Page 27

Unbelievable. Mom was acting like she didn’t enjoy every second of planning that wedding. She will love the challenge of planning a new one.

I would have to ignore her snide remarks until the next merger was announced.

I should not have taken the ice off.

My face looked terrible. Swollen. Bruised. The cut was shocking. I couldn’t stop crying as I looked in the mirror. He ruined my face. I couldn’t leave the house like this.

Day three and I looked worse.

My phone buzzed on the bathroom vanity.

Vince.

The corner of my lips twitched up, which caused immediate pain. Sulking, I walked back into the bedroom. I couldn’t tell him.

Nikolai said it would be better if he told Vince what had happened. Considering that I accidentally burned down one oftheir developments next door to the factory. I agreed. Plus, I really owed Nik for that night.

Staring at his message, asking me out for dinner this weekend. It would just be too complicated to see him right now.

Writing back, sorry I can’t.

I sat back on the bed. Shopping. That would help. I was donating everything Noah’s ego had bought me. And everything I’ve worn while with him.

Frowning. Vince was calling me.

“Hey,” I answered, immediate pain spread across my face. I needed to master talking without moving every muscle.

“Hey, um,” he paused, “just checking your, okay?”

Immediate tears. Hearing genuine concern in his voice. Biting my tongue. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

I hated lying to him.

I covered my mouth with my hand, trying to muffle my crying.

“My love, are you lying to me?”

My tears become uncontrollable. Holding the phone away from me for a moment. I can’t do it. I can’t lie to him. Why did I even answer? Steadying my breathing.

My tears burning me, as they ran down over the cut.

“Just tired. Um, I have to go. Night.”

“I thought you couldn’t come,” Noah hissed, “And I know it was you who burned down our factory.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I shrugged. “And no, I said I wouldn’t come with you. At no point did I say I wasn’t attending your grandparents’ anniversary. I won’t be accused ofbeing rude.” I smiled at his cousins, waving, who kept glancing at me. “Oh, there they are.”

Walking from him, straight to his very strict and traditional grandmother.

“Madeline.” She opened her arms and her eyes focusing on my very deeply bruised and swollen face. Hugging her, I pulled back. What a shock. Noah is here ready to do damage control.

“I just wanted to formally apologize for backing out of the merger. At the last minute.” Placing the empty glass of champagne on a waiter’s tray as they walked past. “But I couldn’t be with a man that doesn’t understand the word no. I’m sure you understand.”

She nodded, looking between us.

“Congratulations on fifty years, with Evan,” I touched her hand, turning to look at Noah. “God help the woman you marry.”

Walking away, ignoring the glare of his parents. God forbid someone embarrasses their perfect prick of a son.