Page 80 of Damon

"You will immediately deliver her home tonight. Where she belongs until this matter is resolved."

I nod. "I understand."

"Do you? Because if I decide against this arrangement, if I find another solution preferable, you'll accept that decision as well. Whatever it is. Viviana will as well with no arguments."

"And if you decide in favor?"

"Then we'll discuss terms. Engagement period, wedding arrangements, business considerations. And expectations regarding heirs."

Roberto moves toward the door, then pauses. "Mr. Lombardi."

"Yes?"

"If I agree to this, it won't be about honor or business or ancient traditions. My daughter's happiness matters to me. If she produces the sons you speak of, they'll need a mother who chose her life, not one who was forced into it. I will not have my only daughter trapped into a life of misery."

"I understand."

"I hope you do. Because a male heir only solves our problems if the marriage that produces him is strong enough to last."

After Roberto leaves, my father and I sit in silence.

"Well," he says finally, "you certainly gave him something to think about."

"Think he'll go for it?"

"Depends on how much he values the possibility of ending this conflict permanently versus the risk of trusting us with his daughter."

"And if there's no male heir?"

"Then we better hope the marriage is strong enough to survive the disappointment."

I think about Viviana, about having to let her go back to her family's house, about not knowing when or if I'll see her again after that.

"What if he says no?"

"Then we won’t have a choice but to deal with that when it happens."

"And if he says yes?"

"Then you become a married man with all the responsibilities that entails. Including the responsibility of producing the heir that could save both our families."

I nod, understanding that either way, my life is about to change dramatically.

The only question is whether that change will include Viviana, and whether together, we can build the bridge between our families that everyone needs.

Chapter 25: Viviana

I'm pacing the living room when I hear Damon's car in the driveway. I've been waiting forever, my mind cycling through every possible outcome of his meeting with his father and then with Papa.

All Damon sent me was a quick text alerting me of the meeting.

No calm reassurances from him saying everything will be fine.

And definitely no promises.

When he walks through the door, his expression is serious in a way that makes my stomach clench.

"How did it go?" I ask immediately. “What happened? You’re scaring me.”