My grandfather was already seated when I arrived.
Same chair. Same desk. Same unreadable expression.
He didn't ask how I was. He never did.
"You've decided to come," he said, like it had ever been optional.
I sat across from him, folding my hands together so he wouldn't see them shake. "You called."
"Yes." He studied me for a moment, then leaned back. "There will be a dinner tomorrow night."
I waited.
"Zane Whitmore will be there," he continued. "It's time the engagement is made official."
My chest tightened. "I thought this was still… being discussed."
"It was," he said calmly. "It's done now."
I swallowed. "And Ivy?"
"She's out of this." His tone made it clear there would be no debate. "If you are truly ready to take her place, there are formalities to settle."
I looked down at the desk. The wood grain blurred for a second before I forced my focus back.
"What kind of formalities?"
"You'll meet with Zane today," my grandfather said. "You'll sign the preliminary agreement between both families. If you're serious, you won't delay."
I hesitated. "Where?"
He opened a drawer and slid a card across the desk toward me.
I picked it up.
An address. A company name I recognized instantly. One of the most visible firms in the city.
"It's either you," he added, voice firm, "or Ivy. I suggest you keep that in mind."
I stood slowly. "I'll go."
He nodded once, already reaching for a folder like the conversation was finished.
Outside, the air felt heavier than it should've.
I got into my car and sat there for a minute before turning the key. The card rested on the passenger seat, like it had weight.
I drove without music. Just the road and my thoughts.
Ivy's face kept flashing in my mind. Her nervous smile. The way she'd looked when Zane said my name instead of hers.
It's either me or her.
The words echoed over and over.
Halfway there, the world tilted.
Just for a second.
The road blurred, my hands tightening on the steering wheel as my vision dimmed at the edges.
Not now.
I sucked in a breath and another, pressing my foot harder on the gas just to keep moving. My head felt light, my heartbeat uneven.
You can't stop. You can't faint here.
The thought of someone calling an ambulance, of my brothers finding out, was enough to keep me upright. I focused on the white lines on the road until the dizziness eased, leaving me drained and shaken. The dizziness were getting more frequent which meant I had little time before i couldn't hide this from my brothers anymore. The thought left me feeling grim.
By the time I reached the building, my hands were cold.
I pulled into the first open spot I saw and parked. I didn't move right away.
I rested my forehead against the steering wheel, breathing slowly. In. Out. Repeat.
Get it together.
After a few minutes, I straightened, smoothed my clothes, and reached for the door.
The building stood tall in front of me, glass and steel.
I stepping out of the car.
And walked toward the entrance.