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But as I waited for the elevator, deep despair overcame me. If Emmett dragged my reputation through the mud like this, I would never find a job.
No matter what kind.
And then I would be broke.
Not immediately, thanks to the $50,000 Carter would transfer to me after the wedding.
But then a few months later.
Chapter 20 ~ Isabella ~
Itwasaperfectspring day. The sun shone from the sky, pleasantly warming my back. Today was the first time this year I'd gone outside without a coat. The purple dress I wore looked absolutely stunning. Hayley had lent it to me, along with the silver jewelry I wore on my ears and around my neck. Of course, I'd be careful not to mention that to Carter or any of the wedding guests.
I looked around in amazement. We were standing in the garden behind Carter's parents' estate on Long Island. Estate. I shook my head in disbelief. The property reminded me more of a castle. Two stories with large rectangular windows and light brown shutters. A high roof. Slate, typical for Long Island. I replayed the last few minutes in my mind. We had reached the house via a... driveway. Yes, I'd call it a driveway. A long, gravel path that led up to the door and formed a large circle in front. We had then entered the house - or rather, the estate - through a solid wood door with two wings, framed by two white columns supporting the porch roof.
I hadn't taken in much of the house's interior. Now we were standing in the garden, which looked more manicured than many parks in New York. Surely there was a gardener who came regularly and took care of everything that needed to be done. A gardener? Probably an entire team of gardeners and landscape architects.
This family certainly didn't lack for money. Of course, I knew Carter had more money than I could imagine. But looking at the scene before me now, I realized what it meant to grow up in a wealthy family. I thought about my own childhood. Joanna and I had grown up with a lot of love, but little money. Our family had to pinch every penny. Of course, I didn't begrudge Carter's family their wealth. But it was a bit unfair that some people were simply rich without ever having to do anything for it, while others worked themselves to the bone without ever getting a real chance.
I pushed that thought aside. The guests present all looked particularly rich. And very nice. I admired the elegant dresses and exquisite jewelry worn by the ladies present. My silver necklace seemed cheap in comparison.
"You look wonderful," Carter whispered in my ear at that moment. He seemed to sense how I was feeling and gave me the confidence I needed to start this important day well.
"Thank you," I smiled back, looking deep into his bright blue eyes, which seemed to shine more than usual today. For a moment I lost myself in them, and it was as if the world around us ceased to exist. The chatter of the other guests faded into the background.
I was still smiling when an unpleasant voice interrupted us.
"As always, in a suit and sneakers. Still not making enough money to buy yourself a decent pair of shoes?"
I turned around. In front of me stood a man who looked a bit like Carter. And yet he seemed completely different. The eye color was the same, but the other man's eyes were without any warmth, without any spark. The nose was similarly shaped, but the other face already showed the first signs of wrinkles. He obviously often wore a grumpy expression. This must be Carter's brother.
"Cameron." Carter's voice sounded neutral. As he had already told me, he didn't get along particularly well with his brother. To put it mildly. "You look good," Carter added. "Even if your shoes probably weren't as expensive as mine."
"Didn't you read the invitation? Elegant attire requested! That's exactly what it said!" Carter's brother was visibly outraged.
"What's good enough for the best charity dinner in New York, for all conferences, and for a meeting with our Secretary of Commerce should be good enough for your wedding." Carter didn't give an inch. The two brothers were about to get into a full-blown argument.
Time to slip into my role as fiancée.
Women were supposed to mediate in such cases, to prevent their men from unnecessary arguments, right? Without hesitation, I extended my hand to Cameron.
"Hi, I'm Isabella. It's so nice to finally meet you. Carter has told me a lot about you. You've really picked a wonderful day for the wedding, you and... your future wife."
Damn.
I had forgotten the bride's name.
Had Carter even told me?
Cameron stared at me in astonishment, seeming to consider whether or not to take my outstretched hand. I held it out to him unflinchingly and looked him straight in the eye. "It's a magnificent estate," I added.
Cameron visibly felt uncomfortable in his skin. Finally, he took my hand and shook it.
"Nice to meet you," I said again.
Cameron said nothing in return.
"It seems you've chosen an intelligent woman, Carter. I wouldn't have given you credit for that." This remark came from a woman behind me. I turned slowly and found myself facing an elderly lady wearing an elegant dark blue dress with simple, heavy gold jewelry. Her eyes were also bright blue, and in them I found again the sparkle, the vivacity I knew from Carter.