The dining room was already steeped in tension, but Damian's words sent shockwaves through the room. Ahicia's father, mother, and sister sat in stunned silence, their disdain momentarily overshadowed by sheer disbelief. Damian's family, known for their unflappable composure, exchanged incredulous glances, their surprise betraying their typically stoic demeanor.
As the meal progressed, Damian finally spoke, his golden eyes sweeping over the table. His tone was calm but carried a weight that commanded attention. "Ahicia," he began, "has always been… unconventional. Her defiance, her reluctance to adhere to tradition, and yes, even her perceived flaws have been a point of contention."
Ahicia's chest tightened, her hands clenching beneath the table as the words stung like a whip. She forced herself to meet his gaze, refusing to show weakness.
"But," Damian continued, his voice steady, "those very traits are what set her apart. They speak to a strength and resilience that few possess."
He straightened in his seat, his golden eyes locking onto Ahicia's with an intensity that made her heart race. "And that is why I have decided. I would rather marry Ahicia than Grace."
The statement was like a thunderclap in the room. Gasps echoed around the table, and even Damian's usually stoic mother looked visibly stunned. Ahicia's family stared at him in disbelief, their expressions a mixture of outrage and confusion.
Ahicia herself sat frozen, her chest tight as her mind scrambled to process his declaration. She had anticipated many things—accusations, condescension, even more disdain—but not this.
"You would… rather marry her?" Grace's voice broke the heavy silence. Her tone was sharp, her carefully maintained composure cracking. She turned to Damian, her eyes glinting with anger. "You can't be serious."
Damian's golden eyes, steady and unwavering, shifted to her. "I am. My choice is final."
Grace's lips parted in disbelief, but no words came. Instead, her gaze darted to Damian's mother, seeking support. "Surely, you can't approve of this."
Damian's mother, her expression a mask of calm, took a measured sip of her wine before speaking. "My son's decisions are his own. While this… development is surprising, it is not my place to intervene."
Grace's indignation flared, but before she could respond, Ahicia's father found his voice. "This is absurd. Damian, do you realize what you're saying?"
"Perfectly," Damian replied, his tone clipped. "Ahicia is many things, but she is not the liability you all seem intent on portraying her as."
Ahicia's eyes snapped to Damian, her anger momentarily overriding her confusion. "I don't need your defense," she said sharply.
He turned his gaze to her, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his features. "Perhaps not. But you deserve better than this."
The sincerity in his voice left her momentarily speechless, but her instinctual mistrust quickly reasserted itself. She glanced away, her jaw tightening as she fought to suppress the storm of emotions within her.
Her mother's voice, dripping with disdain, cut through the moment. "Better? She's lucky to be tolerated at all, let alone considered for something as significant as this."
Damian's gaze shifted to her mother, his golden eyes hardening. "Careful. Your words reflect poorly on you, not her."
The subtle threat in his tone sent a ripple of unease through the room. Damian's family watched in silence, their expressions unreadable but clearly intrigued by the unfolding drama.
Ahicia's sister, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, finally spoke, her voice laced with sarcasm. "Well, this is quite the fairy tale. The defect and the golden-eyed savior."
Damian's eyes narrowed, but before he could respond, Ahicia stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. "Enough." Her voice was firm, though it trembled with suppressed emotion. She turned to Damian, her gaze fiery despite the tears threatening to spill. "I don't know what game you're playing, but I refuse to be a pawn."
Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away, her steps steady despite the turmoil raging inside her. The room remained silent as her figure disappeared from view, leaving behind a maelstrom of unanswered questions and fractured relationships.
Damian watched her go, his expression unreadable. When he finally spoke, his voice was quiet but resolute. "This dinner is over."
His family and guests exchanged uncertain glances but said nothing as Damian rose and left the room, his presence as commanding in departure as it had been throughout the evening. The echoes of his decision lingered in the air, leaving everyone—especially Ahicia—to grapple with the consequences of his startling proclamation.