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“When the fuck was this organized?”

Taken aback by his sudden outburst. “I don’t know.”

“So you’re marrying into that psycho family because Nathaniel fucked up?”

All this time, I thought the family only kept me in the dark about this. Nathanial was Zeke’s son. This was their operation. How could he not know about this merger?

“The crows aren’t that bad, well,” I paused, “the ones I know I like.”

“Did Nathaniel and Marco organize this? Or are Felix and Cole involved, too?”

I shrugged.

Zeke pushed his seat back, getting up. “I’ll tell them it's not happening.”

“Don’t. It will just cause a fight.”

“No, Marco isn’t?—”

“I’m not what?” Dad's words were cold as he walked back into the room. Glaring at uncle Zeke. “Come on then, spit it out Ezekiel. What is it I’m not doing?”

The death glare between these two was ridiculous. I could groan. All because I was looking at engagement rings.

“Madeline is fulfilling her role in this family. Her duty.” Dad flickered a look at me.

His words might be said out of anger, but it was the tone that told me he meant it. Still, after everything I did for this family. My real role was to marry into another.

“Apologize to her now,” Uncle Zeke walked around the table.

“Or what? She is my daughter, and that is her role.” Dad shoved Zeke back. “Unless you have something you want to say, Ezekiel? Even your son saw the bigger picture.”

“Plotted this with fucking Nate, did you?” he shoved dad back. “What a shock.”

After last time, I knew better than to get in between them.

“Stop it, please.” I pushed the chair back and got up. “I’m happy with the decision, Uncle Zeke. So, it’s fine.”

“It is not Maddy, they are using you as a pawn.”

“A pawn!” dad scoffed. “It’s her role, her duty. The one fucking thing she is actually meant to be doing for our family!”

Not even two seconds passed before they were throwing punches at each other. Glass shattering as Uncle Zeke threw dad into the cupboard.

Nate and finally Uncle Cole came in, separating them.

Like normal, I’m frozen. Everything starts to go distant. My heart is racing as they keep shouting at each other. Uncle Zeketurned on Nate, blaming him for this. As the fight continued. I zoned out.

Vaguely remembering the plates and dishes that started flying around the room, as I sat back down.

CHAPTER 19

Vince

“He fucking ran, Nikolai; what did you want me to do?” I yelled, coming to a stop at the traffic lights.

“To not use a shotgun Vince, repeatedly. Pretty simple.”

Gripping the steering wheel tighter. “Here is a better idea, brother. Next time you tie someone to a chair, check the fucking knot. Instead of expecting me to fix your fucking mistakes.”