The tension might have simmered after Chloe’s outburst, but I was certain this was in no way over. Not by a long shot.

Not when she’d just been denied something she craved so badly. And the worst part? The thing she wanted had landed in my lap without me having to lift a manicured finger. It felt like a bizarre twist of fate, the kind of cosmic joke that only happens when the universe has had one too many tequilas.

From across the lawn, I spotted Dean reemerging from the house with his bride in tow. Somehow, he’d managed to tame her storm; she came out looking lighter, even wearing a practiced smile. But the new shine didn't fool me. Her eyes still found me in the crowd like heat-seeking missiles, each glare carrying enough venom to melt the heels right off my shoes.

The music had died down to a slow R&B, and only Uncle Jace seemed to be grooving, swaying his hips in blissful ignorance. Everyone else was still waiting for the other shoe to drop—and frankly, I was too. While the guests pretended to mingle, their ears remained tuned for the next explosion. I found myself looking over my shoulder, bracing for a second act of drama.

But for the moment, Chloe seemed strangely normal, smiling and feeding Dean grapes while he ate them up like a grateful Labrador. It was a nauseating display of domestic bliss.

A flicker of movement caught my eye, and I saw Roman cutting across the lawn. His steps were smooth and measured, but there was a new tension in his shoulders, his brow pulled into a tight line. As he closed the distance, I noticed the way his eyes scanned the perimeter and his jaw remained clenched.

"So, what now?" he asked, settling into the seat beside me.

I was instantly hit by the scent of his cologne—smooth sandalwood, dark musk, and a faint hint of bergamot—mixed with a trace of smoke from the barbecue. It was an intoxicating combination, one that made me want to lean closer despite my lingering annoyance from earlier.

"Sav?" He nudged me with his knee, snapping me out of my daze.

I shook my head, clearing the fog. "Sorry, I got carried away. What were you saying?"

"I asked what happens now that a national magazine is involved and social media is lighting up," he said, his gaze flicking toward Lizzie. "We didn't think this through—especially the part where we have to explain why there’s no fixed date for our wedding."

His words dropped on me like a ton of bricks. The logistics of our lie were spiraling. "We never discussed an exit strategy for the fake engagement," I realized aloud. "Roman, what do we do?"

"We'll think of something." His eyes scanned the yard. "But judging by the calls I’m getting from Terry, I’m certain he’s seen the photos online."

The mention of my boss, Terry Goldberg, made my heart free-fall. I’d forgotten all about my professional life. Terry and Roman were close—they played golf together. I could already imagine Terry calling to get the gossip on how his friend ended up engaged to his most chaotic staff member.

"I’m certain everyone at the office is blowing up my email," I groaned, pulling my knees together. "I can practically see the termination letter with my name on it."

"Why do you think that?" Roman’s lips curved—barely.

"Because it’s probably against some company policy."

"No," Roman said firmly. "I’m not a staff member there, Sav. I was only there for the merger. The policies only apply to staff, not partners. You're safe."

Relief loosened my spine, but only for a moment. "Okay. So, what’s the next move?"

"We keep up the act. The magazine will be attending your sister’s event for coverage. According to Lizzie, Chloe only landed a small spot on the back page after that hospital stunt. She got their attention, but not the way she wanted."

I couldn't help but grin. I glanced at Chloe, and as suspected, she was already staring at me. The daggers in her eyes could have pinned me to the wall, but she was the first to look away.

"We only have a few days left in New Hope, then we go back to Philly," I whispered, leaning in. "Maybe we can cite 'irreconcilable differences' as the reason for our eventual breakup."

"No," Roman answered immediately. "People will see through that. It’s a cliché."

"Fine. Maybe we say our different professional schedules drifted us apart? We were thrust back into work mode and lost the spark."

His eyes cut to mine. "No. My family will see through that lie. Especially now that Ryan has announced the news to all of them."

"Your family?" I blinked, genuinely shocked. "Wait, you actually have one of those?"

"Unfortunately. Everyone does, don't they?"

The words were ordinary, but in five years, this was the first time Roman had ever acknowledged them. He never went home for holidays; he never mentioned parents. I had only learned about his brother by accident three days ago. My curiosity rose like steam.

"I’m just surprised. You’ve never mentioned them to me before."

"They weren't worth mentioning," he muttered. "But now, they’ve forced their way back in."

There was a change in him—a subtle tightening, like a string pulled too taut. I didn't know how to handle an angry Roman. Even after five years of friendship and a few days of... whatever we were now.

I scooted closer, looping my arm through his and resting my head on his shoulder. "Please don't be mad. You’re a little scary when you’re like this."

He smiled, the corner of his mouth twitching. "Is 'Clingy Anna' making an appearance?"

I laughed at the old nickname. "Does it work? Are you still angry?"

He didn't answer immediately. His gaze was locked on a point across the lawn, sharp and predatory. He sighed. "You don't understand the dynamics, Savannah."

"Then make me understand," I said softly. "That’s what friends do, right? Even after they’ve... shared a bed."

He let out a deep, low chuckle, shaking his head. "My family isn't your typical family, Sav."

"What, are you from a bloodline of vampires?" I teased.

His eyes darkened with an intensity that silenced me. "I’d take that over the reality. Any day."

I opened my mouth to respond, but his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, and I saw his expression shift instantly. It was them. The Blackwoods.

He stood up without another word. "Give me a minute. I have to take this."

He walked away with that same measured stride, but his shoulders were rigid. From the corner of my eye, I saw Chloe watching me again, a slow, calculated smile curling on her lips. A prickle danced up my spine. Roman had left me with a hundred unanswered questions, and I had a gut-deep feeling that whatever was coming next wasn't going to be good.