Chapter 102: We’re Getting Married… Soon
Dante’s POV
Arielle’s eyes lit up as she took in the dining table. The spread was an array of exquisite dishes, prepared by the top chef I’d invited, succulent roasted meats, delicate seafood, colorful vegetables, freshly baked bread, and
desserts.
“Dad, you seriously outdid yourself. This is a royal welcome!” Arielle reached for a bread roll, grinning from ear to ear. “Are we celebrating something? Or is this your way of saying you missed us that much?”
Selene smirked from across the table, lifting her glass. “He must have. Look at this spread, Dante. You really went all out. I almost thought we were dining with the Pope.”
A small laugh escaped me, but it felt hollow in my chest. They had no idea what storm was about to break over this table.
“I’m glad to have you both here.” I cleared my throat, reaching across to squeeze Arielle’s hand. My daughter’s hand, so small in mine, yet so strong. “Having my daughter in this home again, after everything we’ve been through, it means more than you know.”
I paused, letting the weight of those words settle.
“It’s truly a special evening.”
Arielle tilted her head, studying me with those curious eyes she’d inherited from her mother.
“Dad, you’re acting all… mushy. Unlike you. Like you hadn’t seen us in years or something.” She set down her bread. “What’s so special about it?”
I set my napkin down carefully, leaning back in my chair. My hand found Arielle’s again, holding it firmly.
“First, you’re what’s most special about this night, and you deserve this and more.”
Her smile softened, and for a moment, I saw Esme in the curve of her lips, the warmth in her eyes. It made my chest ache.
“But there’s also someone important I’d like you both to meet. Someone who’s going to be a significant part of our lives from now on.”
Arielle’s fork froze midair, a piece of bread still clutched between her fingers.
Selene blinked rapidly, her wine glass pausing halfway to her lips. Her smile faded into confusion.
“Someone?”
Before I could answer, the dining room door opened. Gianna stepped in, looking absolutely breathtaking in a simple silk dress, deep emerald green that hugged every curve and made her olive skin glow like honey under the chandelier light.
Her dark hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, and when her eyes met mine across the room, I caught the surprise in them as she noticed Arielle and Selene. She hadn’t expected me to have a real family. I guess I couldn’t blame her. I’d only ever shown her the worst parts of me, so maybe she assumed that was all there was.
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I rose and extended my hand. She slipped her fingers into mine, her eyes lifting to meet mine with a hint of curiosity and uncertainty, like she wasn’t sure how this was about to unfold.
I guided her closer and leaned down. “Trust me,” I whispered, my breath brushing the shell of her ear as my other hand settled at the small of her back, her warmth bleeding through the thin silk.
Her lips curved into a small, mischievous smile, and she nodded. We turned to face Selene and Arielle. Their eyes were wide, full of questions they were waiting on me to answer.
I took a deep breath, feeling Gianna’s hand squeeze mine for courage.
“Arielle. Selene.”
My voice came out firm, carrying the authority of a man used to commanding rooms full of dangerous men.
“Meet Gianna. My fiancée.”
The room went still.
“Fiancée?” Arielle and Selene spoke at the same time, disbelief coloring their voices.
Gianna stepped forward, her smile sweet but careful, like she was approaching a wild animal that might bolt or attack.
“It’s nice to meet you both,” she said softly, then glanced at me with a teasing smirk.
“Yes… you both heard right,” I said, steady and clear. My hand slid around Gianna’s waist, holding her close in a way that left no room for doubt. “We’re getting married… soon.”
Arielle’s jaw dropped. “Married? Dad? We had no idea you were even seeing someone! Let alone engaged!”
I let out a slow breath and shook my head. “I’m sorry, I didn’t tell you earlier, princess.”
I glanced at Gianna. I could’ve sworn she almost rolled her eyes, but she held it back. Good. I’d already warned her to follow my lead tonight, not start a fight, or she’d be dealing with my anger later. I hoped she remembered that.
I took her hand and lifted it so they could see the ring, large, bright, impossible to miss.
“I didn’t tell you earlier because I only just proposed… and she said yes.”
I couldn’t exactly tell my daughter that I’d more or less slipped the ring onto her finger while she slept. Not my proudest moment.
Selene rose from her seat and slammed her hand on the table, the bang loud enough to make Gianna flinch.
“This can’t be real! You’re marrying… her?” She pointed at Gianna, anger burning in her eyes.
“I am.”
I leaned forward, hoping to control the situation. “Selene… calm down and take your seat.”
“Don’t tell me to sit after a stunt like this!” she shouted, huffing. “Stupid me was thinking you invited us here to finally start being a family. To actually try to move forward and be present for once.”
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Chapter 102 Were Getting Married. Soon
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Her voice cracked. “And now you bring this… this whore from God knows where to become your wife? To replace Esme?”
Gianna’s body tightened beside me. I felt the way she tensed, like the words hit her hard. Hurt flashed across her face before she hid it, but her hand in mine turned cold. She didn’t speak, didn’t pull away, yet I could feel her shutting down inside.
A surge of anger shot through me, hot and blinding.
“Selene.”
I pointed at her, my hand shaking with rage that threatened to explode if she said one more word against Gianna. And certainly not in front of Arielle.
Selene’s eyes flashed, tears welling but refusing to fall. Her chest heaved with emotion.
“Your future wife?”
She laughed, bitter. “How could you be so cruel, Dante? To stand here and introduce another woman to me as your wife. After all the years I spent taking care of Arielle, your daughter, while you went away on whatever revenge mission you were obsessed with.”
Her voice cracked, raw with years of suppressed pain. I knew she was right, and it hurt to see her like this. I felt guilty for hurting her, but I had never misled her about my feelings. I was grateful she had helped take care of Arielle all these years, but that didn’t mean there had to be anything romantic between us.
“I held this family together. I did everything. I sacrificed my life, my dreams, my chance at my own family. And all this time… you were busy fucking another woman, pretending to grieve, pretending to care about avenging my sister.”
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