Chapter 221

LUCIAN’S POV Who would’ve thought facing my in-law…someone I’ve met countless times, shared meals with, exchanged words with…could make my heart race like this? I don’t know if I should stand. Or sit. Or kneel. So I did none of it. I just stand there, frozen, my palms damp, my chest tight, my mind running in circles. Elora stood beside me, her fingers brushing mine, grounding me in ways she probably doesn’t even realize. Her grandmother lifts her gaze to me, sharp and unreadable. “I believe you’re here for a reason.” I blinked, swallowing hard. “Yes. Yes, ma’am.” She gestured toward the couch. “Have your seat.” I hesitated for a second too long, then sat quickly, my back stiff, my knees bouncing despite my effort to control myself. “So,” she begins calmly, folding her hands in her lap, “I heard you’re engaged to my granddaughter.” “Yes, Grandma,” I replied immediately. “And if you give us your blessing, my plan is to get married to her as soon as possible.” Her eyes narrow slightly. “A