Page 6 of Best Kept Vows

Jane gave a dramatic tilt of her head as she picked up her phone. “Sebastian, we have another meeting at the factory,” she warned, giving me an out from talking to Ada, which she knew would meangrieffor me.

But this was my daughter, and I didn’t need anyone to run interference for me.

“Dad…ah…can I talk to you for a minute?” Ada asked, though she was already half-pulling me away from the table.

Her fingers curled around mine with purpose,and I followed her without resistance, sensing whatever was coming wasn’t going to be easy. She led me into a quiet hallway near one of the side exits, the soft hum of the wake fading behind us.

The moment we were alone, she stopped and turned to face me—her jaw set, eyes sharp.

This wasn’t my daughter asking for advice. This was Ada, the woman her mother raised—brilliant, steady, and about to tell me exactly what was on her mind.

“You need to leave andnotuse the front door.”

I frowned. “What?”

“You’re going to walk out that door”—she pointed to the exit we were standing by—“so, Mama, who is sitting close to the front door, won’t see you.” Her fingers curled into fists at her sides. “We’re celebrating, and seeing you here with…no, I won’t let you ruin this for her.”

“Your mother is here?” I asked, baffled.

“Yes, Dad, we came to celebrate her graduation.” Her voice was laced with disgust. “She was at the top of her class and gave an amazing speech…all of whichyoumissed.”

I couldn’t understand why she was angry. Sure, I missed the damn ceremony, but if Lia was okay with it, I didn’t think it was Ada’s business.

I exhaled. “Ada, I told Lia I might not be able to make it. She knew.”

She took a step closer. “Youmisseda big, important event, Dad. And where were you?” She threw a glance toward the dining room. “Having lunch withher.”

I clenched my jaw. “Jane is a colleague.”

“I don’t care who she is,” Ada shot back. “Do you know how Mama felt, standing on stage, looking for you? Waiting for you to come through those doors? And when she finally realized you weren’t going to—” She broke off, her throat working as she swallowed. “She acted like it didn’t matter. But it did.”

I sighed and raked a hand through my hair. “I have a crisis at work. I have an important meeting after lunch, too…it’s just the way it is right now, Ada, once things settle?—”

“Dad, you’ve been saying that for three years, and you’ve lostallcredibility withall of us—and by all of us, I mean your wife, your son, and your daughter. Though Jane probably still trusts your word.”

“Ada, I’m still your father, so you need to watch how you speak to me.” This wasn’t my sweet baby girl. No matter what issues Lia and I may have had, we never let that bleed onto our kids.

“Right, glad you remember that even though you’ve forgotten Mama is your wife.”

I growled. “Watch it, young lady.”

She just shook her head. “Just take the other exit, okay? That’s all you have to do.” She spoke as if that wasallshe was expecting from me.

“Why don’t we go have a glass of champagne with your mother?” I looked at my watch. I could spend fifteen minutes with Lia, and see if Kayla would move my meeting by that much time at the factory.

Ada let out a sharp laugh, shaking her head. “I don’tknow, Dad. I think it might upset Mama to celebrate her big day with you and yourmistress.”

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. I couldn’t believe what I’d just heard.

“Are you out of your—” I started, but she shook her head.

“I’m not going to argue with you while Mama is waiting for me.” She gave a firm shake of her head. “But I’m also not going to let Mama see you withher,so she’s smacked in the face with what was more important to you than your wife. So, I’ll be grateful to you if you walk outthatdoor.” She pointed to the back exit again. “Thank you in advance for your consideration.”

“Ada—”

She turned on her heel. “Enjoy yourworklunch,” she threw back over her shoulder.

I stood frozen, watching my daughter disappear into the dining room, her words ricocheting inside me like a bullet. For the first time in my life, Ada had spoken to me like I was an asshole, and it hurt like a motherfucker.