than I could bear to let show.

I locked my gaze on Stefano, and my foolish heart betrayed me, skipping as he came into focus. Dressed in his signature black pants and a half-buttoned shirt that ...