Allies

Lucien sat stiffly across from Selena, his hands clenched together as he tried to suppress his frustration. He had come here with the intention of handling things calmly for once.

He didn't want to raise his voice. He didn't want to argue. He just wanted to understand what had possibly gone through her head when she decided to cause such a scandal.

"Selena," he said, his voice carefully measured, "I want you to tell me exactly what you were thinking when you pulled that stunt tonight."

Selena, sitting with perfect posture, didn't look remotely remorseful. If anything, she seemed rather pleased with herself.

"I thought it was obvious," she said, tilting her head slightly. "I want Nicholas to be forced to annul the engagement."

Lucien's expression barely changed, but internally, his mind froze."…What?"