Page 31 of Dark Consequences

“Hi! I’m Emilia, and I was told my fiancé is in here?”

“Fiancé?” The word escapes my lips.

“Yes. Raphael DiAngelo.”

16

Raphael

In all the craziness over the past few days, Emilia’s pending arrival completely slipped my mind. And her timing can not have been any worse.

“Fiancé?” Lily repeats, and she sounds almost devastated.

“Yes. Raphael DiAngelo.”

Lily turns to me, her wide blue eyes reflecting a whirlwind of emotions, sadness casting the deepest shadow. I feel compelled to tell her the truth because it seems like if I don’t, I might lose her. The idea of her believing Emilia feels like a knife to the gut.

Right as I prepare to counter Emilia’s statement, Dad interrupts.

“Emilia, what a wonderful surprise. We weren’t expecting you until tomorrow.”

“Well, I just couldn’t wait to come visit and meet Raphael.” Her eyes dart to me before she blushes. “My fiancé.”

I’m uncertain what about my face makes her feel welcome. Seems like she needs to be reminded. “We’re not engaged.”

“Officially, not anymore, but—”

“No buts. We are not engaged, so I am not your fiancé.”

The pout she sends my way screams her young age. “I hoped that after we spent some time together, that could change back.”

“It won’t.”

“Emilia.” Dad steps in, and she drags her attention to him. “Your father and I dissolved the contract of marriage between you and my son because it was no longer—”

“I didn’t agree to that.” She stomps her foot, once again acting like the child she is.

Dad narrows his eyes, clearly annoyed by her interruption. That Emilia is a guest here is probably the only reason he doesn’t lash out. “Because it was not up to you. I graciously agreed to allow you to visit Miami out of respect for my friendship with your father. Do not make me regret that decision.”

“Dante?” Mom announces a moment before she enters Dad’s office. She surveys the crowd, discerning the tense and uncomfortable atmosphere permeating the space.

“Maybe I should go find Mei and the others,” Lily suggests, making ready to stand.

My hand shoots out automatically and grabs her arm. “Stay.” I urge. At first, she tenses under my touch, but then she surrenders and stays seated. “I was not aware we had company,” Alice says politely, focusing on Emilia.

“Alice, this is Emilia. Emilia, this is my wife, Alice.” Dante introduces the two.

Emilia holds her hand out. “It’s wonderful to meet you, Mrs. DiAngelo, or may I call you Alice?”

“Thank you, and Mrs. DiAngelo is fine,” Alice replies, ignoring the disappointment clear on the girl’s face. “We were not expecting you until tomorrow. Your room is not ready.”

Emilia drops her hand. “Oh. I can wait.”

Alice inhales deep and slaps the most fake smile I’ve ever seen on her face. “Of course. I’ll get right on that.” Before Emilia can say another word, Mom turns to me, and her smile transforms into a real one. “And you must be Lily.”

Lily stands, walks closer to my mom, and sticks her hand out, but instead of accepting it, Alice gathers Lily in her arms for a quick hug. “I’ve been so excited to meet you.”

“Uh, me too, Mrs. DiAngelo.”

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