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The small talk flows, but I only half-listen, nodding when appropriate. My father clears his throat, shifting the conversation.
“Emily,” he says, folding his hands on the table, “I was hoping your father would join us tonight. It would have been a pleasure to meet him.”
The briefest flicker crosses her eyes before Emily responds smoothly, “Unfortunately, he couldn’t make it. He’s taking a much-needed sabbatical after decades of managing the family business. He finally decided it was time to step back temporarily and focus on himself.”
My mother raises her eyebrows, her curiosity piqued. “I would think he’d want to be present for his daughter’s wedding, especially one as important as this.”
Emily holds her ground, her smile unwavering. “I insisted that he not cut his travels short. The wedding arrangements are under control, and I’ll introduce him to Daniel when he returns. We thought it best he focuses on his health.”
I’m impressed by how well she handles the scrutiny from my mother. She doesn’t flinch, doesn’t crack under the pressure of the unspoken questions hanging in the air.
It’s clear she’s used to navigating difficult conversations. A skill that will no doubt serve her well in this marriage.
By the time the main meal is served, everyone is anxious and trying not to show it. Every few minutes, my mother glances at the door as if he might suddenly appear.
Finally, she leans over, keeping her voice low but firm. “Andrew, can you call your brother?”
I sigh, pushing my chair back as I stand. “Excuse me for a moment.”
My voice is neutral, though inside, I’m boiling. This is Daniel’s dinner party and he’s treating it like a casual get-together he can skip. It rings twice before he picks up.
“Daniel,” I say, not even bothering with pleasantries. “Are you on the way?”
There’s a pause on the other end before he answers, “I’m in New York.”
I blink away the irritation that flares into something hotter. “You’re what?”
“I’m not coming,” he says, his voice flat. “I’m not marrying Emily Young.”
For a second, I’m stunned. My mind races, but the words feel like they’ve knocked the breath out of me. “You waited until six weeks before the wedding to say this?” My voice rises despite myself.
“Do you even realize what you’re saying? This isn’t just about you. We need a stake in Riviera, and this marriage is the only way we can get it.”
There’s silence on his end, then Daniel’s voice comes back, cold and detached. “It’s always business for father, isn’t it? And now for you. I’m not doing it, Andrew. You can tell them the wedding is off.”
I clench my teeth, fury coursing through me. “Don’t be a fucking coward. Come here and tell them yourself. Face everyone, including Emily and tell them to their faces.”
The line goes dead.
I stand there, phone in hand, seething.
This isn’t just about the wedding. This merger was my shot. My chance to prove myself after everything—to show that I’m more than just the ex-soldier with issues.
I worked alongside my father before I left for my military tour, but it was always under his shadow. I wanted my own space to make decisions, to carve out something for myself. But, leaving created a wedge between us that never healed.
Father never forgave me for abandoning the business to serve my country.
Now, because of Daniel, that opportunity for redemption is slipping through my fingers. The deal with Riviera—something I could have spearheaded—is crumbling because my brother has suddenly decided he doesn’t want to get married.
Fuck!I curl my hands into fists.
I take a deep breath and slide my phone back into my pocket, forcing myself to calm down. I have to tell them. Clearly, that coward of a brother, will not.
When I return to the dining room, all eyes turn to me.
I clear my throat, every step heavy as I make my way back to the table. “Daniel won’t be coming tonight. He’s called off the wedding.”
The words drop like a bomb. Shock reverberates around the table. My father’s hand tightens around his glass, the color draining from his face. My mother’s mouth falls open in disbelief.