Chapter 101: Going Down At Dinner
Dante’s POV
The doors swung open.
“Papa!”
Arielle came flying in first, her phone still in her hand, hair bouncing as she launched herself at me. She hit my chest with enough force to make me stumble a step back, her arms wrapping tight around my waist.
I chuckled, steadying her with one arm. “Hey, princess.”
She smelled like that fancy perfume Selene must’ve let her wear, sweet, floral, and too grown–up for her age.
“Oh my god, I can’t believe you actually invited us!” Her eyes sparkled as she looked up at me. “After you bailed on our movie date, I thought it’d be months before we saw you again. What changed?”
I brushed a strand of hair from her face. “You know I wouldn’t bail unless it was something urgent.”
She tilted her head, her lips twisting. “There’s always something urgent with you.” Then her tone softened.” This time, please tell me we’re staying. Like… actually moving in, not just visiting for the weekend.”
I couldn’t tell her the truth. Not yet. Not until after the wedding. So I forced a grin and gave her what I always gave her when I couldn’t promise anything.
“We’ll see.”
She narrowed her eyes, but the smile didn’t fade.
“Guess that’s adult talk for no.” She crossed her arms. “Well, we’re not seeing anything. I’m staying here with you forever, and that’s final.”
“Forever?” I arched a brow, a faint smirk tugging at my mouth. “That’s a long time, you know. No boys, no friends, just me? I mean, I’m fine with that, but are you sure you are?”
She laughed, eyes sparkling. “When you put it like that… maybe I’ll reconsider forever. But right now, all I want is time with you.”
My chest expanded in the best way. I pulled her in again, wrapping her up in another hug. “Guess you missed me so much you don’t even mind this bear hug.”
“Dad, enough!” she laughed, squirming. “I’m too grown for this.”
“Too grown?” I held her tighter. “You’ll always be my princess, no matter how old you get.”
Her laughter faded into a soft smile as she stopped fighting me. “You’re all I care about too, Dad.”
Those words were worth more than anything else in the world.
The moment shattered when the front door bumped open again. Selene walked in, dragging a suitcase across the marble, with two guards trailing behind her carrying more bags stacked high.
What the hell?
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Chapter 101: Going Down At Dinner
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My eyes tracked the parade of suitcases. They’d packed like they were moving in permanently.
Oh shit.
But I couldn’t focus on that right now.
Selene dropped a suitcase with a thud, fixing Arielle with a pointed look. “Well done, sweetheart. Leaving me with all the luggage, including your handbag.”
She held up a glittery handbag.
Arielle spun around, eyes widening. She rushed over and grabbed the bag.
“Auntie, I’m so sorry. I just… I was too excited to see my dad. Nothing else mattered.”
Selene’s lips twitched. “You’re pardoned, on that note.”
Arielle turned her attention back to me, spinning around as she looked over the large living area. “Dad, it feels so good to be back at Grandpa’s house. Everything looks and feels the same.”
I let a faint smile tug at my mouth. “I tried to keep it that way. It’s what your grandpa would’ve wanted.”
Her voice dropped and carried a hint of sadness. “Mom used to love this place too.”
I glanced around too, the familiar walls holding all the memories I’d tried so hard to bury, flooding back. The holidays we spent in this home… Esme laughing in the kitchen, Esme decorating the tree, Esme spinning Arielle around in this very room.
Arielle drew in a deep breath, forcing a small smile. “But today’s not for tears. It’s for new memories.”
I reached out, brushing my thumb over her cheek. “You’ve always been so brave.”
“Well, someone has to.”
Her phone buzzed, breaking the moment. She flashed me a grin and pulled away. “I’ll let you two catch up. I know my room.”
She started up the stairs, tossing a playful wave over her shoulder.
“Grace will help you settle in.”
“I don’t need help!”
She called over her shoulder, already halfway up the stairs.
“I’m not a baby!”
I watched her disappear around the corner, then turned my attention to Selene. 1
“It’s good to see you.‘
She stepped forward, wearing a genuine smile spread across her face, something I hadn’t seen in months.
She inhaled deeply, eyes scanning the foyer as if she were taking it all in.
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Chapter 101: Going Down At Dinner
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“This is good, Dante. It feels… good to call this place home again.”
I forced a smile, though my stomach knotted. She had it all wrong.
My hand reached out, brushing her arm gently.
“Selene… that’s not what this is about.”
The smile slipped from her face. Her eyebrows drew together, confusion clouding her features.
“What do you mean?”
“Listen…”
“No, you listen.”
She pulled her arm free, but then both her hands found my forearms, gripping tight as she stepped close enough that I could see the hope flashing in her eyes.
“I know you, Dante. You don’t do things halfway. You called us here because you’re ready. Because you finally understand that Arielle needs stability. That she needs her father in her life every single day, not just when it’s convenient for you.”
Her tone wasn’t angry, just full of conviction, like she believed every word.
“Selene…”
But she didn’t stop. “I know you needed space… and time to grieve. But it’s been years, Dante.”
Her hand stayed on my arm, her thumb brushing over my sleeve in an overly intimate manner.
“I’m just so glad you’re finally moving on. That’s what Esme would have wanted. That’s what she would have told you if she were here.”
Her words stirred guilt inside me. How the hell was I supposed to tell her now? How was I supposed to say I was getting married to Gianna Giovanni, while she stood there talking about Esme’s memory and family and healing the right way?
“Selene, I need to tell you something…”
“Actually… don’t.” She waved a hand, cutting me off before the words could form.
Her tone shifted, almost pleading. “Don’t say something that would ruin this moment. I just arrived, you know, a long trip, boxes to unpack…” 1
Every attempt to speak was shut down, like she anticipated exactly what I was about to say and refused to hear it. Maybe she knew. Maybe somewhere deep down, she sensed what was coming and couldn’t face it yet.
But she was right. She’d just arrived. It wouldn’t be fair to spring it on her now, knowing what would follow.
I forced a smile. It felt wrong on my face, unnatural.
“You’re right. We’ll talk over dinner. I’ll send for you.”
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Chapter 101. Going Down At Dinne
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Her whole body relaxed. Relief washed over her features, and before I could react, she leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to my cheek.
The touch caught me completely off guard.
F**k.
Her lips lingered for a heartbeat too long, warm against my skin. When she pulled back, she was smiling again, soft, hopeful, oblivious.
“I’ll get settled then.”
I stood there, hand unconsciously lifting to wipe where she’d kissed me, my chest tight with frustration.
It was all going to come out at dinner.
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Chapter 102 We’re Getting Married. Soon
