He spoke with a heavy tone, enunciating each word clearly, "Move aside, I need to get in!"


    Amara frowned and replied, "Why are you so rude? Do you really think you can talk to her properly like this?"


    Dorian''s expression was stormy, and just as he was about to retort, a hand reached out and grabbed him. A deep, cold voice followed, "Didn''t she say Elysia''s asleep? If you have something to discuss, you cane back tomorrow. It''s toote tonight."


    Dorian turned to find Finnian standing beside him, his gaze dark and brooding.


    "Finn, what''s this about? You''ve been siding with this woman all day. What''s gotten into you?"


    Finnian opened his mouth to respond, and Amara feared he might blurt out something outrageous like "I have feelings for her."


    Though the chances were slim given Finnian''s usual demeanor, it wasn''t entirely impossible.


    Quickly, she interjected, "Because Mr. Everly is a reasonable man. He knows Elysia is resting and doesn''t want to be disturbed!"


    "Mr. Hawke, you should just leave. Ely is already asleep. Whatever you need to say can wait until tomorrow."


    "But tomorrow''s the big ceremony! How am I supposed to talk to her then?" Dorian was on the brink of losing his temper.


    Amara let out a derisiveugh, standing her ground, "So it was convenient for you to leave when Jessica called you during a date with Ely, but now it''s not?"


    "Mr. Hawke, you think Ely''s being unreasonable? What you did to her was a hundred times worse! And you talk about fairness-where does Ely go to get justice for that?"


    Perhaps it was Finnian''s presence that gave Amara the courage to stand firm, knowing Dorian wouldn''t dare harm her.


    Dorian was left speechless, his anger simmering just below the surface, eyes ring daggers.


    Finnian gently pushed Dorian back, his voice firm, "Dorian, go home. Whatever it is can wait until tomorrow."


    Dorian shot Amara a venomous look before turning on his heel and leaving.


    Amara let out a sigh of relief.


    She turned to Finnian, "Thank you, Mr. Everly."


    "If you''re grateful,e with me to a ce." He said immediately.


    Amara hesitated, "Where to?"


    "Somewhere you know well. Come on."


    Finnian took her wrist, leading her away without waiting for her response.


    Amara


    Cought about resisting, but


    considering Finnian''s help with.


    Dorian, she felt grateful and a


    him


    allowed


    to guide her.


    They


    a left,


    Coulked down the stairs, r è of turns before arriving


    a right, and another


    e wooden door.


    Amara''s eyes widened at the sight of the towering walnut door.


    "This is..."


    She looked up, a bit incredulous.


    Finnian smiled and pushed the door open, leading her inside.


    With a click, he flipped the switch on the wall, and the room lit up, revealing avish decor bathed in gold tones.


    Amara stepped forward, taking it all in with wide eyes.


    Finnian joined her side, asking, "Does it feel familiar?"


    Amara''s emotions welled up, "It does."


    She had almost forgotten.


    Vera Lodge, the hotel where she and Finnian had held their wedding ceremony.


    Though the ceremony itself hadn''t been ideal, she wore a mask, far from the typical radiant bride, her demeanor shy and uncertain a stark


    contrast to Finnian.  fo