The Pembroke family dining room was a monument to old money and older traditions. Crystal chandeliers cast warm light over the mahogany table that could seat twenty, though tonight only six chairs were occupied. Lior sat in her navy dress, taking in every detail of the opulent space while maintaining perfect posture. The china was Wedgwood, the silverware heavy and ornate, and the wine glasses were crystal.
She still couldn't bring herself to look directly at Lucien.
Every time she caught a glimpse of him from the corner of her eye, her mind flashed back to his shocked expression when he'd walked in on her. The memory sent heat rushing to her cheeks, and she found herself studying the intricate pattern on her soup bowl with unusual intensity.
"So, Lior," Elizabeth Pembroke's voice was cultured silk wrapped around steel. "Lucien tells us you're pursuing medical studies."
"Yes, ma'am. Final year." Lior kept her voice steady and respectful, even as she felt the weight of Elizabeth's calculating gaze.
"How ambitious." The word carried just enough emphasis to suggest Elizabeth found such ambition unseemly in a young woman. "And your family background?"
Lior had prepared for this question. "My mother is currently receiving treatment."
She didn't mention the cancer, or the mysterious payment that had covered the astronomical treatment costs, or that her father had abandoned them when she was twelve. Some truths were better left unspoken.
"So caring," Elizabeth repeated slowly, as if tasting something unpleasant. "How... industrious of you."
Across the table, Adrian Pembroke looked up from his wine with a warm smile that transformed his aristocratic features. Where Lucien was all sharp angles and contained intensity, Adrian possessed an easy charm that seemed to light up whatever room he occupied.
"Medical school must be brutal," he said with genuine interest. "What's your specialty focus?"
For the first time since sitting down, Lior felt some of the tension leave her shoulders. "I'm considering oncology. Cancer research, specifically."
"That's incredible work. The advances they're making now with targeted therapies..." Adrian's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "Have you been following the latest studies on immunotherapy combinations?"
Despite the formal setting and her lingering embarrassment, Lior found herself leaning forward slightly. "Actually, yes. The results from the Stanford trial were remarkable, though I think they're still underestimating the potential for personalized treatment protocols."
"Exactly!" Adrian's face brightened. "Most people think cancer treatment is one-size-fits-all, but the future is completely individualized medicine based on genetic markers."
"The genetic profiling alone could revolutionize how we approach treatment timelines," Lior continued, her passion for the subject overriding her nervousness. "Imagine being able to predict drug resistance patterns before they develop, or tailoring combination therapies to a patient's specific tumor genetics."
"You're talking about precision medicine on a level that most practicing oncologists are just beginning to understand," Adrian said admiringly. "That's graduate-level thinking."
From his position at the head of the table, Lucien observed his wife's animated discussion with his brother, and something dark and possessive twisted in his chest. This was the same woman who could barely meet his eyes, who blushed and stammered whenever he spoke to her directly since the encounter. Yet here she was, gesturing enthusiastically as she discussed complex medical concepts, her entire face alive with intelligence and passion.
For Adrian.
His playboy brother who had never shown serious interest in anything more demanding than the next social event or willing socialite.
What exactly were they finding so fascinating to discuss?
"How refreshing," Elizabeth interjected with cool precision, "to meet someone so passionate about their career. Though I do hope you plan to balance such demanding work with family obligations."
The implication hung in the air like a blade. Lior straightened slightly, recognizing the challenge for what it was.
"I believe intelligent women are capable of managing multiple priorities, Mrs. Pembroke," she replied with quiet dignity. "Medicine teaches you to think quickly and handle pressure. Those skills transfer to many areas of life."
Elizabeth's eyebrows rose a fraction. She had expected either defensiveness or capitulation, not this calm, reasoned response.
"Lucien mentioned you met at a coffee establishment," she continued, switching tactics. "How... colorful."
"Yes, he was a customer there." Lior's tone remained even, though she felt the subtle condescension in Elizabeth's choice of words.
"A customer," Elizabeth repeated thoughtfully. "And you decided to marry after knowing each other how long?"
The question was a trap, and Lior knew it. Too short a timeframe would suggest impropriety or opportunism. Too long would contradict their story of a whirlwind romance.
"Sometimes you recognize something special immediately," she said carefully. "Though it took time to understand the depth of that connection."
Lucien's eyes sharpened at her diplomatic answer. Even under pressure, his wife was managing to navigate his mother's interrogation with remarkable skill.
"Oh, come on, Mother," Adrian laughed, clearly trying to lighten the mood. "Love doesn't follow a schedule. Sometimes chemistry is just... instant. Right, Lior?"
He shot her an encouraging wink, and despite the tension, Lior felt herself almost smiling. Adrian's warmth was like sunlight breaking through storm clouds.
"Chemistry can be immediate," she agreed carefully. "But real understanding takes time to develop."
"Spoken like someone who actually thinks before she acts," Adrian grinned. "I like that. Too many people confuse infatuation with something deeper."
The easy way he drew her into conversation, made her feel comfortable in this intimidating setting, was so different from Lucien's intense, overwhelming presence. With Adrian, she could breathe.
"Exactly when did this understanding develop?" Adrian continued with obvious amusement. "Please tell me there's an embarrassing courtship story. Lucien's been insufferably secretive about the whole thing."
Lior glanced quickly at Lucien, then away, her cheeks warming. "He was... very persistent in his approach."
"Persistent how?" Adrian's eyes danced with mischief. "Did he send flowers? Write poetry? Please tell me my serious brother did something completely out of character."
"There was a rather complicated coffee order involved," Lior said, allowing the faintest smile to touch her lips.
Adrian threw back his head and laughed with genuine delight. "Of course there was! Let me guess... ridiculously specific?"
"Triple shot espresso with oat milk, but not too much foam, add vanilla but make it sugar-free, extra hot but not scalding, in a large cup but only filled three-quarters full," she recited with perfect accuracy.
"That is so perfectly Lucien!" Adrian was grinning widely now. "And you actually made it without telling him he was being absurd?"
"Actually, I did ask if he was always unnecessarily complicated, or if that day was special."
Adrian's delighted laughter filled the formal dining room. "And he kept coming back? Lior, you must have completely demolished his ego on day one!"
"He returned the next morning," she confirmed, and there was definitely amusement in her voice now. "And every morning for three weeks after that."
"Three weeks of complicated coffee orders," Adrian shook his head in amazement. "That's either dedication or pure stubbornness. With Lucien, it's honestly hard to tell the difference."
Lucien's grip tightened imperceptibly on his wine glass as he watched his brother effortlessly charm his wife. The easy way Adrian made her laugh, how her eyes sparkled when she talked to him, the complete absence of the nervous awareness she displayed around Lucien himself.
This little woman who became tongue-tied in his presence was now trading witty observations with Adrian like they were old friends.
Why was she so comfortable with his brother when she couldn't even look at him directly?
"I think I'm going to like having you as a sister-in-law," Adrian declared warmly. "Finally, someone who isn't intimidated by the Pembroke family mystique."
Lior's smile faltered slightly as she felt Elizabeth's sharp gaze. "I'm not sure intimidation is the right word, Mrs. Pembroke. Respect for family traditions, certainly."
It was a diplomatic response that acknowledged Elizabeth's position while refusing to admit weakness. Elizabeth studied her with new interest.
"And what traditions does your family observe, dear?" The question was delicately barbed.
"Hard work, integrity, and taking care of those who matter to you," Lior replied without hesitation. "Simple values, perhaps, but enduring ones."
"How charmingly straightforward," Elizabeth murmured.
Lucien found himself studying his wife with growing fascination. Under pressure, she didn't crumble or lash out. Instead, she became more controlled, more precise in her responses. She was holding her own against his mother's subtle attacks with remarkable composure.
"There's nothing simple about getting into medical school," Adrian interjected firmly. "Do you know the acceptance rates for oncology programs? Lior's probably more accomplished than anyone at this table."
His immediate defense was so genuine that Lior felt a rush of gratitude. In this room full of careful words and hidden meanings, Adrian's straightforward support was like finding solid ground.
"That's very kind, but..."
"No false modesty," Adrian insisted. "Intelligence and ambition are attractive qualities. Don't you think so, Lucien?"
All eyes turned to Lucien, who had been watching this exchange with an expression that was difficult to read. When he spoke, his voice was measured but carried an undertone that made Lior's pulse quicken.
"Indeed. Intelligence is... stimulating."
The word seemed to hang in the air between them, loaded with implications that made Lior's cheeks burn. She quickly looked down at her plate, missing the way Lucien's gaze lingered on her reaction.
So this little woman becomes flustered now, he mused, but she responds to Adrian's charm like she's known him for years. Interesting.
"Well then," Elizabeth said crisply, clearly deciding to regain control of the conversation. "We should discuss practical matters. There are several upcoming charity events where you'll be expected to appear together."
As Elizabeth launched into a detailed recitation of social obligations, Lior felt the walls closing in around her. Every expectation was another performance she would have to maintain, another opportunity to make a mistake that could expose their arrangement.
"The Whitmore Foundation gala is next month," Elizabeth continued. "It's one of the most important events of the season. Everyone who matters will be there."
"Don't look so worried," Adrian said quietly, leaning slightly toward Lior. "These events are mostly about showing up and looking appropriately bored. Just smile, make small talk about the weather, and let Lucien handle any serious conversations."
His whispered advice and conspiratorial tone made her feel less alone in this overwhelming world of expectations and unspoken rules.
"The key," he continued in an undertone, "is to remember that most of these people are incredibly predictable. They'll ask about the wedding, compliment your dress, and then spend the rest of the evening gossiping about everyone else."
Despite herself, Lior almost smiled at his irreverent assessment of high society.
From his position across the table, Lucien noted every whispered exchange between his brother and his wife. The way she relaxed under Adrian's guidance, how she seemed to hang on his every word, the grateful looks she sent his way.
His brother was being helpful, he told himself. Adrian was simply trying to make Lior feel welcome in their world.
So why did watching them together make him want to drag her away from the table?
"Of course, there will also be business dinners and corporate events," Elizabeth was saying. "As Lucien's wife, you'll be expected to represent the family appropriately."
"I understand," Lior replied. "I want to be an asset, not a liability."
"That remains to be seen," Elizabeth said with barely concealed skepticism.
The comment was just shy of openly insulting, and Adrian's expression darkened.
"Mother," he said with unusual sharpness. "Lior is family now. Perhaps we could save the character assessments for later."
Elizabeth looked genuinely surprised by her younger son's defense of Lucien's wife. Adrian was typically charming but rarely serious about anything.
"I was simply being realistic about the adjustments required," she said coolly.
"Then perhaps," Lior said with quiet steel in her voice, "you could give me specific guidance about those adjustments rather than general doubts about my ability to make them."
The room fell silent even the staff serving the next course seemed to pause.