"Me and Diana, it's business, nothing more. She knows it, I know it, the Rossi family knows. I'm the Vincent Family heir; my marriage has to benefit the family. It's been my burden since birth, not a choice. You..."
I paused. Spitting out those words was harder than I'd thought.
"If you were in Diana's spot, the Vincent Family would crumble."
"So I'm not good enough. You're dumping me."
"No, I'm not dumping you." I grabbed her wrist urgently. "You can stay with me. I'll give you everything. Best apartment downtown, enough cash each month to live it up. You've always wanted your own language school? I'll have people scout locations and handle the paperwork tomorrow. You can be my lover. Isn't that good? No fake social bullshit, no pressure from my stepmom. I can still love you, take care of you. It's the best setup for us."
"Lover?" She echoed it softly, voice shaking. "You mean mistress, Paul. In your eyes, I'm not someone you can show off, just a toy you buy off with money, a dirty little secret, right?"
"That's not what I meant. I'm protecting you..."
"Paul," she cut in, "when did you start thinking this? Back in college? Or later?"
I didn't answer.
"Or have you always thought it, just never said?"
I stayed silent, because she was right.
Casey suddenly laughed, then tears poured down her face.
"We're done, Paul."
She turned and walked away, no hesitation.
"Casey—"
I started after her, but a voice stopped me from behind.
"Paul."
Diana stood at the hotel entrance, having slipped out somehow, her expression calm. "Guests are waiting. Ditching now is rude, isn't it?"
I froze, watching Casey's figure vanish down the street, something inside me dying with it.
After the banquet wrapped for good, I said goodbye to the last stragglers and made sure the Rossi family reps were gone.
Signed a couple prep docs for tomorrow's board meeting, then stood at the elevator, realizing I had zero desire to go up and find Diana.
Weird thought, since protocol said I should check in with her post-engagement.
But I just couldn't move.
Stood there maybe two minutes, then the doors opened, and out came Diana with Elizabeth.
Elizabeth spoke first. "I was just looking for you."
"What's up?"
"I heard about what happened outside. Paul, I don't meddle in your personal life, but tonight's your engagement to Diana. If anything jeopardizes this marriage..."
"It won't."
"Good." She paused. "You're lucky, Paul. Diana's not just the Rossi family's gem; that art foundation she runs pulled off three major exhibits in Europe this year. Everyone's talking. Cherish a girl like that."
I nodded half-assed. Elizabeth glanced at Diana and left.
