Victoria's shoulders weren't as rigid anymore, but her guard wasn't down either.
She looked at him for a long moment before speaking.
"I don't want to be the girl people whisper about," she said quietly.
Dennis frowned slightly. "What does that mean?"
"You know what I'm saying," she continued, her voice steady but softer now."
She held his gaze.
"I will not be tagged as the third party in someone else's love story again."
That landed differently.
Dennis didn't respond immediately. He studied her, really studied her.
"There was no love story," he said finally.
"That's not what she painted." Victoria said back.
"She painted what benefits her." he said slowly.
Victoria shook her head slightly. "It doesn't matter what she says. It matters what people believe."
"And what do you believe?" he asked.
She hesitated.
"I believe you were pressured," she said slowly. "I believe the engagement wasn't your choice. I believe she betrayed you."
A breath.
"But I don't want to look like the woman who came in after tragedy and took advantage of the chaos."
Dennis leaned forward.
"You didn't come between us," he said firmly. "There was nothing left to come between."
She looked away, toward the water.
"I don't want to be someone's rebound."
"You're not."
"I don't want to be someone you're choosing because it's easier than fighting ghosts."
His expression softened.
"Victoria."
The way he said her name wasn't sharp. It wasn't defensive. It was certain.
"I have eyes for only you."
She looked back at him slowly.
"I don't just want to date you," he continued. "I don't want something temporary. I don't want distraction. I don't want comfort."
His voice lowered. "I want intention."
Her heart skipped, but she didn't interrupt.
"I see a future with you," he said. "Not a phase, nor a replacement."
"...."
"I want to spend the rest of my days with you."
The words weren't loud.
But they were clear, no theatrics, no pressure.
Just truth.
Victoria's composure finally cracked, just slightly.
"You're serious," she said.
"Yes."
"Even with the complications?"
"I've already lived through worse complications," he replied calmly. "This? This is clarity."
Silence settled between them again but softer now.
She exhaled slowly.
"I was scared," she admitted.
"I know."
"I wanted to see if you would fight for me."
"I went all out today, even filing a missing person's report"
That pulled a small, reluctant smile from her.
"Yes," she said. "You did."
He stood first, this time not in anger, but with quiet resolve.
"Come on. I'm taking you home."
"I came with my car...."
"I'll have my driver pick up your car from the café," he interrupted. "You shouldn't be driving back alone this late."
"You don't have to..."
"I want to."
She nodded reluctantly giving in.
...
The drive was calm.
The city lights blurred past the window as Victoria sat quietly, her hand resting near his on the center console.
Not touching, but close.
When they reached her house, Victoria stepped out first.
As they approached the door, it opened before she could knock.
Owen.
His expression hardened immediately when he saw Dennis beside her.
"You!" Owen said flatly.
Victoria sighed. "Owen, please."
"I thought we agreed..."
"We agreed nothing," she interrupted gently.
Their mother appeared behind him.
"Oh," she said warmly. "Dennis."
"Ma'am," Dennis replied respectfully.
"You came back" she said with a small smile, "Thank you for bringing her back safe."
Victoria blinked. Not saying anything.
Her mother gave her a look. "He came looking for you earlier, but you where out. I'm quite surprised he brought you back personally. That's so gentle manly of him" her mother smiled warmly.
Owen crossed his arms. "I don't like this."
Dennis didn't flinch.
"I understand," he said calmly. "You're protective."
"I don't trust men who come with drama," Owen replied.
"That's fair."
"You to are know each other?" Victoria's mum asked with a raise of her brows.
"Unfortunately yes " Owner replied nonchalantly.
Victoria rolled her eyes at him not bothering to answer him.
Dennis just stood amazed at his bluntness. "I'll do a lot to be on his good side" Dennis said mentally.
The father sat in the living room, silent, newspaper folded on his lap. He had been watching the entire exchange without speaking.
His eyes met Dennis'.
Measured, assessing, not hostile, not welcoming either. Just observing.
"Would you like tea?" Victoria's mother asked stepping aside so they can come in.
Owen muttered under his breath.
Dennis glanced at Victoria first, silently asking.
She gave a small nod.
"Yes, ma'am," he said politely. "I'd be honored."
As they stepped inside, Owen remained near the doorway, still unconvinced.
The father finally spoke, his voice calm but deep.
"I was called you filed a police report," he said.
Dennis nodded. "Yes, sir."
"Why?"
"Because I thought your daughter was in danger."
The room went quiet.
Victoria was wondering how her father got to know, but this was her dad he has his way and he's well connected so it's possible they informed him themselves.
The mother a lil surprised. "Police report?" She asked staring at Dennis to Victoria. No one said anything.
The father studied him a few seconds longer.
Then gave a slow nod.
"Good."
Owen looked annoyed.
Victoria looked… relieved.
The mother said nothing else glad her precious jewel was home safe and sound. She disappeared into the kitchen and Owen reluctantly moved away from the door, Dennis felt it.
This wasn't just about romance anymore, it was about earning ground.
And for the first time since they left the café, Victoria reached for his hand. Just briefly.
But enough.
They both walked to the nearest sofa hand in hand.
Owen was uneasy at the sight before him but he kept shut. She had made her decision, he'll do his best to protect her while she accomplish it.
Victoria and Dennis sat side by side on the sofa. Their hands had separated, but the space between them still carried intention.
Her father cleared his throat.
"So," he said calmly, folding his newspaper neatly before placing it on the side table. "Since you're here… tell me about yourself."
Dennis straightened slightly, not defensive, nor relaxed either.
"What would you like to know, sir?"
"Your family," her father replied. "Where you come from. What you do."
Owen shifted against the wall but said nothing.
Dennis nodded once. "My grandfather built the foundation of our companies. My father expanded them. I currently oversee the investment division."
"What kind of investments?" her father asked.
"Corporate acquisitions. Infrastructure. International partnerships."
"And enemies?" Owen inserted dryly.
Victoria shot him a warning look.
Dennis didn't take the bait.
"In my line of work," he said evenly, "competition can become personal."
Her father's eyes sharpened at that.
"Personal enough to follow you home?" he asked.
Victoria felt the shift.
"Dad..."
He lifted a hand gently. "Let him answer."
Dennis didn't hesitate.
"No, sir. I don't bring my work into personal spaces."
Owen scoffed lightly.
"That's not what it looks like," he muttered.
Victoria turned toward her brother. "Stop."
But her father remained focused on Dennis.
"My son seems concerned," he said calmly. "He believes you may attract… complications."
Dennis held his gaze. "I understand his concern."
"Do you?"
"Yes, sir."
"Because from what I'm hearing, there are people from your past who are not entirely… settled."
Victoria's pulse skipped, how much does her father knows.
Dennis didn't look at her.
"There are misunderstandings," he said carefully.
"But none that involve your daughter directly."
"That is not reassuring."
The tea tray returned then, porcelain cups, a small plate of butter biscuits, the quiet clink of china against glass.
Her mother sensed the tension but said nothing. She simply poured.
Her father waited until she left the room again before continuing.
"What are your intentions with her?"
The question was quiet, direct.
Dennis didn't blink.
"I care about Victoria."
"That is obvious." Her father replied.
"I respect her."
"That is expected." He said yet again.
Dennis inhaled once.
"I intend to build something real with her."
Owen pushed off the wall. "And if whatever is chasing you shows up?"
Victoria stood slightly. "Owen."
But her father leaned forward.
"Yes," he said. "Answer that."
Dennis met his eyes fully.
"Then I handle it."
"How?"
"By keeping her out of it."
"And if that's not possible?"
A beat.
"Then I remove myself before she becomes collateral."
Victoria turned sharply toward him at that.
But he didn't look at her.
Her father studied him for a long moment.
He was measuring tone.
Posture, truth, finally, he nodded once.
"I appreciate honesty," he said quietly.
The tea ended without warmth but without hostility either.
Dennis rose.
"I should leave," he said respectfully.
Victoria walked him to the door again.
This time neither of them spoke for a few seconds.
When he finally did, his voice was low.
"He's right to be cautious." Dennis said.
"I know." She replied silently
"I won't let you become a leverage."
She searched his face.
"I'm not fragile," she said.
"I know," he replied. "That's what worries me more."