“Though as much as we feel these stories will be for the better,” Father says, “we thought you would like the opportunity to control the narrative. So to speak.”

And if Danni is so eager to leave my life with the same ease she entered it, what does that say about her opinion of me? I suppose, if I’m completely, honest, I’d wondered if maybe … perhaps she … but then, no, she can’t. Evidently, she doesn’t. If she cared about me in any manner beyond a friendship, she would be stepping toward me, not away. Regardless of what Molly asked her to do. Apparently, I’d overestimated the strength of our bond in more ways than one.

William nods. “We can provide an ‘insider source’ tip to The Register today, if you want. I could inform them that you and Alfie are officially a couple? Or would you prefer to go down the ‘strong feelings you’re exploring’ route?”

Why does everybody I care about suddenly want to leave me?

“Rose?” Father prompts, and I snap to attention. I replay everything I just heard—processing it, this time—and somehow resist the urge to massage my temples.

“Look,” I say. “I haven’t even had the chance to speak with Alfie yet, but there aren’t strong feelings, and we aren’t dating. I have no idea why he kissed me.”

William and Father exchange a look with entirely too much mirth for my liking. “And yet, you’re the only person in the room that’s surprised by this.” Father laughs. “Rose, truly. Don’t pretend this is out of the blue.”

I lock my eyes on him, and darken. “Is this what you were hoping for when you gave him that watch?” I ask.

“You gave him that watch,” William reminds me.

“You two bought it,” I cry.

“Everyone, please,” Mum interrupts in a chiding tone.

I can’t believe I let myself be so easily manipulated. Was I truly so distracted that I missed their intentions? Could I have stopped things before they escalated this far had I noticed?

“Rose,” Mum says in a gentle tone. “You’re young. It’s perfectly normal for you to be single at this age, and if you would prefer to keep that narrative, then that’s your decision.”

Father gives her a sideways glance that tells me he very much disagrees with this idea.

“Are you single?” William asks me.

I open my mouth to reply, but Father’s patently horrified expression halts me.

“We don’t need to know the details of what Rose does in private,” he says, firm and final. Even if William wanted to protest, I’m certain he wouldn’t dare. Father is quite used to doling out commands, and he has a distinct tone he uses when dissenting opinions are entirely unwelcome.