|| DOMINICO'S POV ||

The air in the castle's courtyard held a delicate warmth as Rosie and I sat at a beautifully adorned table, the flickering candles casting a soft glow over the scene. The ambiance, designed for romance, was intended to weave a moment of connection, yet an unspoken tension lingered beneath the surface.

Rosie's eyes sparkled with a mixture of affection and anticipation as she spoke, "Dominico, this evening is special. I've planned it for us."

I nodded, attempting to reciprocate her enthusiasm, but a subtle unease settled within me. "I appreciate the effort, Rosie. It's a lovely setting."

As the evening unfolded, I found myself struggling to...