Chapter 20
Chapter Twenty
LIVIANNA/LILY
Then
Disguised Crashes he writes them in isolation before the world ever catches up.
Every answer he gives is measured, polished enough to win their respect, but edged with just enough restraint to keep the mystery alive.
He laughs once. It’s quiet and low, more a rumble than a release. Both of my parents lean in as if they’ve been granted something rare.
Meanwhile, every time his eyes stray toward me, the rest of the table blurs. His confidence doesn’t just bend the air; it owns it, and my body answers with a treachery I can’t disguise.
My knee bumps his under the table, and he doesn’t move away. He lets it rest against mine, a slow burn of contact hidden beneath linen.
“So tell us, Jaxon.” My mom leans forward with interest. “What exactly drew you to mentor young talents like our daughter?”
His jaw flexes faintly as he considers his words, but his stare doesn’t leave mine when he answers. “Because people like Livianna already carry brilliance. All they need is someone willing to protect it until the world recognizes it.”
Heat surges up my neck, too hot to swallow with another sip of wine. My mom seems touched by his response. Her hand lands against her chest as if she’s been given a gift.
My dad nods in approval, and I know they’re seeing him as a man of honor, someone steady and admirable. Maybe someday I’ll be open with them about my feelings for him.
I laugh to myself. Now I’m jumping ahead, and that’s a definite way to get burned. No, I’m not doing that.
But then again, Jaxon Crowne is different. He carries a storm beneath his composure. He intrigues me.
I notice something else as I admire him in secret. There’s an apology threaded in the lines of his mouth, the unspoken truth that this run-in wasn’t a coincidence at all.
He came here for me, and that means everything. It’s his way of fighting for me and showing me he cares.
Even more so, his promises that I’m safe with him and that he’ll always protect me weld to my heart. He meant those words. That realization has me doing something even I’m not expecting.
I lift my chin. “Mom, Dad, I have something I’d like to discuss.”
They turn their attention to me.
My dad tilts his head, his brows narrowing. “Is this something you want to talk about in front of Jaxon?”
“Absolutely. He’s the one who pointed it out, so he should be here.” My pulse kicks into overdrive.
He must sense something profound is about to happen because he places his hand on my thigh. My parents can’t see it, so I’m not worried. What terrifies me is how they’ll respond.
“My business is stuck.” My voice cracks, so I clear my throat. “What I’m trying to say is I’m rebranding everything to reflect what I want the world to see.”
“How so?” My dad leans in closer.
Jax squeezes my leg, comforting me and giving me the strength to get through this.
Oh, fuck me. Who am I kidding? I’m about to die.
My hands are shaking, so I hide them under the table. I hold my head high even though I’m about to faint.
I suck in a gust of bravery, and my words follow on the exhale. “Livianna Grace Designs will be renamed within the next month.”
Thump. Thump. Thump. Can they hear that? I’m sure they can.
My throat goes dry. A part of me wants to stop talking, but I’ve put it out there, so it’s time to finish this.
Jax shifts into a protective stance, placing his arm around the back of my chair and angling his legs toward me. He stills his breath.
My gaze stays on my mom as I fight the urge to dig my fingernails into my wrists. “I’m launching Lehlani Rose Designs for my next collection. I’ll be retiring Livianna Grace Designs from this moment on.”
The silence is vicious. I swear the entire restaurant goes quiet.
Their smiles fade. My dad’s face pales. My mom blinks once, twice, then her lips part, but are empty of words. After a few beats, they come.
“Lehlani Rose…” Mom’s whisper is jagged, a shard of glass slicing through the space between us. “How do you even know that name?”