His expression shifts. "Liana—"
"I know you think it's crazy. And maybe it is. But I genuinely think she'd be happier with family around her."
"She has family around her."
"During the day. But at night?" I lean forward slightly. "She's alone. Nobody should be alone like that."
He's quiet for a moment, studying my face. "You're serious."
"Completely."
"Even though it would mean having a ninety-two-year-old living with us as newlyweds."
"Even though."
Something in his eyes softens. "That's actually kind of amazing."
I wasn't expecting that. "What?"
"Most women your age wouldn't want that responsibility. The inconvenience."
"I'm not most women."
"No." His voice drops lower. "You're definitely not."
The way he's looking at me makes my pulse quicken. There's heat in his gaze. This wasn't part of the plan.
Our food arrives, breaking the moment. I focus on my chicken, which is actually delicious.
"Good?" Santino asks.
"Delicious." I take another bite. "How's yours?"
"Perfect."
We eat in comfortable silence for a while. I'm acutely aware of him across the table. The way he moves. The way his hands look holding his fork. Strong hands. Capable.
Stop it, Liana.
"Tell me something," he says suddenly. "Something real. Not the rehearsed answers you give at family dinners."
I set down my fork. "Like what?"
"Like what you actually want. From life. From this arrangement." He pauses. "From me."
It's a dangerous question. An honest one. I could lie. Give him the answer he wants to hear. Play the role he expects. But something about tonight feels different. Like maybe, just for a moment, I can be real.
"I want to matter," I say quietly. "I want what I do to have meaning. To make a difference."
"And you don't think you can do that as my wife?"
"I think there are limits to what I'd be allowed to do." I meet his eyes. "You said it yourself. The business is your domain.I'd have my hobbies. My charity work. But not real power. Not real responsibility."
"And you want that? Power?"
"I want to not be ornamental." The honesty surprises even me. "I want to be more than decoration."
He's silent for a long moment. "You could be with the right partner." He leans back. "Someone who saw you as an asset, not an accessory."
