Kai sat at his father's right hand, spine rigid, expression cold and formal. He didn't look at me. Didn't acknowledge my presence beyond the bare minimum required by politeness.
Playing his role perfectly. The dutiful son. The enforcer who felt nothing.
It hurt more than it should have, even knowing it was necessary.
I kept my own eyes down, hands folded in my lap, the picture of obedient future wife. Spoke when spoken to. Smiled when expected. Every movement careful, measured, designed to please.
It made me want to scream.
Salvatore seemed pleased with what he saw. His cold blue eyes swept over me periodically, assessing, cataloging.
"You look well, Aria. More settled than when I left. The estate clearly agrees with you."
More settled. Right. Because I'd been thoroughly broken in during his absence.
"Thank you, Don Salvatore. Everyone has been very kind. Mrs. Rossi especially has been wonderful about teaching me what I need to know."
The lie tasted like copper on my tongue.
"Excellent. The wedding is set for five weeks from today. Time to finalize all the arrangements. I've already spoken with Father Benedetto about the ceremony. It will be traditional, of course. Befitting our families' status."
Five weeks. Five weeks until I became his wife. Until this nightmare became permanent.
My hands clenched under the table. I forced them to relax. Forced my face to remain pleasant and grateful.
"I'm honored by your attention to detail. I'm sure it will be beautiful."
Beautiful. Sure. A beautiful prison sentence.
"Kai has been watching over you in my absence, I trust?" Salvatore's gaze shifted to his son.
"Yes, Father. Kai has been very diligent about ensuring my safety and teaching me about the family business."
Diligent. That was one way to describe what we'd been doing.
"Good. It's important you understand what you're becoming part of. This family has power, Aria. Influence. We don't tolerate weakness or betrayal." His eyes locked on mine. "I trust you understand that completely."
The threat was clear as crystal. Step out of line and there would be consequences.
"I understand perfectly."
"I'm pleased to hear it." He returned to his meal, apparently satisfied.
The rest of dinner passed in excruciating silence punctuated by meaningless small talk. I pushed food around my plate, my appetite nonexistent.
When Salvatore finally dismissed everyone, relief flooded through me. I started to stand, ready to escape to my room.
"Aria. A moment in my study, please. There are matters we need to discuss privately."
Ice flooded my veins. Kai's jaw clenched visibly. Lia's eyes went wide with concern.
But there was no refusing. No acceptable excuse.
"Of course."
I followed Salvatore through the hallways to his study. Every step felt like walking toward an execution.
He held the door open, gestured for me to enter. Closed it behind us with a soft click that sounded unnaturally loud.
