Page 51 of Beautiful Lies

Who could feel comfortable knowing that?

“Calm down, Mia.” I laugh softly. “You know none of this is mine. It’s Knox’s home. I’m just here for the ride. To make everything look legit.”

She rolls her eyes at me. “Come on, Isla, stop being such a wet blanket. At least enjoy the perks. Or let me. When am I ever gonna be in a house like this again?”

“That’s not the point. The situation is still bad.”

“Oh, please.” She frowns. “Never mind the part about getting the mega-rich husband, the manor home in the Hamptons, and marrying into the Vale family.”

“Mia.” I chide her, planting my hands on my hips.

“At least I get to benefit from the dream by being here. I’ll visit as often as I can.” She laughs again.

There’s no way I’m telling her about the credit card. She’d go crazy, and she’d think I was insane for not heading to the nearest designer store to shop until my brain exploded. She’ddefinitelythink I’d lost it if I told her I don’t plan to spend a cent of it.

Mia wouldn’t understand that I don’t want Knox owning any more of me than he already does. Plus, spending his money doesn’t feel right when I owe him so much. Or ratherDad.

“How about we go sit while you dream?” I point toward the wicker table and chairs.

“I’m good with that.” She grins and gives me a sassy shrug.

We make our way over and sit. Sheila’s prepared a feast of sandwiches and pastries for us. Mia’s eyes go wide when she sees it, and she immediately dives for the double chocolate cookies.

Again, I can’t blame her. They lookscrumptious.And I know firsthand they are.

“Yum, yum, yum.” Mia’s eyes flutter shut as she savors the bite, her shoulders relaxing. “Please let me finish this cookie, then we can talk seriously.”

I chuckle. “Go ahead.”

I grab a cookie, too, and melt the instant the sweet blend of flavors hits my tongue. I don’t know what Sheila puts in these things, but they taste like magic.

Mia sighs, dragging in a long breath. “Okay. My brain has returned to earth now, but I’m having more of those. Diet be damned.”

“You’re always on a diet, and you don’t need to be. You look amazing.”

“Because I’malwayson a diet.” She holds up a finger like she’s imparting some great wisdom, then her gaze softens. “Back to you. How are you doing?”

I finish my cookie, lean back against the chair, and shake my head. “I’m not okay, Mia. I’m not okay.”

Concern dims her earlier excitement. “Has anything else happened with Knox?”

“No. Not yet.”

I’ve already filled her in on everything from the last two days. I couldn’t wait to call her and Mom yesterday after Knox left.

The most important thing I had to share was the wedding date.

Mom came by yesterday afternoon, but Mia and I talked at length last night.

“It’s not just what’s happened.” I bring my hands together and rest them on my lap. “It’s what’sstillhappening. And what’s yet to happen. The wedding’s in two weeks. How am I supposed to be okay with that?”

“You’re not. If you were, I’d be worried.”

“And I don’t know him.”

Knox and I may have shared a bed for one night, but I can’t even say Ibarelyknow him. I only know what I’ve read in articles online and the few moments I’ve spent around him.

Other than that, he’s a closed book. I’m certain that’s by design. People like him don’t like others knowing too much about them.