"Cassian, wait—"
But he was already leading her through the crowd.
"Cassian!" she hissed under her breath, nearly tripping over the hem of her gown as she hurried to keep pace with him.
"You would've spent the entire evening worrying," he said calmly.
"I am worrying!"
Cassian glanced down at her.
For the first time that night, he looked mildly amused.
"You'll survive."
Juliet looked horrified.
By now, they had reached an elegant middle-aged couple standing near the front of the ballroom.
The woman carried herself with effortless grace, dressed in an exquisite champagne-colored gown, while the distinguished silver-haired man beside her exuded the quiet authority of someone accustomed to power.
Juliet immediately realized who they were.
Her heart nearly stopped.
Oh God.
These were Cassian's parents.
Instinctively, she smoothed her gown with trembling hands before nervously tucking a loose blonde curl behind her ear.
Cassian noticed.
Without saying a word, he shifted closer until their sides touched. Then, in full view of everyone, he slid his arm firmly around her waist and pulled her against him.
The familiar warmth and solid strength grounding her instantly calmed some of her nerves.
"Mom. Dad."
The couple turned.
The moment the elegant woman saw Juliet standing beside her son, her eyes immediately lit up.
Cassian looked completely unbothered by the attention gathering around them.
His arm remained securely around Juliet as he said in his deep, steady voice,
"This is Juliet."
He paused briefly before adding, without the slightest hesitation,
"My fiancée."
Juliet's breath caught.
The elegant woman smiled warmly.
"So you're Juliet."
