Chapter 12
In Chapter 12 of “Dreams Folding Into Broken Time,” the atmosphere is filled with a mix of humor and tension as family dynamics play out during a dinner gathering. Alyssa’s lighthearted comment about Roman sparks a warmth in the protagonist, highlighting the budding romance between them. The chapter captures the awkwardness and chaos of family interactions, especially when Chloe makes a pointed remark about the protagonist’s relationship with Roman, questioning her motives. This leads to a playful yet defensive exchange, revealing both the insecurities and the affection present in their relationships.
As the evening progresses, the characters engage in banter that oscillates between lightheartedness and underlying tension. Aunt Thelma’s toast to the Harts and Emily’s innocent remark about a previous conversation inject humor into the scene, drawing laughter from the family. The protagonist finds solace in these moments, sharing a high-five with Emily, which serves as a reminder of the familial bonds that, despite their dysfunction, provide comfort and joy. The protagonist’s sarcastic commentary on their family traditions further emphasizes the blend of love and chaos that defines their interactions.
The chapter takes a more serious turn when Dean confronts the protagonist about her relationship with Roman, revealing an unspoken tension between them. The protagonist’s defiance in response to Dean’s inquiry underscores her determination to assert her choices and independence. Roman’s protective presence during this encounter adds a layer of security, showcasing the strength of their connection. The moment also highlights the complexities of relationships and the challenges of navigating past connections while moving forward.
As the chapter concludes, the protagonist and Roman retreat to their bedroom, leaving the chaotic family gathering behind. The protagonist’s reflections on the dinner reveal her mixed feelings about the evening, blending frustration with the joy of being with Roman. Their intimate moment together, marked by Roman’s affectionate gesture, reinforces the bond they share amidst the surrounding chaos. The chapter encapsulates the theme of love blossoming amidst familial dysfunction, leaving readers with a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead in their relationship.
**Dreams Folding Into Broken Time p>
**Chapter 12 p>
**From Best Friend To Fiancé p>
**Chapter 9: Casually Rubbing Parts p>
I spat out the cherry tomatoes that had just burst in my mouth, my mind racing to process what I had just heard. “What?” I exclaimed, bewildered.
Roman, ever the picture of confidence, remained unfazed, casually complimenting my mother’s hairdo as if the conversation had never taken a turn.
“That’s a great question actually,” Lizzie chimed in, her voice laced with curiosity.
Chloe, with her trademark nonchalance, shrugged her shoulders. “Not like it’s any of your business, Chloe, but I’m not,” she retorted, her tone dismissive.
A hint of mischief danced in Chloe’s eyes. “Oh well, we were just curious. You know, Roman’s way up there in the world, and you’re, well, barely scraping by. If he’s into you to the point of marrying you, then… I guess we’re right to wonder if you’re either trapping him with good sex or a baby.” She dabbed the corners of her mouth with a napkin, a smirk playing on her lips.
“Chloe!” My mother gasped, her expression a mix of shock and disapproval.
“Can’t a man be in love, blondie?” Roman drawled, his tone teasing yet serious.
“It’s possible. But with my sister? That’s difficult to believe,” Chloe shot back, her skepticism evident.
“Your sister’s perfect. Too perfect, in fact. There’s nothing hard to believe here. Unless you’ve got a really low IQ, which seems to be the case,” Roman asserted, his words dripping with sarcasm.
A laugh escaped me, the tension easing slightly.
“Excuse you?” Chloe snapped, her indignation flaring. She immediately turned to Dad, her eyes wide. “Dad, did you hear that? He just called me unintelligent p>
“You defending her, son?” Dad asked, a teasing glint in his eye.
“Always,” Roman replied without a moment’s hesitation. His voice was smooth, but the intensity in his gaze was undeniable. “That’s part of the job p>
Dad smirked, a hint of admiration creeping into his expression. “A man who stands up for his woman. I respect that p>
“Are you serious?” Chloe blinked, taken aback.
“I don’t need defending,” I muttered, my fork stabbing another piece of asparagus with unnecessary force.
“Of course not,” Roman said gently, his tone softening. “But I’m not doing it for you. I’m doing it for me. It offends my sense of taste to watch someone insult you p>
**Chapter 12 p>
Alyssa chuckled, a twinkle of amusement in her eyes. “Alright now, I see why she fell for you p>
My heart raced at her words, an undeniable warmth flooding through me. “How couldn’t I?” I replied, a grin spreading across my face.
Mom cleared her throat loudly, rising to her feet with an air of authority. “Does anybody want dessert?” she announced, her voice slicing through the lingering tension.
“I think I’ll pass,” Dean muttered, his disinterest evident.
“I’m on a no-sugar diet, sorry,” Chloe declared, her tone final.
“Maybe next time,” Roman politely declined, his smile unwavering.
Aunt Thelma, ever the life of the party, raised her glass high. “To the Harts, may we never be normal p>
Everyone paused, the room filled with a moment of uncertainty.
I clinked my glass against Roman’s, a spark of defiance in my voice. “To dysfunction,” I proclaimed, my heart lightening.
“To chaos,” he grinned, his expression dangerously playful.
Little Emily, rubbing her sleepy eyes, piped up, “Aunt Savannah, is this about the butt lube again p>
Mom nearly choked on her wine, the sound of her cough echoing in the room.
Roman coughed into his napkin, clearly caught off guard.
“Emily!” Alyssa shrieked, her face a mask of shock. “Where did you hear that p>
Emily glanced around innocently, her eyes wide. “You were talking about it earlier, mommy p>
Dean burst into laughter, Chloe smacked his arm playfully, and I exchanged a high-five with Emily across the table, our shared amusement a welcome distraction.
Mom rubbed her temples, a weary sigh escaping her lips. “Why do I even try p>
“Because it’s tradition,” I replied with a smirk. “We gather once a year, eat things no one actually likes, and emotionally regress to high school while joking about our trauma p>
Roman leaned closer, a conspiratorial whisper escaping his lips. “Is this every holiday p>
“This is mild,” I assured him, my voice low.
Dad threw down his napkin with a flourish. “I’m calling it a night p>
I exhaled, the weight of the evening settling on my shoulders.
He pointed at Roman. “You still owe me the details of that hedge fund you started at twenty-four p>
Roman tipped his glass in Dad’s direction, a hint of respect in his demeanor. “Yes, sir p>
As the table began to disperse, I rolled my eyes, the air becoming lighter. The clatter of dishes filled the kitchen as I lingered behind to help with the cleanup.
Dean hung around the pantry door, his gaze fixed on me, an unspoken tension lingering in the air.
I attempted to pass him, but he caught my wrist gently, his expression serious. “You’re really with him p>
I shot back, “You’re really marrying her p>
“I know what you’re doing. You don’t have to prove anything to me, Sav,” he replied, his tone softening.
“Oh, I’m not proving anything,” I said defiantly, yanking my hand back. “I’m making you wish you’d begged p>
Just as Dean opened his mouth to respond, Roman appeared behind me, placing a steady hand on the small of my back. Our eyes locked, his gaze piercing into Dean’s.
He wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me close, his protective stance radiating confidence. “You good, man?” Roman asked, his voice low and steady. “Need some help finding your fiancée p>
Dean stepped back, raising his hands in mock surrender. “She’s all yours, buddy. Just came to say hi to an old acquaintance p>
A wave of irritation washed over me at his words. Old acquaintance? Is that truly what we had become?
Roman pressed a soft kiss to my temple, igniting a warmth that spread through my body.
“You done here? Let’s go to bed,” he suggested, his voice a soothing balm.
We exchanged quick goodnights and sweet dreams with those around us before retreating for the night. Roman’s large hand enveloped mine as we walked to our bedroom, a gesture that made my heart flutter.
The bedroom door clicked shut behind us, sealing away the chaos of the evening and granting us the privacy we craved.
I leaned against the door, arms folded across my chest, watching Roman as he toed off his designer loafers with an air of ownership—
which, technically, he didn’t have yet.
“That was the most excruciating meal of my life,” I muttered, pushing off the door and shaking my head in disbelief. “Between Chloe’s fake laughter, Dad’s Roman-worship, and Alyssa’s nervous wine refills, I’m honestly considering poisoning dessert tomorrow p>
As the evening’s chaos faded behind the closed door, a sense of relief washed over me. The tumult of family dynamics, teasing, and unspoken tensions had been overwhelming, yet it was in those moments of discomfort that I found clarity. Roman’s unwavering support, his playful banter, and the way he effortlessly navigated the absurdity of my family transformed the night from excruciating to enlightening. I realized that love isn’t just about grand gestures or romantic proclamations; it’s also about standing together in the face of chaos, finding laughter even in the most awkward situations, and knowing that someone has your back, no matter what.
In the quiet of our room, I felt the weight of my decision settle comfortably on my shoulders. The path from best friend to fiancé was fraught with uncertainty, yet it felt undeniably right. Roman’s presence beside me was a reminder that love can flourish amidst dysfunction, and that our bond could withstand the scrutiny of others. As I leaned against the door, watching him shed the remnants of the evening, I knew that we were ready to face whatever came next—together. The future was still a tapestry of unknowns, but with Roman by my side, I felt a sense of hope that we could weave our dreams into a beautiful reality, no matter how broken the time may seem.
In the upcoming chapter, the tension that has been simmering beneath the surface is set to boil over. With the chaotic dinner behind them, Savannah and Roman find themselves in a private sanctuary, but the emotional weight of their family dynamics lingers like a thick fog. As they navigate the complexities of their relationship, Savannah’s defiance and Roman’s unwavering support will be put to the test. Will they confront the insecurities that have been subtly hinted at, or will they allow the chaos of their families to pull them apart? Expect unexpected revelations that may challenge their bond and force them to reevaluate what it truly means to be together.
Moreover, the specter of Dean looms large, and his presence is bound to complicate Savannah’s feelings. As they delve deeper into their relationship, will Savannah be able to fully commit to Roman, or will doubts about her past with Dean resurface? The chapter promises to explore the intricacies of love, loyalty, and the shadows of unresolved history. With each turn of the page, the stakes will rise, and readers will be left wondering whether Savannah and Roman can withstand the pressures of their intertwined lives. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions as secrets unfold and decisions must be made, leaving everyone questioning what the future holds for the couple.
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.