Instead, I smile. "I would never do anything to embarrass the family."
He studies me suspiciously, but before he can respond, my mother appears at my elbow.
"Liana, darling." She’s the picture of elegance. Perfect hair, perfect dress, perfect smile. "The Marcellos will be here any moment. Come, your father wants to see you."
I follow her through the crowd to my father's study. Dominic Costa sits behind his massive desk, every inch the Don. Silver hair, sharp eyes, an air of authority that fills the room.
"Liana." He doesn't stand. "Are you ready?"
"Ready as I'll ever be." I keep my voice neutral.
"This is an important alliance." He leans back in his chair. "Vincent and I have been discussing this for months. Together, our families will be unstoppable."
"Under Santino's leadership," I clarify.
"That's tradition, as you well know." Papa's tone brooks no argument.
"And if Santino decides he doesn't want to marry me?"
"Then you will have failed this family." Papa's voice is cold. "But I expect you to make this work. Am I clear?"
Crystal clear.
"Yes, Papa."
"That’s what I want to hear." He stands finally. "Now go. Be charming. Be gracious. Show the Marcellos why you're worthy of their name."
I leave the study, my mother trailing behind me. "Liana." Her voice is soft. "I know this is difficult."
"Do you?" I stop, turning to face her. "Was your marriage to Papa arranged too?"
"Yes." She doesn't hesitate. "And I was furious. But I learned to make the best of it. I learned my role. And I've been happy."
"Have you?" I study her face. "Or have you just been content to play your role?"
She frowns at me. "There's nothing wrong with contentment."
"There's nothing wrong with wanting more, either."
"Wanting more as a woman in our world..." She trails off. "It's complicated."
"It's only complicated because men make it that way." I soften my tone. "Mama, you're brilliant. You could have done anything. Been anything. Don't you ever wonder what that would have been like?"
"No." But her eyes say yes. "I have my life. My family. That's enough."
It's not enough for me. It'll never be enough. But I don't say that. Instead, I kiss her cheek. "I should get back."
"Liana." She catches my arm. "Give this man a chance. Santino. You might be surprised."
"I'm sure I will be." Just not in the way she thinks.
I return to the main room where people are gathering. Through the windows, I can see cars pulling up the long driveway. The Marcellos are arriving.
My heart kicks up, but I keep my breathing steady. This is it. The beginning of the end.
Or the beginning of the beginning, depending on how you look at it.
Gia appears beside me. "Ready?"
