The party continue the grand hall shimmered under golden chandeliers, alive with music, laughter, and the elegant chaos of a high-class celebration. Crystal glasses clinked softly against each other while expensive perfumes mixed with the scent of wine and fresh flowers. Everywhere people talked, laughed, danced, and enjoyed the warmth of the evening.

At one corner of the hall, Donato, Kiara, and Lorenzo still sat together and talking. Well- Mostly Lorenzo and Kiara talked.

Lorenzo was naturally cheerful, energetic, and incredibly easy to talk to. He kept telling stories about awkward business meetings, dramatic clients, and how he accidentally offended a businessman by confusing his wife with his secretary. Kiara laughed openly at his expressions while Lorenzo became even more animated seeing her laugh.

And Donato? He sat beside his wife with a calm face. But internally-He was at war. Every few minutes Lorenzo leaned slightly closer while speaking excitedly, and every single time Donato would immediately interrupt with some savage comment.

"Interesting story," Donato said lazily while sipping his drink, "though it would sound better if you stopped moving so close while telling it."

Lorenzo blinked innocently. "I'm Italian, Mr. Romano. We talk with passion."

"You talk with no sense of personal space," Donato replied coldly. Kiara bit her lip to stop herself from laughing.

Lorenzo dramatically placed a hand over his chest. "See? This is why people fear you."

"They should," Donato answered without hesitation.

Kiara finally chuckled softly, shaking her head. And honestly-She was enjoying this. This jealous side of her husband. The way his possessive eyes constantly stayed on her. The way he subtly kept creating distance between her and Lorenzo without directly saying anything.

It was childish. Territorial. Very Donato Romano. And secretly-She loved it. A few moments later, Mr. Moretti himself arrived near their table and called Lorenzo away to introduce him to a group of important businessmen.

Lorenzo sighed dramatically before standing. "Duty calls," he muttered sadly toward Kiara. "Please survive alone with your terrifying husband."

Donato gave him a fake smile. "Leave faster."

Kiara laughed as Lorenzo walked away. Once he was gone, her gaze slowly drifted around the grand hall. The party was in full swing now. At the main family table, her mother and aunt sat comfortably with the Romano women, happily talking as if they had known each other forever. Nonna laughed loudly at something Aravi said while Lucia shook her head lovingly.

Nearby-Krish and Sofia sat together. And from where Kiara sat, she could clearly see Krish constantly teasing Sofia. He leaned toward her with that annoying grin of his while Sofia tried to maintain her cold expression, though the redness on her cheeks exposed her completely.

Kiara smiled softly. "They really look cute togather," she muttered under her breath. Then her gaze shifted toward Albert. And immediately she noticed it-His eyes. They were constantly on Kavya. Like a guard watching over something precious. Even while speaking to others, even while drinking, even while pretending to listen-His attention always drifted back toward her.

Kiara's smile deepened knowingly. Poor Albert was completely gone. Then her eyes moved again-Toward Enzo and Rose. The two best friends sat together laughing softly while Rose talked nonstop about Paris and Enzo occasionally replied. But every few moments-his eyes drifted elsewhere.

Toward Elana. Who sat beside their table quietly, pretending to stay busy on her phone. Kiara noticed everything. The tension. The longing. The silence between them. And just as she was about to sigh- Suddenly-A sharp wave of pain struck her head. Her breath hitched slightly. For one terrifying second her vision blurred.

The left side of her head throbbed violently, like someone was repeatedly hitting it with a hammer from inside. Kiara immediately lowered her gaze and pressed her fingers lightly against her temple. Not now...Please not now. She inhaled slowly and shook her head subtly, trying to stabilize herself before anyone noticed.

But unfortunately- Donato noticed everything. Always. His expression changed instantly. The softness disappeared from his eyes, replaced by concern."Kiara?" His voice lowered immediately. He reached for her hand and held it gently. "What happened?" he asked carefully. "You're not feeling well?"

Kiara quickly shook her head. "No," she replied softly with a small smile. "I'm just a little tired, that's all." She did not want him to worry. Especially not tonight. Not on his birthday.

But Donato's brows remained furrowed as he studied her face closely. "Do you want to go home?" he asked immediately. "It's okay if you do. We can leave right now."

Kiara looked at him instantly and denied it. "No, Ro," she said softly. "The party is still going on. We can't leave before the guests. It will create the wrong impression."

"Your health comes first," Donato replied firmly. His thumb rubbed gently over her knuckles unconsciously. Kiara's heart softened at his concern. "I'm totally fine, Mr. Romano," she whispered teasingly, trying to lighten his mood. "You don't need to worry so much."

But Donato still looked unconvinced. "You sure?" he asked again quietly.

Kiara gave him a sweet reassuring smile despite the lingering pain in her head. "Yeah, Ro," she said softly. And though she smiled beautifully-Donato still did not miss the slight tiredness hidden behind her eyes.

______

The music inside the grand hall suddenly changed. The soft instrumental melody transformed into a slow romantic rhythm, louder now, deeper, filling every corner of the luxurious venue. Golden lights dimmed slightly while the massive dance floor in the center slowly started filling with couples.

Elegant gowns swayed. Expensive suits moved gracefully. Soft laughter mixed with music as one pair after another stepped onto the floor. At one corner table- Rose's eyes immediately sparkled.

"Oh!" She almost jumped from her seat excitedly. "It's dance time." Without wasting another second, she stood up and instantly grabbed Enzo's wrist. "Let's go dance," she demanded cheerfully.

Enzo looked at her hand on his arm as if she had committed a crime. "With you?" he asked dramatically. "No. Never. I will not dance with a lizard."

Rosie gasped loudly. "You gorilla!" she snapped immediately. "I'm also not interested in dancing with a jungle animal."

Enzo looked offended. "Then don't."

"But what should I do?" Rose complained dramatically while throwing her hands in the air. "I don't have a partner. You also don't have a partner. So for now, we are partners. Simple."

"No," Enzo replied instantly. "I'm not in the mood to dance."

Rosie narrowed her eyes. Then suddenly-Her entire expression softened. She clasped her hands together and looked at him with exaggerated puppy eyes. "Pleaaase, Enzoooo..."

Enzo immediately pointed a finger at her. "No. These puppy eyes only work on your best friend Donato, not on me. Go dance with him." The moment Donato's name left his mouth-Rose's eyes widened. Like a child getting the best idea of her life.

"Great idea!" she exclaimed excitedly.

Before Enzo could even react-She had already released his hand and started walking away. Straight toward Donato. Enzo's eyes widened in horror. "No- wait- Rosie!" he called immediately. "I was joking!"

But she was already gone. Enzo stared at her retreating figure in complete disbelief. He had suggested it sarcastically. He genuinely did not think she would actually do it.

Meanwhile-Beside him, Elana had watched the entire scene silently. She sighed softly and shook her head. "Why did you send her toward Donato brother?" she asked quietly.

Enzo rubbed his forehead tiredly. "I was joking, Eli," he muttered. "I didn't know she would seriously go." Then he added quickly, "But don't worry. Donato has Kiara. He won't dance with Rosie. He'll deny her."

Elana slowly turned toward him. There was something strange in her eyes. Something tired. Something knowing. "You know he never says no to Rosie," she said softly. Enzo froze slightly. "And it will hurt Kiara if they dance together." Her words landed heavily. Because they were true.

Enzo had no reply for the first time. His gaze slowly shifted toward her. And for one brief second- Elana looked back at him too. A silent understanding passing between them. Then she quietly looked away first.

On the other side of the hall-Rosie had already reached Donato's table. Donato was sitting beside Kiara, one hand loosely resting near hers while speaking to a businessman. But the moment Rosie arrived-Everything else disappeared from her attention.

"Don!" She grabbed his hand excitedly. "Let's go dance." Donato looked up at her. Rosie pouted immediately. "Enzo refused to dance with me," she complained dramatically. "So now I only have you." Then she tilted her head slightly. "You were going to dance with Kiara anyway, right?"

Donato's gaze instinctively shifted toward his wife. Kiara sat quietly beside him. Beautiful. Elegant. Composed. But pale. And though she was smiling softly-He still remembered the pain that crossed her face earlier.For one moment- He hesitated. Kiara noticed it. Not the hesitation to dance. The hesitation because of her. And that somehow hurt more. Then Donato smiled lightly toward Rosie.

"Okay," he said softly. Kiara's fingers curled slightly under the table she didn't expect this. she was sure he will say no dosn't matter if she can dance with him or not he will never say anyother women yes it broke something inside her."

Donato continued gently, "Kiara isn't feeling well, so I don't think she'll dance tonight." The words were simple. Logical. Normal. But still- Something twisted painfully inside Kiara's chest hearing another woman take the place beside her husband tonight.

Before she could say anything-Rose happily pulled Donato upward. "Yes! Finally." Donato stood from his seat while Rose dragged him toward the dance floor excitedly like an overgrown child.

And Kiara...She remained sitting there silently. Watching them walk away together under the golden lights. she sat there frozen. Completely frozen. Her fingers slowly clenched into tight fists beneath the table while her jaw hardened painfully.

The loud music around her suddenly felt distant. Blurred. Muted. Like she was underwater. Her eyes remained fixed on the dance floor. On them. On Donato and Rose.

Rose's hand rested comfortably on his shoulder while her other hand stayed intertwined with his. Donato's palm rested against her waist naturally, effortlessly, as they moved perfectly with the rhythm. Laughing. Talking. Comfortable. Close. Too close. And the worst part?

Donato looked relaxed. Happy. Like this was normal. Like this place beside him belonged to Rose naturally. Kiara's breathing became uneven. How could he do this? Yes, she was not feeling well. Yes, she had a headache. But still- Wasn't it supposed to be her choice?

Shouldn't he have asked her first? Shouldn't he have leaned close and whispered, "Are you okay enough to dance?" or would you want to dance with me, i will surly said yes if he asked me, it dosn't matter i feel well or not." Shouldn't he have at least tried?

Instead-He simply decided for her. And maybe he did it out of concern. Maybe he genuinely thought she needed rest. But then why-Why did he choose another woman to stand in her place? Why Rose? Why did he let her take the place beside him so easily?

First the cake. Now this. A burning ache spread inside her chest. A single angry tear escaped from her eye before she could stop it. Kiara immediately looked away. She could not watch anymore. Could not bear seeing them together under those golden lights while everyone around them smiled like it was beautiful. Normal."

Because to her-It felt like someone was slowly taking away something that belonged only to her. Her husband. Her place. Her moments. And what hurt the most was not Rose. It was Donato allowing it. The migraine in her head throbbed violently again. Her vision blurred for a second.

She inhaled sharply and stood up abruptly. She needed to leave. Now. Before she completely lost control. she moved from the table. Across the hall- Enzo stood near one of the pillars, speaking on the phone with someone in a calm low voice. One hand rested inside his pocket while the other held the phone against his ear.

But the moment he turned-He startled seeing Kiara suddenly standing there. "Oh God," he muttered while placing a hand on his chest dramatically. "You scared me, Kiara." Then his expression changed immediately. Because now he saw her properly.

The dullness in her eyes. The forced calmness. The redness around her gaze. "What happened?" he asked instantly, voice softer now.

Kiara swallowed hard before speaking quietly, "Enzo... will you drop me home?"

Enzo stared at her for a moment. He was not stupid. He followed her gaze instinctively toward the dance floor. Toward Donato and Rose. Then back to Kiara again. Understanding flashed silently in his eyes. But he wisely said nothing.

"Okay," he replied softly. Then he added immediately, "Let me inform Donato first."

Kiara's head snapped up quickly. "No." The response came too fast. Too sharp. Enzo paused. Kiara looked away and forced a small smile onto her face. "No need to inform him," she said quietly. "He's busy." Her eyes unconsciously drifted toward the dance floor again for one painful second.

"Let him enjoy the party with his best friend." The bitterness hidden beneath her calm tone did not escape Enzo. "And don't make him worry," she continued softly. "I just want to go home i am not feeling well." Then after a pause she added, "Could you take me... or I'll go myself."

Enzo immediately shook his head. "No. You're not going alone." His protective tone came instantly. "I'll take you." Kiara nodded silently. Without another word- The two of them started walking together toward the exit. Behind them- The music continued loudly. People laughed. Couples danced.

And in the center of the golden dance floor- Donato Romano still danced with Rosie completely unaware that his wife was quietly leaving his birthday party with tears hidden in her eyes.

______

Enzo's car slowly came to a halt outside the massive Romano mansion. The entire property looked silent compared to the loud celebration happening at the event venue. Only the golden lights outside the mansion glowed softly against the dark night sky.

Kiara immediately opened the car door and stepped out. Enzo came out from the driver's side too. He watched her carefully. Her face looked calm now. Too calm. And that worried him more. "I'll stay here until the family comes back," he suggested quietly.

Kiara quickly shook her head. "No, Enzo." Her voice was soft but firm. "You go enjoy the party. Please... I'm okay here."

But Enzo did not miss it-That silent plea hidden inside her eyes. The desperate request to be alone. To break down privately. To gather herself before anyone saw her shattered. Enzo sighed internally. He understood. Without another argument, he finally nodded slowly. "Okay," he said softly. "Take care of yourself."

Kiara nodded once. Then without wasting another second-She turned and walked quickly toward the mansion entrance. Enzo stood there watching her disappear inside. For a long moment he remained silent. Then he rubbed his face tiredly and muttered under his breath, "You're dead, Donato."

He turned toward the guards standing nearby. His entire demeanor shifted instantly into cold authority. "Until the family returns," he ordered sharply, "don't let anyone enter inside unnecessarily." The guards straightened immediately. "And make sure Mrs. Romano is okay." "Yes, sir."

Enzo gave one last glance toward the mansion before getting back into his car and driving away into the dark night. Inside the mansion-Kiara was barely breathing properly. The moment the doors closed behind her-She ran. Straight toward the staircase. Her heels echoed loudly through the empty mansion as she climbed floor after floor hurriedly, almost stumbling in desperation.

She did not go toward her bedroom. No. She ran toward the terrace. Toward the place she had secretly prepared for tonight. Toward the surprise she had spent days planning for him. By the time she pushed open the terrace door-Cold night wind hit her face violently.

And there-In the middle of the terrace-Everything waited beautifully. A small romantic setup under the night sky. Soft fairy lights wrapped around the railing. Candles glowing warmly. A beautifully decorated table for two.

An expensive bottle of champagne resting in ice. A birthday cake covered carefully with a transparent glass dome. Rose petals scattered everywhere. It was intimate. Personal. Made with love. Made only for him. Kiara froze looking at it. And suddenly-

Something inside her completely broke. A guttural scream escaped from her throat. Raw. Painful. Broken. In one violent motion- She lunged forward and flipped the entire table. Crash. The champagne bottle shattered against the floor. Glass exploded everywhere. The cake fell sideways and smashed completely across the marble tiles.

Candles rolled away. Decorations tore apart. Flowers scattered violently across the terrace floor. Kiara kept throwing things blindly. Destroying everything she had prepared with her own hands. Everything she had dreamed for tonight. Because this was supposed to be special.

This was supposed to be their night. After returning from the party-She had planned to surprise him here privately. Away from everyone. Away from the noise. She had planned to confess properly tonight.

To tell him everything she had hidden inside her heart. How deeply she loved him. How much he had become her entire world. She had even decided-Tonight she would finally give herself to him completely. Not just as his wife by name.

But fully. Mentally. Emotionally. Physically. She wanted tonight to belong only to them. But now-Everything felt ruined. Shattered. Just like the broken glass surrounding her feet. Kiara slowly collapsed onto the floor amidst the destruction. Her knees hit the cold marble hard.

But she did not care. Tears streamed endlessly down her cheeks now. Painful sobs wrecked through her body while she clutched her chest tightly like she could physically stop the ache inside it. "How could you..." she whispered brokenly between sobs.

Her migraine pounded violently in her skull. Her breathing became uneven. And under the dark night sky-Surrounded by ruined decorations, smashed cake, spilled champagne, and broken dreams-Mrs. Kiara Donato Romano finally cried like her heart had been torn apart.

_____

On the other side of the city-The celebration still continued brightly. Music echoed across the luxurious venue while guests laughed, talked, and enjoyed the grand Romano party completely unaware that the birthday boy's wife had already left in tears.

After returning from the dance floor with Rose-Donato's eyes immediately searched for Kiara instinctively. But she was not there. The seat beside theirs stood empty. At first, he thought she must have gone to greet someone. Or maybe to the restroom again. But after several minutes passed- A strange uneasiness slowly settled inside him.

His brows frowned slightly. He looked around the hall once more carefully. Still no sign of her. "Kiara" he muttered under his breath unconsciously. He pulled out his phone immediately and called her. Switched off.

Donato frowned harder. Why would her phone be switched off? A restless feeling crawled beneath his skin now. Where did you go, Kiara? Across from him, Rose noticed his growing tension. She sighed softly before nudging his shoulder lightly.

"Oh, Romeo," she said dramatically, "let her breathe for one second." Donato glanced at her distractedly. "Don't worry," Rose continued casually. "She must be somewhere nearby. She'll come back."

Donato nodded slowly. But he still did not look convinced. Something inside him felt off. Very off. A minute later-His eyes suddenly landed on Enzo entering from the venue entrance. Donato immediately stood up and walked toward him.

"Where did you go?" he asked quickly. "Is everything okay?"

Enzo looked at him for a second before replying calmly, "Yeah. Everything is okay..." Then after a pause he added, "I think so."

Donato's brows pulled together. "What happened?"

Enzo slipped one hand inside his pocket before answering casually, "I just went to drop Kiara home." For a second-

Donato froze. "What?" The single word came out sharply. "Kiara went home?"

"Yeah," Enzo replied simply. Then his gaze hardened slightly. "When you were busy dancing with Rose, she wasn't feeling well." The words landed heavily. "So I dropped her home."

Donato stared at him silently. "Why didn't anyone tell me?" he asked quietly.

Enzo let out a short humorless chuckle. "Because she didn't want to worry you." Then he looked directly into Donato's eyes. "She wanted you to enjoy your party with your best friend."

The sarcasm beneath his calm tone was impossible to miss. And Donato heard it clearly. Understood it clearly. His expression changed instantly. The realization hit him all at once. The cake. The dance. Kiara leaving silently. Her switched-off phone.

Shit. A curse echoed inside his mind. He immediately grabbed his coat from the chair nearby.

"Okay," he said quickly to Enzo. "Handle the guests." His voice had turned serious now. "It's dinner time anyway. After dinner the party will end." Then without waiting-"I'm going home."

Enzo did not stop him. In fact, he thought this was exactly what needed to happen. Both of them needed to talk before this misunderstanding grew worse. So he simply nodded. "I'll manage here."

Donato turned immediately toward the exit- But before he could leave-A firm voice stopped him. "Donato." He halted. His father, Alessandro Romano, approached him calmly. Beside him stood several important businessmen engaged in conversation. "Come with me," Alessandro said. "You need to meet my friend. He just arrived."

Donato inhaled sharply, already irritated and restless. "Dad," he said quickly, "I'll meet him another time. I need to leave right now." "It's urgent."

But Alessandro Romano's expression did not change even slightly. "Donato," he said firmly, "he's leaving the country tomorrow morning." His tone carried clear authority now. "He came here specially to meet you. I personally invited him to your birthday." Then after a pause he added, "So come and meet him properly."

The strictness in his father's voice made one thing very clear-This was not a request. It was an order. Donato clenched his jaw tightly. His frustration increased instantly. Every second his mind drifted back toward Kiara alone at home.

Upset. Crying perhaps. And he was stuck here. Still- He finally exhaled heavily and nodded. "Okay."

_____

Time slipped away without Donato even realizing it. The meeting that was supposed to last only a few minutes stretched endlessly. One discussion turned into another, business associates stopped him repeatedly, and by the time he finally managed to free himself-

The party had already ended. Guests were leaving one by one. The staff had already started cleaning the venue. And still- He had not reached his wife. The entire time, an uncomfortable heaviness remained in his chest.

Because no matter how much he tried to focus on conversations-His mind kept drifting back toward Kiara. Back toward her hurt eyes before she disappeared. Back toward the empty chair beside him. Back toward the fact that she had left alone.

Meanwhile-

At the Romano mansion-Kiara still sat on the terrace floor long after the destruction had been cleaned. The servants had removed the broken glass, the ruined cake, and the shattered decorations quietly without asking questions.

But they could not clean the emptiness sitting inside her chest. For hours she remained there silently on the cold terrace steps. Crying. Waiting. Hoping. Maybe he would come quickly. Maybe he would leave the party and run after her. Maybe he would choose her. But he never came.

At some point, even the tears stopped. Her eyes burned painfully now, dry from crying too much. A tired sigh escaped her lips. "You're mine, Donato," she whispered weakly into the silent night. "I won't let her take you from me. Never."

The possessiveness in her voice scared even herself. But she could not help it. Because for the first time since marrying him- Fear had entered her heart. Real fear. Slowly, she stood up and went downstairs. She instructed the maids quietly to clean the terrace properly before finally dragging herself toward her bedroom.

After freshening up silently-She sat on the bed lost in thought for a long time. Until exhaustion eventually consumed her. Without realizing-Her eyes slowly drifted shut. Hours later-A soft sound pulled her from sleep. The closet door opening and closing.

Kiara remained still immediately. Her breathing slowed. Pretending to stay asleep. She already knew it was Donato. The party had ended. Everyone must have returned. She heard the bathroom door open and close after some time.

Slowly, she opened her eyes just enough to see his black blazer thrown carelessly over the chair nearby.

A few minutes later, the bathroom door opened again.

Donato stepped out freshly showered, dressed in loose dark clothes, his damp hair pushed back messily. The exhaustion on his face was visible, but the moment his eyes landed on her lying silently on the bed, his expression softened instantly.

Kiara immediately closed her eyes again. Pretending to sleep. But her heart had already started beating unevenly. She could feel him coming closer slowly. The mattress dipped slightly as Donato crouched down beside the bed until he was at her level. For a few seconds, he simply looked at her quietly.

Then-He leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss against her forehead. "Kiara baby... wake up," he whispered gently. His voice was warm. Tender. And it did something dangerous to her heart. Still, she refused to respond.

When she remained unmoving, Donato sighed softly before lightly shaking her shoulder. "Sweetheart," he whispered again, even softer this time, "wake up, please. You didn't eat anything."

That finally broke her resistance. Slowly-Kiara opened her eyes. Her gaze met his for a brief second before she looked away again without saying anything. Donato tried talking to her, but she continued ignoring him stubbornly. A tired sigh escaped him.

He understood. She was hurt. And deeply. Carefully, he helped her sit properly against the headboard before saying softly, "Stay like this for five minutes. I'm coming back."

Without waiting for a response, he left the room. Kiara remained sitting silently, hugging the blanket around herself loosely. Her face looked pale from crying too much, and her eyes still burned painfully.

A few minutes later-Donato returned carrying a tray full of food. Warm soup. Rice. Light dishes. Food made especially for someone unwell. He placed the tray carefully beside her before sitting down in front of her on the bed.

Kiara lowered her eyes immediately. "I-I'm not hungry," she whispered weakly.

Donato shook his head instantly. "No, baby." His voice carried calm patience. "Even if you're not hungry, you still need to eat." Then softer-"You're already not feeling okay. If you sleep on an empty stomach, you'll get sick."

He picked up the spoon gently and moved it toward her lips. At first, Kiara simply stared at him silently. Still hurt. Still angry. Still broken. Donato smiled softly. He knew she was upset with him. And this time he understood he needed to handle her gently.

Not like before. Not with logic. Not with authority. So patiently- He fed her bite by bite. Slowly. Carefully. As if she were something fragile in his hands. And eventually- Without arguing anymore-Kiara ate quietly.

Once she finished, Donato made her drink water before moving the tray aside. Then he picked up another small box from nearby. Kiara looked at it blankly. Donato opened it. Inside was her favorite cake. He scooped a small piece with his fingers and held it toward her lips.

The moment she saw it- Her eyes filled with tears again instantly. And finally, her silence broke. "Y-you didn't feed me first... your birthday cake..."Her voice shattered halfway through the sentence. The complaint sounded heartbreakingly childish.

But for Kiara- It was never just about cake. It was about place. Importance. Belonging. While eating the cake from his hand, tears slipped silently down her cheeks again. Donato smiled sadly looking at her.

"I know," he whispered softly. "That's why I'm here with this special cake." Then he brushed his thumb gently beneath her wet eyes. "I'm sorry, sweetheart"

Kiara did not reply. She simply ate silently. Once she finished, Donato carefully cleaned the cream from the corner of her lips before putting everything away. After clearing the tray-He returned and sat behind her against the headboard.

Kiara frowned slightly, confused about what he was doing. Then suddenly- She felt his fingers slide softly into her hair. Massaging her head gently. Slowly. Carefully. Relieving the migraine throbbing painfully on one side of her head. The tenderness shattered whatever control she had left. Completely.

Fresh tears rolled down her cheeks as she finally broke down in his arms. She started complaining between soft sobs. About the cake. About the dance. About how he chose Rose instead of her. About how he did not even ask her once if she wanted to dance. About how much it hurt seeing another woman standing in her place beside him.

Donato listened quietly to every single word. Without interrupting. Without getting angry. His fingers continued massaging her scalp softly while she cried against his chest. After a long silence, he finally spoke quietly.

"You know you don't have to feel insecure because of Rose." Kiara stayed silent. Donato rested his chin lightly against her head before continuing softly, "She's like a sister to me." "She's the same as Elana. as Sofia." "There's nothing else there, baby." His voice held complete honesty. Complete certainty. "You don't have to feel insecure."

Kiara nodded slowly against him. Outwardly accepting his words. But deep inside- Fear still remained. Because yes-For Donato, Rose might truly be nothing more than family. She believed that.

But for Rose...

Kiara remembered the way Rose looked at him. The softness in her eyes. The attachment. The possessiveness hidden beneath her smiles. And something inside Kiara whispered painfully-That was not how a woman looked at a brother. That was not friendship.

And that silent realization terrified her. Because for the first time since marrying Donato Romano-Kiara truly felt like someone might become strong enough to shatter everything between them.

🥱