A Dance with Danger

Chapter Eleven

**Ilaria's POV** 

The food court buzzed with life, a medley of clinking trays, rushing footsteps, and animated voices creating a lively backdrop. I sat at a table with Olivia, Harmony, and Rielly, their laughter cutting through the chaos. For a moment, it was a welcome distraction from the whirlwind that had become my life. 

Olivia was in the middle of recounting her latest photoshoot, her hands gesturing wildly as her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. “It was surreal!” she exclaimed, her iced coffee forgotten in her hand. “The crew said they loved my look—so much so they might book me for the next campaign! Can you believe it? A high-end shoot!” 

“I’ve been telling you for years this would happen,” Harmony said with a grin, nudging her. “You’ve got the talent, the vibe—this was bound to happen.” 

“Totally,” Rielly chimed in, leaning forward. “You’re going to be on billboards soon, Liv. Just don’t forget us little people.” 

Olivia preened under their praise, her joy lighting up the space. I found myself smiling despite the weight on my mind. Their world, so full of possibilities and hope, felt like an entirely different universe from mine. 

As their conversation continued, my thoughts drifted to my reality—the carefully constructed life I had to navigate. The looming wedding with Tiberius lingered at the edges of my mind, the word *celebration* feeling like a cruel joke. 

A buzz from my phone snapped me back to the present. Digging into my bag, I glanced at the screen. *Mom.* I hesitated before answering, flashing a tight smile at my friends. 

“Hey, Mom,” I greeted, trying to sound more cheerful than I felt. 

“Sweetheart, I just wanted to check in,” Abigail’s warm voice filled my ear, full of maternal excitement. “I can’t believe the wedding is so close! Everything’s coming together, isn’t it?” 

Her optimism was palpable, but as she spoke, a wave of unease crashed over me. Images of Tiberius flooded my mind—his sharp gaze, the domineering aura he carried, the twisted reality of our arrangement. It wasn’t a union of love but a calculated game, and I was caught in the middle. 

“Yeah, it’s coming together,” I replied, forcing the tightness in my chest down. 

My mother’s voice softened. “I know it’s stressful, but remember, this is your day. You’ve got this, darling. And I’ll be there soon to help.” 

Her words were meant to comfort, but they only deepened the ache. She didn’t know the truth, and I wasn’t sure I wanted her to. “Thanks, Mom. I love you,” I managed. 

“I love you too,” she said, her warmth unwavering. 

Ending the call, I set my phone on the table, my friends' chatter pulling me back. Yet, the heaviness didn’t leave. It clung to me like a shadow. 

“You’ve been quiet,” Harmony noted, breaking through my haze. “Something’s on your mind.” 

I hesitated. “It’s just wedding stuff,” I said, trying to sound casual. “My mom’s really excited, and I guess I’m feeling the pressure.” 

Olivia tilted her head, studying me. “You don’t seem excited. Are you sure you’re okay?” 

“I’m fine,” I lied, my voice steady despite the storm brewing inside me. 

Rielly, ever the sharp observer, leaned in with a smirk. “Should we be worried about Tiberius? You know, I could strangle him if it’d help.” 

Her dark humor startled a laugh out of me, though it felt hollow. “Thanks for the offer,” I replied, “but I don’t think that’d solve anything.” 

Harmony reached for my hand, her touch grounding me. “You don’t have to do this alone, Ilaria. We’ve got your back, no matter what.” 

The sincerity in her voice, echoed by Olivia and Rielly’s nods, made my chest tighten. I didn’t deserve their kindness, not when I was keeping so much from them. 

“I promise I’ll call if I need you,” I said softly, the words heavy with unspoken truths. 

The table fell quiet for a moment before the conversation shifted back to lighter topics. Olivia’s laughter filled the air again, the tension easing slightly. 

I glanced at the time on my phone and froze. *Four p.m.* I’d told myself I’d leave after the call with my mom, yet I’d gotten lost in their warmth. “I should get going,” I said abruptly, standing. 

“Already?” Rielly asked, frowning. 

“I have a few things to take care of,” I said, gathering my things. “But I’ll see you guys soon.” 

They waved me off, and as I walked away, their laughter faded into the background. The weight of my reality returned, settling heavily on my shoulders. 

The storm was closer now, inevitable and unrelenting. But for a fleeting moment, I had felt the comfort of their friendship—a fragile beacon in the chaos.