Lara’s stern demand

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the city in a tapestry of shimmering lights, Silas and Lara sat across from each other in the opulent restaurant. Both were serious, the tension palpable in the air. Their expensive dinner remained largely untouched.

"You wanted to say something," Lara was the first one to break the silence.

Silas, his expression grave, met her gaze. "I think the time has come to carry out our next plan, he declared, dropping his fork with a clatter. "We need to get engaged."

Lara, maintaining a stern look, said, "No."

"What do you mean, no?" A deep scowl formed on Silas's face. "I told you everything, didn't I? This is just to buy some time to resolve the issues. How can you back out now?"

"I'm not backing out," Lara clarified, her seriousness deepening, making Silas frown even harder in confusion. "I want a wedding, not an engagement."