Chapter Four
Paul
The moment the engagement ceremony wrapped up, I heard applause crashing in from all sides.
Diana looked up at me, her lips curved in that perfectly trained smile, and I shot back an equally official one. We were both pros at this game.
I scanned the crowd, but Casey was gone. Where she'd been standing, there were just a few scattered translation sheets, trampled and messy under people's feet.
I fought the urge to bolt after her. Mr. Rossi was toasting me, so I pulled my gaze back, wrapped an arm around Diana's waist, and forced myself toward the waves of well-wishers.
"Paul, congrats. You two are a match made in heaven."
"The Vincent Family and Rossi family tying the knot—it's gonna shake up the European market."
For the next hour, I shook hands on autopilot, made small talk, nodded, and thanked them.
I kept telling myself, once this wraps, I'll find Casey and explain.
She's smart. She'd get it.
Family pressure, business marriage—it's old news in our world.
I'd lay it out, and since she loved me so damn much, she'd understand my side.
"Well done, Paul."
Elizabeth approached as the crowd thinned, in a deep blue evening gown, hair pinned perfectly, radiating that iron-fisted power.
"The Rossi family agreed to the investment. Tomorrow's board meeting is just a formality." She paused, nodding with satisfaction. "You handled it well. That's what a Vincent Family heir does."
I mumbled something, eyes locked on the side door exit. Then I spotted a familiar figure flash by, and this time, I didn't hesitate.
"Excuse me," I said, ignoring Elizabeth's slight frown, and turned away. "Gotta hit the restroom."
I moved fast, out of the ballroom, through the lobby, nearly knocking over a waiter with a tray as I shoved through the revolving door.
February wind in Boston hit hard, flapping my suit jacket open.
I found Casey at the street corner, leaning against the wall. She wasn't sobbing, but up close, I saw the tear streaks on her face, her eyes red and swollen. One hand clutched those translation sheets, edges crumpled from her grip.
I stepped closer, my voice low and rough, trembling without me even realizing. "Casey."
She didn't look up.
"Let me explain."
"Explain what?" Her tone was eerily calm, those eyes that used to brim with warmth now filled with despair and accusation. "How you got down on one knee and slipped thatring on another woman's finger? Or how you promised to take me to Hawaii just to keep me quiet while you sealed this deal? Paul, which of your words were ever true?"
"Casey, cool it and hear me out." I started, trying to keep my voice steady. "Our European operations took a brutal hit, cash flow's on the brink. Only the Rossi family would inject the funds to save us, but the price is this marriage. It's not something I can just wish away."
"Paul."
"Just listen!"
She went quiet.
I clenched my fists, knowing what came next would crush her last shred of hope, but I had no choice.
