Chapter 58
Theo and Daphne
Theo: Where are you?
The message illuminated Daphne's phone screen just as the sleek black car rolled to a gentle stop in front of the restaurant. Her pulse quickened, but she ignored the churn in her chest as she opened the car door. The phone buzzed in her hand, and Theo's name flashed on the screen.
Her thumb hovered over the answer button for a moment, guilt tugging at her as she imagined the exasperation in his voice. Instead, she declined the call, slipping out of the car with practiced composure.
"Thank you," she said to the driver, her tone polite but distracted as she closed the door behind her.
The phone's vibration ceased for only a moment before another message appeared.
Theo: Pick up your phone, Daphne.
She exhaled sharply, shoving the device into her purse as if silencing it would also quiet the emotions threatening to bubble over. Straightening her shoulders, she smoothed down the front of her dress and stepped inside.
The soft chime of the restaurant's door opening was swallowed by the murmur of low conversation and the warm, ambient jazz that drifted through the air. Candles flickered on each table, their golden light casting intimate shadows across the walls. Waitstaff in crisp black uniforms moved gracefully through the space, their trays balancing delicate plates and glistening glasses of wine.
Daphne approached the hostess with a polished smile that masked her roiling thoughts.
"Reservation under Theodore Silvano," she said, her voice steady despite the slight tremor in her hands.
"Right this way, ma'am," the hostess replied, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor as she led Daphne to a secluded table at the back of the room.
There, seated with perfect posture was Ava. Her sleek Chanel skirt and Dior heels spoke volumes, as did the ruby-red wineglass poised delicately in her manicured hand. The woman was oblivious to Daphne's approach, her head slightly tilted as she admired her reflection in the dark wine.
Daphne's lips curved into a slow, calculated smile as she reached Ava's chair. Without hesitation, she placed a hand on the other woman's shoulder, her nails grazing the fabric of Ava's designer blouse.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, darling," she said smoothly, stepping around the table to claim the seat across from her.
Ava's head snapped up, her eyes widening in shock. For a moment, she froze, choking on a sip of her wine. She hastily grabbed her napkin, coughing into it as her face flushed with surpriseâand something else Daphne couldn't quite place.
"My, my," Daphne said, settling into her chair with an air of calm control. "Don't you look gorgeous."
Ava recovered quickly, her lips pressing into a tight line as she set the wineglass down with deliberate care. Her sharp gaze swept over Daphne, her composure faltering for only a split second before she forced a thin smile.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice clipped. "Where's...?"
"Theo?" Daphne's brow arched elegantly. "He's not coming."
The words hung in the air, cool and unyielding, as Daphne leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs gracefully as she watched Ava recover from her shock. The dim light of the restaurant cast shadows across the table, but Daphne's presence felt anything but subtle.
Ava cleared her throat, folding the napkin she'd just used into a neat square and setting it beside her wineglass.
"I wasn't expecting you," she said, her voice taut but still maintaining a polished veneer. "This is... unexpected."
Daphne tilted her head slightly, a small, knowing smile playing on her lips. "Well, I figured it was time we had a little chat," she said smoothly. "Woman to woman."
Ava's eyes narrowed, suspicion flashing in them as she leaned forward. "I don't see what we have to discuss."
"Oh, I think you do," Daphne replied, her voice dropping just enough to carry an edge. "You've been awfully busy lately, haven't you? Sending letters. Pictures. Stirring up the past."
Ava's expression flickered for the briefest momentâsurprise, irritation, and perhaps even a hint of uneaseâbut she quickly masked it with a haughty look. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
Daphne's smile widened, though her eyes remained icy. "Come now, Ava. Let's not insult each other's intelligence. You know exactly what I'm talking about. The photos, the notes. The desperate little attempts to remind Theo of something he's long since forgotten."
Ava's lips tightened, her fingers curling around the stem of her wineglass. "And what exactly do you think you're accomplishing here, Daphne? You're clearly insecure, coming all this way just toâwhat? Warn me off?"
Daphne leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table, her gaze locking onto Ava's with an intensity that made the other woman falter.
"You misunderstand," Daphne said softly, though her tone was anything but gentle. "This isn't about insecurity. This is about setting boundaries. Theo chose me. He loves me. And I don't take kindly to anyone trying to worm their way into what's ours."
Ava laughed lightly, though the sound was brittle. "You really think you can scare me off with a little tough talk?"
Daphne shrugged, her smile never wavering. "I'm not here to scare you, Ava. I'm here to make things perfectly clear. Whatever game you think you're playing, it ends now. Because if you keep this up, you're not just going to be dealing with meâyou'll be dealing with Theo, too. And trust me, he's far less polite than I am."
Ava's confident facade cracked slightly at that, her grip on the wineglass tightening. She opened her mouth to respond, but Daphne didn't give her the chance.
"I don't need to remind you that Theo doesn't tolerate manipulation," Daphne continued, her voice low and calm, yet carrying an unmistakable weight. "And he doesn't appreciate being dragged into old, irrelevant drama. So, here's how this is going to go: You're going to back off. No more calls, no more letters, no more photos. You're going to move on with your life and leave us to ours. Do I make myself clear?"
The tension at the table was palpable, the quiet hum of the restaurant fading into the background as the two women stared each other down. Finally, Ava set her wineglass down with deliberate care, her expression hardening.
"You're very confident," Ava said, her voice tight. "But don't forgetâTheo and I have history. And history doesn't just disappear because you've decided you're his new favorite."
Daphne's eyes glinted with icy precision, her smile never faltering. "History?" she echoed, her tone mockingly sweet. "Ava, darling, I'm not here to compete with your history. I'm here to make sure you stay exactly where you belongâin the past."
Ava's confident facade wavered again, though she tried to mask it with a defiant lift of her chin.
"You see," Daphne continued, her voice calm but laced with steel, "those little photos you took of Theo? They're not just desperate. They're actionable. Taking and distributing intimate images without consent?" She tilted her head, feigning thoughtfulness. "That's defamation at best, and a criminal offense at worst. And believe me, I'd love nothing more than to take this to court."
Ava opened her mouth, but Daphne's voice cut through her attempt to respond, cool and sharp.
"Here's the thing about Theo," Daphne said, her gaze unwavering. "He'll say whatever I tell him to in court. And he'll back me up every step of the way. Why? Because we're a team, and he knows loyalty isn't something you play with." She let the words hang in the air for a moment, watching as Ava's fingers tightened around the stem of her wineglass.
"But court is just the beginning," Daphne added, her voice dropping an octave, sending a chill through the space between them. "Do you have any idea how small the elite circles of New York City really are? How quickly your name could be dragged through the mud with just a few whispered conversations over cocktails?" Her smile widened slightly, but the look in her eyes was far from kind. "If you think for a second I won't make sure everyone knows about this little stunt you've pulled, then you don't know me nearly as well as you think you do."
Ava's lips pressed into a thin line, her carefully curated confidence slipping by degrees. "You're bluffing," she said, though the slight tremor in her voice betrayed her uncertainty.
Daphne shrugged, her expression unbothered.
"Try me," she replied. "But let me give you a little free adviceâwalk away now, before this becomes a scandal you can't control or recover from."
The tension between them crackled like electricity, the hum of the restaurant fading entirely into the background. Ava's jaw tightened, but she said nothing, her silence speaking volumes.
Daphne leaned back in her chair, picking up the untouched water glass in front of her and taking a leisurely sip, her poise unshakable.
"I trust we're clear?" she asked, her tone light but carrying an undercurrent of finality.
Ava's glare burned, but she gave a small, tight nod, the battle clearly lost.
"Good," Daphne said, setting the glass down gently. "Enjoy the rest of your evening, Ava. Fortunately for you, it won't be the last one you'll have in this city with your reputation intact."
Ava's lips pressed together in a thin, resentful line as she stood, smoothing down her Chanel skirt with trembling hands. She looked like she wanted to say something, to claw back even a sliver of control, but the weight of Daphne's words had firmly pinned her in place.
Without another word, Ava turned and strode toward the exit, her heels clicking sharply against the polished floor. The eyes of a few nearby patrons trailed her retreat, their curiosity piqued by the visible tension she left in her wake.
Daphne exhaled softly, the tight coil of adrenaline in her chest beginning to unwind. She leaned back in her chair, reaching for her glass of water with an unhurried grace. Taking a slow sip, she focused on steadying her breathing, her exterior calm masking the storm of emotions still simmering beneath the surface.
Just as she set the glass back down, a low, familiar voice broke the quiet around her.
"Well done, darling," Luca said from behind her, his tone carrying a mixture of amusement and admiration. "I wasn't sure if you were going to tear her apart or let her leave with her tail between her legs."
Daphne froze, her heart skipping a beat. Whipping her head around, she caught sight of Luca seated casually at a nearby table, his dark suit pristine and tailored to perfection. His expression was amused, as if he had been quietly enjoying the show.
"Luca," Daphne stammered, her cheeks burning as embarrassment surged through her. "How... how long have you been sitting there?"
Luca's smile widened as he rose gracefully from his chair and made his way over, slipping into the seat Ava had vacated. He leaned back with effortless ease, gesturing toward the empty wineglass.
"Long enough to see you handle that perfectly," he said smoothly, his sharp eyes glinting with approval. "She didn't stand a chance, did she?"
Daphne swallowed hard, her throat suddenly dry. She could feel her cheeks growing hotter under his steady gaze. "I... How much of it did you hear?" she asked hesitantly, her voice faltering.
"Enough to know that my son has found his equal," Luca leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table as he studied her. "He's a fool if he ever lets you go."
"I... I'm so sorry you saw that," Daphne apologized quickly, her hands fidgeting in her lap as she avoided his piercing gaze.
"Don't be ridiculous," Luca chuckled warmly, waving off her concern. "That's exactly how these situations should be handled. And you didn't even raise your voice. Very impressive." He tilted his head slightly, studying her with an almost paternal pride. "I'd almost feel sorry for her if she wasn't such a snake."
Daphne let out a nervous laugh, the tension in her shoulders slowly starting to ease. "She's persistent, I'll give her that. But I think she knows nowâthis isn't a game she can win."
Luca's brow arched as he regarded her thoughtfully. "And Theo? Does he know about tonight?"
Daphne's smile faltered for a moment before she forced it back into place. "Not yet," she admitted softly. "I don't know if he will understandâ"
"He will," Luca said confidently, his tone reassuring. "He'll understand why it had to be done." He studied her a moment longer, his expression softening into one of approval. "But for what it's worth, you didn't just win tonightâyou dominated. I doubt Ava will dare to cross you again."
Daphne allowed herself a small, genuine smile at that. "And if she does, I'll be ready."
"Atta girl," Luca said with a grin, pride evident in his voice.
Daphne's smile widened a fraction, warmth spreading through her chest. For a fleeting moment, Luca's words and the pride in his tone reminded her of her own father, and the resemblance stirred an unexpected comfort within her. She straightened her posture, her confidence bolstered by the quiet encouragement she felt.
Luca's eyes twinkled as he noted the shift in her demeanor. "Now that's the spirit," he said with an approving nod before leaning back in his chair. "But enough about Ava. I'm actually here for dinner with an old friend, and I'd like you to meet him."
Daphne blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Oh, I wouldn't want to intrudeâ"
"Don't be ridiculous," Luca interrupted, standing and offering her his hand to help her up. "He'd love to meet Theo's girlfriend. Come on."
With little room for argument, Daphne allowed herself to be guided toward another table near the back of the restaurant. As they approached, a tall, dashing man with silver streaks in his neatly combed dark hair and a tailored navy blazer looked up, his piercing eyes crinkling with a charming smile.
"Archer," Luca greeted warmly, clapping a hand on the man's shoulder. "I want you to meet someone very special. This is Daphne."
Archer rose gracefully, extending a hand toward her. "Daphne," he said, his voice smooth and rich. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Daphne, this is an old friend of mine," Luca said. "Archer Dempsey."
Daphne felt her cheeks flush slightly but managed a composed smile as she shook his hand. "The pleasure's mine, Mr. Dempsey."
"Archer, please," he insisted with a wink. "Mr. Dempsey makes me sound older than I am."
"You are old, Archer," Luca reminded him.
Daphne chuckle softly, her earlier tension melting away. She glanced at Luca, who was watching the exchange with a satisfied grin.
"Archer and I go way back," Luca explained, gesturing for them all to sit. "He's one of the sharpest minds in the business world and a dear friend."
"And Luca exaggerates," Archer interjected with a modest shrug, his eyes twinkling. "But it's true we've had our fair share of adventures."
Luca pulled back a chair and waited for Daphne to take a seat. As they settled in, he gestured toward Archer.
"What he won't tell you," Luca began, "is that he and his wife, Mila, run some of the most impactful charities you'll find anywhere. They've dedicated their lives to giving back."
Archer waved off the praise with a good-natured laugh. "Luca loves to make me sound like a saint, but Mila's the real driving force. She's the one with the giving heartâI just handle the logistics."
Luca smirked. "Don't be modest, Archer. The two of you have transformed countless lives. Their programs range from youth education initiatives for children with blindness to medical aid in underserved areas."
Daphne listened intently, her admiration growing with every word. "That's incredible," she said sincerely. "It's wonderful to hear about people making such a difference."
Archer gave her a warm smile. "Thank you, Daphne. We're proud of the work we've done, but there's always more to do. Speaking of which," he added, leaning forward slightly, "We're hosting our annual Christmas charity ball soon. Mila and I would love to have you and Theo join us."
Daphne felt a thrill of surprise at the invitation, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Of course," she said quickly, managing a composed smile. "That sounds lovely."
"Excellent," Archer replied, pulling a small, elegant card from the pocket of his blazer. He handed it to her with a flourish. "Consider this your personal invitation. Mila will be delighted to meet you."
Daphne accepted the card, the weight of the moment sinking in. "Thank you so much," she said earnestly. "I'll make sure Theo knows. We wouldn't miss it."
Archer grinned, leaning back in his chair. "Good. It'll be a night to remember, and I have no doubt you'll fit in perfectly."
Luca, who had been watching the exchange with a satisfied expression, chimed in, "And don't let Archer fool you into thinking it's all serious business. His events are always a mix of unhinged chaos and entertainment."
Daphne chuckled softly, the earlier tension of the evening a distant memory. With Luca and Archer's easy camaraderie and Archer's gracious demeanor, she felt herself settling into the evening, quietly determined to live up to the expectations they seemed to have for her.
_______________________
Lily
Lily and Jake strolled hand-in-hand through the bustling mall, the twinkling holiday lights casting a soft glow around them. Lily's list of gifts for her family was neatly written on a folded piece of paper, but her attention kept drifting to the cheerful displays in the shop windows.
Jake, ever attentive, noticed her lingering gaze on a cashmere scarf in a deep burgundy color. "Do you think your mom would like that?" he asked, gently steering her toward the display.
Lily hesitated, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "It's beautiful, but I was thinking of getting her something more practical."
Jake tilted his head thoughtfully. "Didn't you say your mom always talks about how cold her walks get in the winter. This could keep her warm and stylish." He held up the scarf, letting the soft fabric fall between his fingers, and grinned. "What do you think?"
She smiled, appreciating his thoughtfulness. "You're right. She would love this."
As they moved to the next store, Jake carried all the bags without complaint, balancing them effortlessly in one arm so he could keep holding Lily's hand. When she stopped to pick out a book for her Levi, Jake chimed in with suggestions, recalling a conversation they'd had about her brother's favorite authors.
"You remembered that?" Lily asked, her voice tinged with surprise and affection.
"Of course," Jake said with a warm smile. "It may not look like it, but I listen when you talk, Lily."
Lily felt her cheeks blush as she leaned into Jake's arms and tilted her head to give him a kiss.
"I'm going to miss you over the break," she sighed. "I wish you lived in New York."
"It won't be that bad," Jake said, wrapping an arm around her. "We'll spend the rest of the days together before you go back home. Yeah?"
"Yeah," Lily nodded. "You're still good for dinner tomorrow night, right?"
"With your brother?" Jake smiled. "Of course."
"Mason is the easy one," Lily reminded him. "You'll love him. He's great."
"He's your favorite."
"Shhhh!" Lily laughed. "You're not supposed to say that aloud. I love all my brothers."
"But you love Mason a bit more," Jake teased.
"Maybe," Lily stuck out her tongue.
"I can't wait to meet him," Jake said, pulling her into another hug.
_____________________
Theo and Daphne
Theo stood outside his car, leaning casually against the driver's side door, his arms crossed over his chest. The morning air sang songs of winter, but he seemed unaffected by the chill, dressed impeccably in a tailored coat that emphasized his broad shoulders. His dark eyes flicked up toward the entrance of Daphne's apartment building, his jaw tight and his expression unreadable, though his restless fingers betrayed his impatience.
When the door finally opened, and Daphne emerged, Theo straightened immediately, his posture stiffening. His gaze softened slightly as he watched her descend the steps, but the tension in his features remained.
"Morning," Daphne greeted him, her voice light as she approached.
Theo didn't respond right away. He glanced at her with a mix of worry and frustration, his hands slipping into his coat pockets.
"Where were you last night?" he asked, his tone low but laced with concern.
Daphne stopped a few steps away, tilting her head. "I ran into your dad," she replied softly, sensing the weight of his worry. "He invited me to dinner with his friend Archer."
Theo's brow furrowed slightly, the tension in his shoulders returning as he processed her words.
"You had dinner with my dad and Archer?" he asked, his voice thick with a mixture of surprise and concern. His dark eyes flicked over her, searching for any sign of discomfort or something more than what she was letting on.
Daphne nodded, her expression neutral but soft. "Yeah, it was nice. We had a fun time." She smiled faintly, trying to brush off the tension, but Theo didn't look convinced.
"What did they talk about?" he asked, his words coming out more sharply than he intended.
Daphne met his gaze, her own eyes steady as she replied, "Your dad mostly talked about work, and Archer mentioned the Christmas charity ball they're hosting. He asked if you and I were coming."
Theo exhaled, his expression softening ever so slightly. "Of course we're going," he muttered, rubbing a hand over his face, the weight of his worry easing a fraction but still lingering. "I forgot to mention it to you. It's this weekend."
"I got a personal invite," Daphne grinned.
Despite the tension displayed on his shoulders, Theo cracked a small smile. He took a step toward her, his eyes searching hers again.
"I thought something was wrong last night. I didn't know where you were, and then you didn't call me back. I wasâ" He stopped himself, the frustration creeping back into his voice. "I was worried. About everything. About you. And Ava."
Daphne took a deep breath, reaching out and gently placing her hand in his, grounding him.
"Baby," she said softly, her voice like a balm to his raw nerves. "I'm not worried about anything. I'm not worried about Ava or anything that's been going on."
Her words cut through the knot of tension in his chest, but he was still uncertain.
"Are you sure?" he asked, his voice quieter now, his gaze intense as he searched her face for any hint of doubt.
With a soft sigh, Daphne stepped closer, her fingers finding his as she gave him a reassuring squeeze. She smiled at him, her eyes warm and full of trust.
"I'm sure," she said. "We're fine."
Theo let out a long breath, the weight of his worries lifting as he held her gaze.
"Alright," he murmured, his lips curling into a small, almost relieved smile. "But don't do that again. I hate not knowing where you are."
Daphne chuckled softly, her thumb tracing over his hand as she gave him a teasing look. "I'll make sure to keep you updated next time. Now, are you going to drive me to work, or should I find my own way?"
Theo shook his head, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth as he opened the car door for her. "I should make you walk for the heart attack you gave me last night."
With a final, shared smile, Daphne slid into the car, and Theo closed the door gently before rounding the car to get in the driver's seat.
________________________
Mason and Wendy
Wendy sat cross-legged on the small park bench outside Verve's building, her half-eaten lunch on her lap and her phone pressed to her ear. The city buzzed around her, but her thoughts were elsewhere, tangled in memories she hadn't visited in a while.
Her dad's voice rambled through the line, recounting his recent business trip and the usual arguments with her mother. Wendy listened patiently, grinding her teeth to keep herself from pointing out his flaws.
"And you know how difficult Mommy can be," Tom sighed. Wendy could almost picture him pinching the bridge of his nose and shaking his head in frustration. "But enough of that. I don't want to speak about Amanda and ruin my lunch. How are you, sweetheart? How are classes?"
"They're fine," Wendy said, her voice faltering as she weighed whether to say more.
"Anything new?"
"I'm thinking about applying for a study abroad program," she said cautiously. "It's just an idea, butâ"
Tom's warm, booming voice cut her off. "That's a great idea, sweetheart! You'll get to see the world, experience new things. I think it's perfect for you."
Wendy blinked, surprised by his immediate enthusiasm. "Really? You think so?"
"Of course! Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And don't worry about a thingâI'll take care of all the fees and expenses."
She sat up straighter, her chest tightening as she thought of how far away this felt from the last time she had dared to chase a dream. "No, Dad, I can handle it. I've been savingâ"
"Nonsense," Tom interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Your savings are for you to enjoy, not for these sorts of things. That's my responsibility. It's the least I can do for my baby girl. I want you to focus on learning and making the most of this experience. This is a much better step in the right direction. Unlike Verve."
Wendy rolled her eyes but couldn't stop a small smile from forming. Warmth spread through her chest at his support. "Thanks, Dad. That really means a lot to me."
"Don't mention it, kiddo. I'm proud of you," Tom laughed. "Just send me all the forms, and I'll take care of the payments and book your flight."
Wendy hesitated, biting her lip. "Do you think Mom will get angry? You know she doesn't like me being too far."
There was a brief pause before Tom replied, his voice steady and resolute. "We're not going to repeat U-Penn, Wendy. I don't care what Amanda has to say anymore. This is your future, and you should be able to do whatever you please."
Her chest tightened further, the weight of his words stirring memories she'd tried to bury. U-Penn had been her dream, the perfect start to the life she'd envisioned. But her mother's mental breakdown after just a semester had upended everything. She remembered Amanda's frantic phone calls, her tears, and the suffocating guilt that had finally driven Wendy to pack her bags and move back to California.
Now, as she sat on that bench with her father's voice grounding her, she felt a flicker of hope. Maybe this time, she could take a step toward her future without being pulled back.
"Okay, Dad," she said softly, her grip tightening on her phone. "I'll send you the forms tonight."
For the first time in a long time, Wendy felt like her dreams were within reach again.
______________________________
Theo and Daphne
The grand hall was a breathtaking display of holiday splendor, with towering Christmas trees adorned with sparkling lights and gilded ornaments that reflected the warm glow of chandeliers overhead. Soft strains of classical music floated through the air, mingling with the murmur of elegant conversation and the occasional clink of champagne glasses.
Theo and Daphne entered the ballroom arm in arm. Theo, dressed impeccably in a sharp black tuxedo, exuded confidence and sophistication. Beside him, Daphne was radiant in a maroon gown that flowed like liquid silk, the rich hue highlighting her flawless complexion. The fitted bodice accentuated her graceful figure, and the delicate embellishments on her gown caught the light, giving her an ethereal glow. With her hair styled elegantly and her poise unshakable, she looked every bit like royalty.
As they stepped further into the room, heads turned, and whispers rippled through the crowd, admiring the striking couple. Theo's hand rested lightly on the small of Daphne's back, guiding her through the room with ease, his sharp gaze scanning the room until it landed on Archer.
Archer was standing near the center of the ballroom, speaking to a small group of guests, but his face lit up the moment he saw them. He excused himself and approached with a warm smile, his charm as effortless as ever.
"Theo, Daphne," Archer greeted, his voice smooth and welcoming. "You made it. Daphne, you look absolutely stunning."
"Thank you, Mr. Dempsey," Daphne replied graciously, her smile soft and genuine.
"Archer," he corrected with a wink, before stepping aside to gesture to a woman at his side. "Allow me to introduce my beautiful wife, Mila."
The woman, Mila, turned toward them with a serene smile, her beauty captivating. Though her eyes were clouded with blindness, there was a radiant kindness in her expression. She was dressed in a flowing emerald-green saree that complemented her striking features, her dark hair styled in soft waves that framed her face.
"It's wonderful to meet you both," Mila said warmly, extending her hand. Daphne stepped forward, taking it gently.
"The pleasure is mine, Mrs. Dempsey," Daphne replied, her voice soft but steady.
"Please, call me Mila," she said with a laugh, her hand lingering in Daphne's for a moment before releasing it. "Archer has told me so much about you."
Theo stepped forward and greeted Mila with equal warmth. Mila's warm laughter rang out as Theo leaned down slightly to let her press a gentle kiss to his cheek. She ran her hand over his face with a delicate, familiar touch, her fingers brushing lightly over the edge of his jaw.
"You need a proper shave," Mila teased, her lips curling into a playful smile.
"What? I shaved this morning," Theo protested, a look of mock indignation crossing his features.
"You missed a few spots," Mila quipped, her soft laugh bubbling up as she touched the edge of his face again.
"She misses nothing," Archer chimed in, his eyes crinkling with affection as he glanced at Daphne. "She's got the sharpest senses in the room."
Mila turned toward her husband with a wry smile, reaching out until her hand found his. Their fingers intertwined seamlessly, a gesture so natural it seemed second nature. "I notice more things than you do," Mila retorted, her tone light but teasing. "And I'm the blind one, Archie."
"Archie?" Daphne repeated with an amused smile, raising her eyebrows as she looked at Archer.
Rolling his eyes dramatically, Archer tightened his grip on Mila's hand. "She's losing her mind, too," he replied, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.
"Because I live with you," Mila shot back, elbowing him gently but with precision. "And your goons."
"My goons? Where are my goons?" Archer asked, feigning confusion as he looked around the room. Spotting two young teens near the dance floor, he waved them over. "Ah, there. Amelia, Miles! Come here."
Mila chuckled softly, shaking her head and leaning into him just enough to show her affection.
"He insists on embarrassing them every chance he gets," she said to Daphne, her tone laced with gentle amusement.
The two teenagers wove their way through the crowd, their youthful energy and poise a perfect blend of their parents. Amelia, the older of the two, had Mila's graceful features, her dark hair cascading in waves over her shoulders. She moved with quiet confidence, her smile warm and welcoming. Miles, slightly taller than his sister but with the same piercing eyes as Archer, carried a mischievous air, his tie slightly askew as if he'd been trying to escape formalities all evening.
"How long do we have to stay?" Amelia asked, her voice laced with mock exasperation as she stopped in front of them.
"Daddy summoned his 'goons,'" Mila said, her lips quirking upward in a playful smile. "And as usual, you've arrived on command."
Archer placed a hand over his heart in mock offense. "Goons? These are my brilliant, talented, mischievous, ruthless, hilarious, expensive children. Amelia, Miles, ignore Theo but meet his lovely date, Daphne."
Amelia, ignoring her father, extended a hand toward Daphne, her grip firm yet warm. "It's nice to meet you, Daphne. I hope my dad didn't embarrass you too much tonight," she said with a knowing glance at Archer.
"Not yet," Daphne replied with a soft laugh, finding Amelia's easy demeanor immediately likable.
Miles, meanwhile, sized up Theo with a curious tilt of his head before grinning. "You're shorter than I remember."
"You're growing like a giraffe," Theo laughed, hooking his arm around Miles's neck and pulling him into a brotherly hug. "Serious, what are you feed them, Mila? Protein shakes and miracle grow?"
Mila chuckled, her smile radiant as she reached out and tousled Miles's hair. "Nothing special, but he's been raiding the pantry more often than not."
Archer leaned in conspiratorially toward Daphne, his tone playful. "You see what I have to deal with? Giants in the making and zero gratitude."
Amelia rolled her eyes but smiled, while Miles managed to wrestle free of Theo's hold, straightening his tie with mock indignation. "It's not my fault I'm the only one keeping up with inflationâvertically, that is," Miles quipped.
Daphne couldn't help but laugh, the vibrant energy and easy banter of the family leaving her feeling completely at ease. As the group continued their lively conversation, a voice rang out, dripping with playful sarcasm.
"Well, well, if it isn't the Dempsey dynasty. Mind if I crash this little family powwow?"
Rose strolled up to the group, her strawberry blonde hair catching the light in soft waves, a contrast to her vibrant green eyes that seemed to glint with mischief. She was dressed in a sleek navy-blue gown, her confidence palpable despite her petite frame.
"Rose!" Amelia exclaimed, her face lighting up. She rushed to greet her friend with a hug, the two girls immediately falling into easy chatter.
Miles, however, froze, his face turning a shade pinker than usual as he triedâand failedâto act nonchalant.
"Hey, Rose," he managed, shoving his hands into his pockets and avoiding eye contact.
Rose barely glanced at him, a smirk tugging at her lips.
"Oh, hey, Miles," she said breezily, as if she'd just noticed him. "Still working on the whole suave thing, huh?"
Amelia snorted, covering her mouth to stifle a laugh, while Miles sputtered.
"IâI wasn't evenâwhat does that mean?"
"It means I'm being generous," Rose teased, her green eyes sparkling. She turned to Daphne. "Hello, beautiful. I see my cousin has managed to keep you fooled."
"I was starting to wonder when you'd make your grand entrance," Daphne said.
"You know me, I like to keep people waiting. Fashionably late and all that," Rose replied with a dramatic flourish, the fabric of her navy-blue gown swishing as she moved. She stepped closer, giving Daphne a quick, friendly hug and kisses on the cheeks. "You look stunning, by the way. Very 'queen of the ball.'"
"Thank you," Daphne said, chuckling. "You're not so bad yourself."
Rose turned her attention to Miles, her expression instantly shifting to one of playful indifference. "Aren't you going to say something about how beautiful I look, Miles?"
Miles cleared his throat, standing a little straighter. "You look very beautiful."
"Wow, full sentences. I'm impressed," Rose quipped, her lips twitching with a smirk.
"Do you have to be like this every time?" Miles muttered, his ears turning red.
"Every single time," Rose shot back, giving Amelia a wink.
Amelia, clearly used to their banter, rolled her eyes. "Don't mind them," she said to Daphne. "They've been like this since forever. Miles has a crush, and Rose hasâwell, Rose."
Rose gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her heart. "Lia! Betrayal!"
Miles grumbled under his breath, looking anywhere but at Rose.
Rose rolled her eyes and grinned as she linked her arm with Amelia's. "Come on. Let's show these amateurs how to have fun at a ball. You too, Miles. Follow me."
Amelia laughed, letting Rose lead her away. "We'll catch you later, Daphne. Good luck with these two."
As the girls disappeared into the crowd, Miles let out a long, exasperated sigh. Archer watched his son follow hopelessly behind Rose like a lost puppy.
"Archer," Mila tugged his hand.
"The boy has not flirting skills, Mila," Archer shook his head. "When I was his age, I â"
Theo and Mila both raised their bow in perfect synchronization. Archer paused and cleared his throat.
"He needs to be more confident," he finished.
"Or he could set his sights on someone other than Rose," Theo interjected, smirking. "She's... intimidating."
"Dimaggios tend to be," Archer muttered under his breath before clapping his hands together. "Anyway! You two should grab a drink, dance, and enjoy yourselves. We won't keep you."
"Thank you," Daphne said, her smile warm and appreciative.
Mila reached for Daphne's hand one last time, squeezing it gently. "Let us know if you need anything, my dear. And have fun."
"Thank you," Theo said, placing his hand on Daphne's back and gently guiding her away.
Archer leaned closer to Mila, watching them leave. "You see that? Confident, poised, and charming. Miles could take a lesson from Theo."
Mila smirked. "I don't see anything, Archer."
Archer chuckled softly, wrapping an arm around his wife. "Oh, right."
Hope you saw my message...Levi and Evie's story will be getting a major rewrite soon <3