Page 83 of An Inevitable Marriage

“Let’s not fight in front of your lovely wife, hmm?” The older man’s gaze shot to me again.

A million fire ants crawled over my skin, giving me the ick.

“Besides, we should be celebrating.”

Liam’s hands were still buried in his pockets, his jaw still working overtime. He was upset.This man, who was supposed to be his family, upset him. I didn’t like it.

“I’ve already taken care of everything,” Liam’s grandfather continued. “The two of you just need to show up.”

“No,” Liam said through clenched teeth. “I don’t care what it is; we’re not going.”

The older man’s attention was back on me again, smarmy smile and all. “He didn’t even give you a choice in the matter. A wonderful start to your union, no?”

What the hell was I supposed to say?

I was still trying to find words when he spoke again.

“Is it so wrong to want to get to know the woman my grandson chose to spend the rest of his life with?” He cocked his head slightly, and that grin got even slimier. “You must have an exceptional personality since you’re sodifferentfrom the women he usually spends his time with.”

I wasn’t stupid. I could read between the lines just fine.

Much to my annoyance, his words stung. I had eyes. I knew I didn’t look like the models people like Liam spent their time with. And if it wasn’t for both of us needing this marriage, he wouldn’t have looked twice at me.

Yeah, then why did he just kiss you within an inch of your life, not even ten minutes ago?

I was still chewing on that when Liam’s grandfather’s voice grated on my ears again.

“I have the city’s best caterer on call; there’ll be plenty of culinary choices to entice your taste buds, too.”

Wow. This asshole really went there.

I opened my mouth to tell him what a dick he was, but Liam spoke before I could even make a sound.

“There’s the door,” he roared. “Fucking leave.”

The chuckle from his grandfather sent an icy shiver through my veins. “No need for dramatics. I’m going.” He made it halfway across the room then stopped to face us again. “I’ll have my assistant send the details for your formal reception. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll at least make an appearance.” He pinned Liam with a dark stare. “I’m sure you don’t want yourlove lifeplastered all over the news.”

His cold and emotionless gaze raked over me one last time then he turned around and finally left us alone.

I didn’t know exactly what he’d threatened Liam with, and honestly, I didn’t care. All that mattered was he was gone, and I could finally take a proper breath.

My heart hurt. This wasn’t what a family was supposed to look like.

“Liam, I—”

“I have a meeting to get to.” He was already at the door, pulling on his jacket. “Stay. Finish your lunch. When you’re done, Tamara will pack everything up.”

And just like that, he, too, was gone.

Chapter twenty-two

Everlee

“I’msoannoyed,Icould scream. Ugh.”

Cece pulled the phone away from her face just as another one of those angry sounds blew over her lips. Mom had finally called to inform my sister of the plans she’d made for our future. The conversation hadn’t gone that great, and after she’d hung up with our mother, Cece immediately FaceTimed me to vent.

Setting aside my book, I sat on the bed and leaned against the headboard. I hated how disconnected our family suddenly was, that my mom had turned into someone we didn’t recognize.