Chapter 19

The Hayes ancestral home looked like something out of a dream. Nestled between a grove of trees, it was all stone and ivy and golden lights spilling from tall windows. As the car pulled into the circular drive, Sienna sat up straighter, her palms damp against her skirt.

Cassian looked over at her. "Nervous?"

"A little," she admitted.

"Just look like you're in love with me."

She gave him a look. "You make that sound so easy."

He smirked, but there was something soft behind it. She didn't answer.

When the door opened and they stepped out into the early evening breeze, Sienna was hit with the sounds of laughter, clinking glasses, and the faint smell of rosemary and grilled meat. It was warm. Inviting. And overwhelming.

Cassian reached for her hand, interlacing their fingers with gentle confidence. Her breath caught.

It was just for show. She knew that. But his touch felt good. Familiar. Maybe too good.

"Come on," he said. "Let's make an entrance."

Before they could go far, he paused and leaned into her ear. "Give me two minutes. I have to talk to my mom."

She nodded, watching as he disappeared through the open door. Inside, she caught a glimpse of Margo Hayes, elegant as always, tilting her head as Cassian whispered something to her.

When he returned, he slid an arm around Sienna's waist, pulling her close. Her body stiffened for half a second before it melted into his side—her heart fluttering traitorously.

"Everyone," he announced, "this is Sienna. My girlfriend."

The word made her stomach flip.

There was an explosion of greetings, hugs, excitement. Relatives swarmed around them, and Cassian's arm never left her. The warmth of him at her side, the gentle pressure of his hand at the small of her back—it all felt so alarmingly natural.

Sienna found herself laughing, shaking hands, dodging champagne flutes, smiling so much her cheeks hurt. Cassian leaned down once and whispered, "Don't sit with Aunt Minerva. She will tell you her entire romantic history before dinner is served."

Sienna snorted. "Noted."

They moved from room to room, mingling, his hand brushing hers when no one was looking. And it was stupid—dangerous even—but she found herself wanting more of it.

He introduced her to cousins, nieces, uncles. Told stories about her that made her blush and grin. She watched him light up in this environment—so different from the sharp businessman she knew. He was at ease. Charming. The warmth in him radiated and drew her closer.

"You're actually enjoying this," he teased.

"Maybe," she admitted.

Cassian smiled, something proud in his expression. "You fit here."

Before she could reply, Margo approached. "Jonathan's asking to meet her."

Sienna tensed. Cassian gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

Inside, they found his father standing near the fireplace with a drink in hand. Jonathan Hayes had the kind of presence that filled a room—not because he demanded it, but because people respected him. His smile was kind.

"So you're the girl I've been hearing about," he said, extending a hand.

Sienna shook it. "It's a pleasure to meet you, sir."

"Oh, none of that," he chuckled. "I'm Jonathan. Cassian's told us plenty. I was beginning to think he made you up."

Cassian rolled his eyes. Sienna laughed, genuinely.

They talked—about work, about family, about life in the city. Jonathan asked thoughtful questions, and Sienna felt, for the first time in a while, like she was being truly seen. This family was loud, yes. Intense. But full of love. She wanted something like this. A place to belong.

When they left the room, she looked up at Cassian. "Your dad is wonderful."

"Yeah," he said quietly. "He is."

They stepped outside again, hand-in-hand, just as another wave of guests began arriving.

Cassian leaned in. "More chaos is incoming. Stay close."

She didn't argue.

Then, a subtle tension shifted in his posture. She followed his line of sight.

Nicole Everett.

Sienna could recognize her without ever having met her—beautiful, polished, someone who walked like she already owned the space. Nicole's eyes landed on Cassian, and then narrowed slightly when they flicked to Sienna.

"Heads up," he murmured.

Nicole approached, smile elegant. "Cassian."

"Nicole."

Her gaze slid to Sienna. "You must be..."

"Sienna," he said, tightening his hold on her waist. "My girlfriend."

Sienna flushed. The word sounded different this time. Almost real.

Nicole's smile didn't waver. "Of course. It's lovely to meet you."

"Likewise," Sienna said, summoning all her social grace.

Nicole's eyes dropped to the way Cassian's hand curled around Sienna's hip.

"Well," she said. "I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot of each other this weekend."

Cassian shifted again, whispering near Sienna's ear. His breath tickled her skin.

"Wrap your arm around me. She's too close."

Her heart stuttered.

She obeyed.

Her arm slid around his back, fingers brushing against the fabric of his shirt, his warmth seeping into her skin. His body leaned into hers just enough.

Nicole raised a brow, and Sienna could swear her mouth twitched.

Cassian smiled smoothly. "We'll catch up with you later."

They moved away, still close. And though Sienna knew they were just pretending, her heart wouldn't stop hammering. Because this? This didn't feel fake anymore.