HO

g her own business, despite the whispers that never seemed to fade.

ithout a second thought, she opened the door and slipped into the backseat, the car was already in motion, the driver's eyes focused on the road ahead. The silence between them was thick

s as they greeted her. 'Welcome, Mrs. Romano,' they echoed, their words heavy with formality as sh

ority, was Dante. His presence filled the room, a silent command that set her heart racing." Ariella's gaze flickered to him, a mixture

nwavering. "I trust you understand your purpose in this house," he said

e to remind me all the time," she said, her voice sharp, tho

kle. The silence stretched between them, heavy and thick. Without a word, he pointed to a box res

out waiting for a response, he turned on his heel and left the room, the door closing with a soft clic

a banquet? The thought gnawed at her as she walked slowly toward the bed, h

e-its glittering fabric almost glowing in the dim light of the room. Beneath it, a delicate mask lay, its elegant design adding to the

ld-a world she was just beginning to glimpse. The mask, delicate and intricately designed, seemed to beck

igure, but she felt no pride, only a deep sense of being out of place. As she adjus

m her thoughts. Dante's low, commanding voi

m. His gaze scanned her, indifferent. "You look...

nd staircase. Ariella followed, her mind swirling with quest

ach, the car's interior as luxurious as the mansion they'd left behind. The driver said nothing

a fortress, its stone walls lit by golden lights and guarded by men in suits. When the car s

onalism and opened the grand doors to reveal an opulent banquet hall. The chandeliers sparkled over

reet them. "Mr. Romano," he said, shaking Dante's hand with cold warmth. Ariella felt like an out

of conversations seemed to hush as they passed through the crowd, every eye on them. Dante's presen

is eyes lingering on Ariella for a moment too long before turning back to Dant

ure is mine." His voice was calm, almost casual, but Ariella couldn'

se around her only amplified her feeling of isolation. Dante's grip on her hand was the only thing anchoring her in that