I pondered how getting a cup of coffee had gotten me into this mess. Would I have avoided Miles if I steered clear of Starbucks? Faced with Miles' gentle smile, I considered my options. He can't force me to leave with him in broad daylight. To be honest, Milena's actions left a sour taste in my mouth. Who does she think she is? The Queen? Does she expect me to bow to every single one of her whims and fancies? Even if I'm trying to get on her good side, I'm not going to do it like some indentured slave. Plus, Dominic's gone overseas. She must've known this and deliberately ambushed me at my weakest. I treasured my pride more than I wished to please Milena. I refused to allow her to ridicule me again. With my mind made up, I lifted my eyes and met Miles' gaze. “Mr. Queller, I have other matters to attend to, and I'm sorry to decline your invitation. Once again, please convey my sincere apologies to Mrs. Hartnell. I will contact her in the future to arrange for another meeting.” I would wait for Dominic to return and face the cavalry together. It was only prudent to have reinforcement to protect myself against Milena's unpredictable outbursts. Miles' temper control was admirable. I could not see a hint of anger on his face, though he stubbornly remained in my path. Why did I have to pick this narrow side door? He only needs one arm to block me off. “I'm sorry, Ms. Zanetti. Please wait here while I give Mrs. Hartnell a call.” He was on the phone before I could voice my objections. A moment later, I heard him addressing Mrs. Hartnell. He passed the phone to me without a further word. I hesitated but eventually retrieved the phone. “Mrs. Hartnell, I—”“Liliana, I'd like to have a talk with you about your relationship with Dom. Miles will bring you here.” She hung up before I could utter a word. I stared at the phone, dumbfounded. She's being outrageous! I don't believe any of that crap about “having a talk!” She's basically forcing my hand! Miles interrupted my thoughts, “Ms. Zanetti, we really must get going. Please look at the time.” Furious, I kept my gaze stubbornly away from his watch. I stared at the coffee in my hand and took a deep breath to center myself. “Please wait here. I bought this for someone else, and I should pass it to them before I leave.” Miles promptly agreed and even offered to accompany me on my coffee delivery. I bit my lip in frustration, having pegged his offer for nothing more than a precaution in case I bolted. Under Miles' “kind” supervision, I located my mother and aunts at a department store counter. I told Miles to stay back as I approached them. After passing the coffee to them, I told Mom that something had cropped up at work, and I asked her to continue shopping alone. I could tell that Mom was puzzled, but she merely asked me not to tire myself out. After saying goodbye to the rest, I left with Miles. We enjoyed a silent car ride to meet Milena. I desperately wished to call Dominic for help, but I did not want Miles to overhear our conversation. Deep down, I knew that calling him was useless. It's not like he can fly back immediately to rescue me. If only that man could grow wings. Suddenly, I felt overwhelmed with exhaustion. All I want is to date someone I love. Why is it so hard? Recently, I had begun to feel unsettled. I had the inexplicable sensation that something very wrong was looming on the horizon. Something's off about this whole thing. I'm home for the holidays, for goodness sake! I'm sure she's tactful enough not to tear me away from my family for no good reason. I decided that no matter what Milena demanded of me, I would come out of this meeting without yet another slap on my face. I can dodge even if I can't return the “favor.” We arrived in Lightspring at close to eight at night. I did not know if I was fortunate that the roads had remained clear during our drive. I thought Miles would immediately bring me to Milena. To my surprise, he brought me to a hotel room. When he opened the door to the hotel room, there was a box on the bed. He pointed at it and explained that it contained clothes for me. Miles left without allowing me to ask any questions. I was befuddled. Why do I need to change before meeting her?After collecting myself, I realized that I was finally alone. I immediately thought of calling Dominic for help. Even if he could not do anything to save me, at least he would be aware of what was happening. I pulled out my phone and immediately sighed in despair. It was dead because I forgot to charge it last night. After eyeing the box suspiciously, I spun on my heels and headed straight to the door. My mind was a mess; the only thing I knew with certainty was that I dreaded meeting Dominic's mother. I saw Miles standing outside the moment I opened the door. He smiled at me in that annoying way of his and asked if I had any questions. I swallowed the words on the tip of my tongue and slammed the door shut. Resigned to my fate, I returned to the bed and opened the box listlessly. It contained a beige, floor-length gown. I scrutinized the gown for a few minutes before steeling myself and changing into it.Fine, I'll wear your stupid dress. What else do you have lined up for me? A runway? After changing into the gown, I grabbed my purse and opened the door. I said coldly, “Happy now?” Miles did not dignify me with a reply and began walking. I followed him into the elevator, and we went down to the first floor. He led me into another room. I saw Milena dressed to the nines, reclined on the couch like she had been expecting me for a while. Miles left and closed the door behind him. I stood frozen at the doorway like a statue. Oh well, here goes nothing. I closed my eyes in resignation. “Mrs. Hartnell, why did you go through all this trouble to bring me here? I'd appreciate you being frank with me.” Milena appraised me for some time before scoffing in disgust. “They say clothes make a man, but some people just aren't born for such finery. You're an utter disgrace to that gown.” I was this close to exploding from anger. Does she derive joy from such frivolous acts? Did she seriously ask me to change into this so she could ridicule my appearance? I decided that it was better for my mental health if I kept our interactions brief. “Mrs. Hartnell, what are you trying to say?” Milena stood up gracefully and fixed her hair, which by the way, did not have a single strand out of place. She drawled, “It's about time. Let's go.” She added, “Today is Dom and Camille's engagement ceremony. I invited you here to witness it.” I froze in shock, wondering if I misheard her. Shouldn't both parties be present during an engagement? Isn't Dominic overseas?