—This is going to be a disaster, he muttered in his usual tone, mixing sarcasm with resignation.

His dislike for family gatherings was no joke, and the fact that he had agreed to bring you along only because his mother insisted showed how much he cared about pleasing her, even though he hated every second of it.

When you entered the house, you were greeted by the smell of freshly cooked food and the warm embrace of Eva, Dante's mother. Her smile was so radiant that you almost forgot how tense Dante was beside you. She hugged you as if she'd known you forever.

"Finally!" she exclaimed, completely ignoring the discomfort on Dante's face. Her gaze, full of tenderness, landed on you. "I've heard so much about you, I thought Dante was making it all up."

Eva took your arm, leading you toward the living room while telling Dante to go help his father with something in the yard.

"Dante never brings anyone home," she said enthusiastically as she handed you a drink. Her gaze, just as Dante had warned, seemed to see beyond the surface. "I'm glad there's someone who can get him out of his shell."

Before you could respond, Sparda, Dante's father, entered the room. Tall, imposing, and with a presence that easily filled the space, he approached to greet you with a firm handshake.

"So, you're the one who’s caught our son. Interesting."

You felt your cheeks heat up under the intensity of his gaze. Before the conversation could grow more uncomfortable, Dante reappeared, one hand in his pocket and the other carrying a plate his mother had forced him to bring.