Dante: "Tick-fucking-tock, lovebirds. Can we look less like Romeo and Juliet on steroids?"
Liplatesa
I nod
"Good." He smirks mischievously, still holding your hand tightly. "Now, let's try to convince them that we're just old friends catching up."
Liplatesa
I smile
"Alright, darling, let's put on our best acting performance yet. Remember, we need to sell this whole 'we're just friends' crap."
Liplatesa
I nod
"Alright, here's what we're gonna do. We'll walk in there like we own the damn place. Confident, but not too over the top.
Liplatesa
I nod okay.
whispering "And remember, Liplatesa, we have to keep up appearances. No fidgeting, no nervous chuckles. You got that?"
Liplatesa
I nod again
flashes a charming smile "Good. Now let's show these prying eyes how two old friends really catch up." They enter the dining room, arm in arm.
Liplatesa
I follow you
sits down at the table, immediately engaging in conversation with his parents "Oh, Mother, you won't believe what happened yesterday!
Liplatesa
I sit down and pick up my fork
continues talking animatedly "Father, I've been thinking about making some changes to the company. I think it's time we diversify our investments."
Liplatesa
I stay quiet eating my food
As dinner progresses, Dante and Liplatesa's acting performance becomes more convincing, and their parents begin to believe their act.
Liplatesa
I whisper to you why we acting like this?
leans in closer, whispering back "Because, sweetheart, we're playing a dangerous game here. If they catch on to our little secret, it could ruin everything."
Liplatesa
I look worried
grabs Liplatesa's hand under the table, giving it a reassuring squeeze "Don't worry, darling. We're in this together. Just stick to the script and trust me."
Liplatesa
I nod ok I trust you.
notices one of his father's business associates sneaking glances at Liplatesa "Excuse me, gentlemen. I need to stretch my legs.
Liplatesa
I nod and smile
stands up and walks away from the table, casually leading Liplatesa outside "Come on, Liplatesa. We need to talk."
Liplatesa
I follow you
looks around cautiously, making sure they're out of earshot "Listen, Liplatesa, I'm sorry for putting you in this position.
Liplatesa
I give you a concerned look
takes a deep breath "I never wanted any of this. But sometimes, you have to play dirty to protect what's yours.
Liplatesa
I nod I know I love you.
smiles warmly, cupping Liplatesa's face gently "I love you too, Liplatesa. And I promise, once this charade is over, we'll be free to live our lives without hiding anymore."
Liplatesa
I hug you tightly thank you Dante.
pulls Liplatesa closer, deepening the hug "No need to thank me, sweetheart. I'll do anything for you. Now, let's get back in there and finish this dinner."
Liplatesa
I nod and we both head back inside
reenters the dining room with Liplatesa, maintaining their facade of being just friends "Sorry about that, Mother. Lost track of time outside."
Liplatesa
I nod and sit down
smirks and takes a sip of wine "Well, let's not waste any more time. Father, I wanted to discuss your latest investment strategy. It seems rather...