No matter how hard she had tried, she had never truly been welcomed by Vincent's family.
She had spent years feeling as though she would never be enough.
Yet these people, who had only just met her, were looking at her with such warmth.
It overwhelmed her.
Eloise's expression instantly softened.
"Oh, sweetheart."
She pulled Juliet into another embrace.
"From now on, you're family."
That was all it took.
A tear slipped down Juliet's cheek.
Without hesitation, Cassian reached up and brushed it away with the pad of his thumb.
His dark eyes remained fixed on her face.
"Why are you crying?" he asked quietly.
Juliet let out a shaky laugh.
"I'm happy."
For several long seconds, Cassian simply looked at her.
Then, in front of everyone, he lowered his head and pressed a soft kiss against her forehead.
The intimate gesture caused several nearby guests to gasp quietly.
Cassian ignored them.
His arm tightened around Juliet protectively as he kept her tucked securely against his side.
Eloise’s gaze softened as it lingered on Juliet’s face, taking in the tears, the way Cassian held her like she mattered more than the entire world. Casper’s expression, usually composed and unreadable, carried something quieter now—approval, maybe even relief.
They exchanged a brief glance.
No words were needed.
Eloise gave a faint, almost imperceptible nod, then gently touched her husband’s arm.
“Come,” she murmured softly.
Casper inclined his head.
And just like that, without drawing attention or interrupting the moment, they turned away. Their steps were unhurried, fading into the flow of the ballroom crowd as they deliberately gave the couple space—leaving Cassian and Juliet alone in the center of everything and yet somehow apart from it all.
Unfortunately, not everyone watching was pleased.
Across the ballroom, Vincent had witnessed the entire interaction.
Chapter 32 Desperation
