Page 98 of Beautiful Lies

When we reach the water fountain, Mia links her arm with mine, and we head into the labyrinth of roses lit by moonlight and strings of fairy lights woven through the hedges.

“Oh my gosh, I was wondering if I was ever going to speak to you today.” Mia laughs.

“It’s been so busy.”

“I know. When are you heading off?”

“About an hour or so.”

“And Europe? I guess you can fly off anytime you want if you’re going by private jet.”

I smile back at the wistful tone in her voice. “We’re leaving in the morning.”

“Ahh, the luxury of having a rich husband. I hope you don’t still think you’re cursed.” She squeezes my arm and leans into me, laughing.

“Mia.”

“Don’tMiame. Someone has to be frank with you. Your mom wouldn’t do it, so it may as well beme, your wise, all-knowing cousin. And you should listen to me.”

“Okay, wise, all-knowing cousin.” I giggle. “Hit me with your wisdom. Maybe I need it.”

“That’s the spirit. Now, I say live it up.”

“Mia, didn’t you tell me I should take my chances and get Knox to forfeit?” I cut her a hard stare.

“I did say that.”

“And my first attempt blew up in my face.” I never told her the full story, only that Knox saw straight through me.

“Sure, but that doesn’t mean it was a complete failure.”

“So, you still think I should be looking for ways to get him to forfeit?” I gaze at her with raised brows. “That’s going to be kind of hard now that he knows what I’m up to.”

“What if you simply lived in the moment, took one day at a time, and see what happens?”

It sounds too simple, but realistically, it's my only option. “I suppose that’s all I can do.”

“Yes, but, Isla.” She pulls me to a stop on the cobblestone and rests both hands on my shoulders. “There’s more, and pretty please don’t hate me for what I’m about to suggest.Pleasedon’t.”

I groan inwardly. That means she’s about to suggest another one of her bizarre ideas. “What now, Mia?”

“Maybe you could also cut yourself some slack.” She nods, as if she’s just come up with the best idea in the world.

“In what way?”

“Things may not be as bad as you think they are.”

My mouth falls open. “Are you serious? Today, I got married to a man I met two weeks ago because my father robbed him and he’s basically using me as a payment for the debt. I’d say things are as bad as they can be.”

“Those are all the bad parts. And yes, they arebad, but have you seen the way that man looks at you?” Her eyes light up, and she grips my shoulders as if begging me to see what she sees.

I want to tell her that she’s wrong. That she’s just seeing things and whatever she thinks she saw is all in her head. But even I know what she’s talking about.

“That doesn’t mean anything.” I shake my head.

“I kind of think it does.”

“Like what? What does it mean?”