The Gala Announcement

The gala venue was a fortress.

Cassandra stood at the window of the private suite, watching Dante's men swarm the building. They checked every corner, every door, every window. They were thorough. Ruthless. They wouldn't let anyone through.

Dante appeared behind her. "The attack was contained. No one was hurt."

Cassandra didn't turn around. "They're getting bolder."

"Yes." His voice was quiet. "Which is why we can't show fear. We go on as planned. We show them we're not afraid."

Cassandra finally turned. "What if I am afraid?"

Dante stepped closer. His hand came up, cupping her face. "Then you hide it. You smile. You let them see a woman who's not afraid of anything."

"And if they see through me?"

"They won't." His thumb traced her jaw. "Because you're stronger than you know."

She leaned into his touch. For a moment, she forgot about the danger. The fear. She just felt safe.

"I'll do it," she said quietly. "I'll go to the gala. I'll smile. I'll pretend."

"That's my girl."

---

The stylists descended like a swarm of bees.

Cassandra sat in a chair while they fussed over her—makeup, hair, nails. She felt like a doll being dressed for display. They talked around her, not to her. She was just a canvas.

Then they brought out the dress.

It was stunning. Deep blue silk that flowed like water. The fabric shimmered under the lights. It hugged her curves in all the right places, making her look like she belonged in this world.

She barely recognized herself.

The stylists stepped back, admiring their work. Cassandra stared at her reflection. She looked like a princess. Like someone who belonged in Dante's world.

But she didn't feel like a princess. She felt like an imposter.

The door opened. Dante stepped inside.

He stopped in the doorway, his breath catching. His eyes swept over her, dark and intense.

"You look beautiful," he finally said. His voice was rough.

Cassandra's cheeks flushed. "Thank you."

He stepped closer, his eyes never leaving hers. "Are you ready?"

"No." She laughed nervously. "But I'll do it anyway."

He took her hand. His grip was warm, steady. "Then let's go."

---

The gala was held at a grand hotel downtown.

Crystal chandeliers cast sparkling light across the ballroom. Champagne flowed. Beautiful people in expensive clothes mingled and laughed. It was like stepping into another world.

Cassandra felt like an outsider. Everyone here had money, power, influence. She was just a college student who'd stumbled into the wrong life.

But she held her head high. She wouldn't let them see her fear.

Dante led her through the crowd, his hand firmly on her lower back. She felt his presence like a shield. No one could touch her. No one could hurt her.

"Is that her?" a woman whispered. "The fiancée?"

"She's so young," another murmured. "What does he see in her?"

Cassandra forced herself to smile. She wouldn't give them the satisfaction of seeing her crumble.

---

Dante led her to the stage.

The crowd fell silent. Every eye was on them. Cameras flashed. Journalists scribbled notes.

Dante took the microphone. His voice was steady, commanding.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here tonight. I have an announcement to make."

He turned to Cassandra, taking her hand. His grip was firm. His eyes burned into hers.

"This is Cassandra Hayes. My fiancée."

Gasps rippled through the crowd. Cassandras heart pounded so hard she could barely hear. The cameras flashed faster. The whispers grew louder.

Then Dante pulled her close. His hand cupped her face, tilting it up toward his.

There he kissed her.

It wasn't a gentle kiss. It was fierce. Claiming. Possessive. A kiss that left no doubt who she belonged to.

Cassandra melted into him, her hands gripping his shoulders. The crowd erupted in applause.

She forgot everything. The danger. The fear. The secrets. She just let herself feel.

When Dante finally pulled back, his eyes were dark, intense. He whispered against her lips.

"You did it. You're amazing."

She couldn't speak. She just nodded.

---

After the kiss, the crowd swarmed.

People pressed forward, wanting to meet her. Women complimented her dress, her hair, her beauty. Men shook her hand, their eyes lingering. Journalists asked questions, their pens poised.

Cassandra smiled and nodded. She said all the right things.

But inside, she was reeling.

The kiss felt real. Too real.

She caught Dante's eye across the room. His expression was unreadable.

She didn't know what was real anymore.

---

Later, Cassandra escaped to the bathroom.

She leaned against the counter, trying to catch her breath. Her hands were shaking. Her heart was pounding.

Her phone buzzed.

A text from an unknown number.

Congratulations on the engagement. Too bad it won't last.

Cassandra's blood ran cold.

She looked up at her reflection. The woman staring back at her looked terrified.

They were watching. They were always watching.

She shoved her phone in her clutch and walked back into the ballroom. She found Dante immediately. He was talking to a group of men, his face hard, controlled.

He glanced up as she approached. His eyes searched her face.

"Everything okay?" he asked quietly.

Cassandra forced a smile. "Everything's fine."

But they both knew it wasn't.