Chapter 6 THE REGINALD MANSION

The sun was setting behind the tall fences of the Reginald Mansion, casting golden streaks across the polished marble floor of the main living room. The mansion, usually lively with soft music or polite conversation, felt quiet-too quiet.

Lexi sat curled on the velvet couch, her heels discarded to the side. Her eyes, rimmed with red, stared blankly at the empty teacup in her hands. Her perfectly styled hair was now slightly tousled, and her usually glowing face carried a weariness that couldn't be hidden beneath makeup.

The large double doors opened quietly, and her mother, Clarissa Reginald, stepped in, graceful and poised in her deep blue gown. She stopped at the sight of her daughter.

"Lexi?" she said softly, walking over. "Darling, what's wrong?"

Lexi blinked slowly, trying to pull herself together, but the tears returned too easily. "Mom... it's Julian."

Clarissa's face instantly turned serious. She sat beside her daughter, reaching to hold her hand. "What happened? You were excited about your coffee date this morning."

Lexi gave a soft, broken laugh. "Excited? I planned that outfit all week, I practiced what to say... I even had a list of conversation starters saved in my phone. But none of it mattered. He barely spoke. I felt like I was forcing every word out of him. He sat there like I was a stranger."

Clarissa's brows knitted together. "Maybe something was on his mind? The company-"

"No, Mom," she interrupted, her voice trembling. "It wasn't distraction. It was disinterest. He didn't want to be there. He didn't want to be with me."

The door opened again. This time, it was Mr. Reginald-powerful, calculated, commanding as always. He paused when he saw his daughter in tears. His presence instantly changed the energy in the room.

"What is going on here?" he demanded, walking closer.

Lexi stood slowly, her expression vulnerable but determined. "Daddy... I need to talk to you."

He crossed his arms. "I'm listening."

"I love him," she said without hesitation. "Julian."

There was silence. Clarissa inhaled deeply, while Mr. Reginald stared at his daughter with an unreadable expression.

"I've tried so hard," Lexi continued. "From the day we were introduced, I've given it everything. I've been patient, supportive, understanding. But nothing seems to reach him. It's like he's building walls I can't climb."

Mr. Reginald's jaw tensed slightly, but he said nothing yet.

"I know what this alliance between our families means to you," she added, stepping closer to him. "But this isn't about that anymore. I'm not doing this out of duty. I'm doing it because I truly, deeply love him. I see the man he could be if he just let himself feel something again. And I want to be the one to bring that out."

Clarissa's eyes softened as she looked from her daughter to her husband. "Darling, I think she means it."

Mr. Reginald walked toward the grand fireplace, his hands clasped behind his back, deep in thought. "Lexi... you've always been strong-willed, but this... you're asking me to step into something delicate. He's the son of my oldest friend. This isn't a business deal-it's personal."

"I know," she whispered. "But if you care about me at all-and I know you do-you'll help me. Please, talk to Mr. Saint Claire. Let him know this isn't just politics anymore. This is real for me. I need you to help make it real for him too."

Her father turned slowly, meeting her eyes. There was something rare in his face-an emotion few had ever seen. Empathy.

"You're sure?" he asked quietly.

"I've never been more sure of anything in my life," she said. "I don't care how hard it is. I want to marry him. Do whatever it takes to make it happen."

After a long pause, Mr. Reginald gave a single, slow nod. "Alright. I'll call William. We'll fix this."

Lexi exhaled, tears running freely again-this time from relief.

"Thank you, Daddy."

He stepped forward and kissed her forehead. "Anything for my little girl."

And as the mansion lights dimmed, Lexi finally smiled-hopeful again, holding on to love even in the face of silence.