Lady Genevieve moved closer, her eyes tracking between Jack and Aurora with the assessment of someone cataloging every detail. "The marriage will happen," she stated with the certainty of someone who'd already planned every aspect. "Jack has responsibilities to handle first. But within the year."
"Mother..." Jack began.
"This is non-negotiable," Lady Genevieve interjected. "The agreement has been in place for two decades. Aurora has demonstrated remarkable patience throughout your coma, your recuperation, and your progressively risky endeavors. She merits a definitive resolution, and your intentions are unequivocally clear." A playful smile touched her lips as she continued. "Unless, of course, that embrace was merely a strategic maneuver?"
Jack opened his mouth to argue, then closed it. His mother was right.
