The unstoppable Dante

Dante's hands trembled slightly as he balanced the tray. He wanted to avoid trouble—Lucas wasn't worth it. If he could just quietly drop off the champagne and leave, maybe he could get through this shift without incident.

"Where's the damn champagne I ordered?" Lucas's voice boomed across the dining hall, sharp and demanding.

Dante flinched. Of course, it had to be him.

His grip on the tray tightened as he glanced around. There were no other servers in sight. Just his luck. He exhaled slowly, trying to steady his nerves, and reluctantly made his way to Lucas's table.

As he approached, Lucas looked up—and froze for a moment. Then his lips curled into a smirk.

"Well, well, well," Lucas drawled, leaning back in his chair. "If it isn't Dante. What are the odds?"

Dante bit the inside of his cheek, ignoring the heat creeping up his neck. He placed the tray on the table carefully, trying to avoid eye contact.

"Didn't know you've started working here," Lucas said, his tone dripping with mockery. "But I guess it makes sense. Jobs like this is…are fitting for someone like you."

Dante's jaw tightened, but he forced himself to remain calm. "Would you like me to pour the champagne, sir?" he asked, keeping his voice steady.

Lucas laughed, loud enough for nearby tables to turn and glance their way. "Oh, sir now, huh? This is priceless." He turned to Mia, who sat stiffly across from him, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. "Babe, isn't this hilarious? Your ex-boyfriend, serving us."

Mia didn't respond. She kept her gaze down, her expression unreadable. Dante's stomach twisted when he noticed the faint bruises on her cheek, barely concealed under makeup. She turned her face slightly, as if trying to hide it.

"Mia…" Dante's voice came out softer than he intended. "Are you—"

"Hey!" Lucas barked, cutting him off. "You don't talk to her. You're here to do a job, remember? So, pour the damn drink."

Dante swallowed hard and reached for the bottle. His mind raced. Mia didn't look happy—far from it. And those bruises... Had Lucas done that to her? He didn't want to believe it, but the signs were there. She avoided his gaze, her shoulders hunched as if she were trying to make herself smaller.

He bent slightly to pour the champagne into the glass, but his thoughts kept pulling him back to Mia. The sound of the glass filling seemed to echo through his head, each drop a reminder that Lucas was still there, still throwing his weight around.

"Careful, Dante," Lucas said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. " Wouldn't want you to get fired over something so small."

Dante's hand faltered for a moment, but he quickly regained control, lifting the bottle higher. The champagne poured out too quickly. The glass overflowed, splashing onto the pristine tablecloth. The bubbles fizzed and spilled over the sides.

"Shit!" Dante muttered under his breath. The last thing he needed was more attention.

Lucas leaned forward, eyes narrowing. "Look at that. The lowlife can't even pour a drink properly." He shook his head, clicking his tongue like he was disappointed in Dante. "Such a waste of space."

Dante's face burned. He quickly grabbed a napkin and tried to wipe the mess, but Lucas wasn't done.

"You know, Mia," Lucas said, turning to her with a sickeningly sweet smile, "this is exactly why I never understood why you were with this loser. He can't even handle a simple job without making a mess. What a joke."

Mia shifted in her seat, avoiding Dante's eyes, her lips pressed together. She looked like she was trying to disappear into herself.

"Maybe if he had any ambition, he wouldn't be stuck serving drinks at a crappy restaurant. But then again, losers like him don't ever change, do they?" Lucas continued, his voice growing louder, feeding off the attention.

The room seemed to freeze as Lucas stood up, his smirk still plastered across his face. Dante's heart sank as he watched Lucas drop to one knee in front of Mia, completely oblivious to the tension hanging thick in the air.

"Mia," Lucas's voice rang out, loud and clear, drawing the attention of everyone nearby. "You've been through so much, babe, and I've watched you struggle. But I promise, I'll take care of you. No more living in the past. No more pain. Just you and me." His eyes gleamed as he pulled out a small box from his pocket, flipping it open to reveal a glistening diamond ring. "Will you marry me?"