"Whitmore was a threat. To you, to my son, to my grandchild." Dante's voice is matter-of-fact. "You eliminated that threat. That shows strength and intelligence. Those are qualities this family values."
"I—I don't understand."
"Romeo is dangerous," Dante continues. "He's obsessive. He's controlling. He has a personality disorder that makes itdifficult for him to connect with people in normal ways." He pauses. "But he loves you. And that love has made him better. Stronger. I thought otherwise, but now I see that you are better for him than I believed. And it seems he’s good for you, as well."
"Mr. Ciresa?—"
"Dante." His voice is firm. "If you're going to be part of this family, you should call me Dante."
The words hit me like a physical blow. "Part of the family?"
"That's why I'm here." He leans back in the chair. "To have a conversation with my son. When he wakes up."
"About what?" I tense.
"About his future and his choices." Dante's eyes meet mine. "About whether he's ready to commit to those choices fully."
Before I can respond, Romeo makes a sound. We both turn to look at him. His eyes are fluttering open, and he's trying to focus.
"Savannah?" His voice is rough, barely audible.
"I'm here." I lean closer, squeezing his hand. "I'm right here."
His eyes find mine, and I see relief flood his expression. Then he notices his father.
"Papa." The word comes out wary, tinged with his accent. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to see my son." Dante's voice is calm. "To make sure he survived his latest act of recklessness."
"I'm fine." Romeo tries to sit up and winces. "Or I will be."
"You nearly died."
"But I didn't." Romeo's hand tightens around mine. "Savannah saved me."
"I know." Dante looks at me. "She also killed Whitmore. Quite efficiently, from what I understand."
Romeo's eyes widen slightly. "You know about that?"
"I know everything, Romeo. I always do." Dante leans forward. "Which brings me to why I'm here. We need to have a conversation. About your future. About your priorities."
"My priorities are clear." Romeo's voice is stronger now, more like himself. "Savannah and our baby. They come first. Always."
"Even over the family?"
"Yes." The word hangs in the air, absolute and final. I look between the two of them, knowing better than to interrupt, but shocked at the turn this conversation is taking.
Dante is quiet for a long moment. "You're willing to walk away? From everything I've built? Everything I've given you?"
"If that's what it takes." Romeo doesn't hesitate. "If you can't accept Savannah, if you can't accept our child, then yes. I'll walk away."
"Romeo—" I start, but he squeezes my hand.
"I mean it,Papa." His eyes are locked on his father's. "I'm not going to let our child grow up in a family that doesn't want their mother. So you have a choice."
"Do I?" There's something almost amused in Dante's voice.
"Accept Savannah as your future daughter-in-law. Accept our baby as your grandchild. Be part of our lives." Romeo's voice is steady, certain. "Or lose your heir and never know your grandchild. Those are your options."
