Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 57891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 289(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 193(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 289(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 193(@300wpm)
“Want me to go with you?” Chloe offers, and I know she has to realize exactly what I’m feeling right now. I give her a small smile and tell her I’ll be all right, but I’ll send a distress signal if things go bad. Of everyone in the group, Chloe has had my back more than once. But I have to remind myself that she didn’t message me. She knew and stayed away. Not only that but any one of these people could have set Ronan and I up. Instantly, my guard goes up again.
I don’t trust anyone.
“I’m going to go see her,” I tell Chloe, and as I stride away, Ivy calls out for me not to be a stranger.
I can’t respond, though, because I’m too absorbed by the woman in the long pale blue dress. She has always loved that color. It brings out her eyes, which widen when she sees me as if she wasn’t fully aware I’d be here.
“Since when did you get back?” I ask my mother, who stands in the back of a small group of women. Almost like she’s trying to hide from I don’t know what but probably her ex-husband. Although why would she come to this event if she was hiding from him?
The laughter and chatter dim as I stand in front of my mom, and the other women go about their own business.
She ignores my question and offers me a stiff smile.
“You look stunning, Brooklyn, but red has always been your color.”
I haven’t spoken to her much since they divorced, and at times, it feels like she divorced me too. Shock led me over here, but now all I feel is regret.
“Thanks.”
“Did your fiancé choose that gown?”
“Oh, so you know, then?”
“Of course I know. What kind of mother would I be if I didn’t know her only child is engaged? Especially when it’s to a Wolf.” She smirks, and I bite my tongue to keep from telling her that I missed her call of congratulations. “Your father must be livid. Good. I’m glad. He needs to be humbled. I’m glad it came from the hand of your future husband. And what a catch you have caught, my darling. Professor Wolf is as sexy and powerful as his father.”
My head tilts, wondering if my mother is drunk or high with the way she’s talking. “As sexy and powerful as his father?” I question.
“You heard me right.”
“I thought you hated him?” I clarify, “I thought you hated Mr. Wolf.”
She cocks her head. “No, darling. Quite the contrary. I got along quite well with Mr. Wolf.”
My stomach twists with the flirtation in her tone.
“Haven’t you ever wondered why there’s a feud to begin with?”
“What are you saying?”
“I just want what’s best for you, Brooklyn,” she says, placing her hand on my arm. “I’m relieved you’ve found someone, and I’m hopeful you’re going to start a fresh new life and make your father proud or… piss him off.”
She laughs and then looks up, taking a sip from her glass to scour the room.
Her hand leaves my arm, and I realize that’s the first time she’s touched me in years.
I force a half smile when she looks back at me.
“Are you happy?”
“Yes.” I nod, pushing down every emotion that storms through me.
“Are you in love with him?”
“Yes.” I nod again.
This is a lie.
We’re a facade.
It’s all fake.
Then why has nothing ever felt so real?
I hate that I don’t feel like I’m lying, but mostly…
I hate that I feel like a failure.
“Oh,” she says like she’s just come up with a brilliant idea. “We should take a picture.”
“Just one moment,” I tell her. “I’m going to freshen up first. Another lie. I back away with a smile that falls the moment I turn my back on her.
As I try to shake off what’s just happened, I search the crowd for Ronan, wishing we could just snap a picture to prove our presence and leave.
CHAPTER 17
Ronan
As I look around the room of the event, attempting to find my Brooklyn, I’m reminded that any of these motherfuckers could be the one who emailed the video. It eats away at me as I stand there and physically can’t do one damn thing about it. If life has taught me anything, it’s that your worst enemies are someone you consider a friend.
For some of them, there’s only one way up, and that’s on the backs of the fallen they stepped on to get there. I’ve been stabbed in the back more times than I care to remember. I pretend I’m unfazed by so many powerful people in the same room and continue living this lie with Brooklyn even though it feels like the truth as the day flies by us and our predicament.
Before I can find her, I’m greeted by one familiar face after another. And soon, I’m standing with an old group of friends. Each one asks their own sets of questions. Congratulations are given. Small talk is had as well as updates, and all the while, I search the room for her.