Page 13 of Eternal

I don’t bother asking what charity my parents are supporting this time. Between the two of them, they’re on the board of every good cause in Bristal. I’m convinced it’s how they pretend to care while indulging in their opulent lifestyle.

“That’s why I’m calling actually.” Mom pauses, and the second of hesitation tightens my chest. “Your father was hoping to see you at the event.”

“Why?” Dad typically prefers I skip them.

I’m not the kind of daughter worth showing off when I’m unpredictable in large crowds and struggle to hold my tongue around arrogant, rich assholes.

“I’m not supposed to say anything…” Mom trails off, humming.

“Mom, what is it?”

“Pretend you’ll act surprised.” Her tone is sweet as honey, which means she’s trying to coach my reaction.

Preparing me for something I won’t like.

“I’ll act surprised.” I have no idea what she’s talking about, but I need to know what’s going on.

Mom clears her throat. “Do you know Jase Ivans?”

“The new kid?” My eyebrows pinch.

He transferred to Briar Academy two months ago and immediately pledged Sigma House. Rumor is he’s one of Declan’s new favorite minions.

“Yes, his parents just purchased the Westwood Estate at the north end of town. His father and yours know each other from their fraternity days, and now they’ve reconnected.” She pauses, and I swear I hear my heart beating with every second that passes. “Your father would like to introduce you to Jase.”

“Introduce us—”

“I’ve heard he’s lovely.” Mom’s tone is overly sugary and fake.

“Why does he care about me meeting Jase?” I ask as the warning Declan issued last night rings clear in my head.

My father is up to something, and I don’t know what. But Declan does.

“It’s just a simple meet and greet.”

“Mom, tell me the truth.”

She sighs, and that’s when all hope slips away. “Your father has arranged for you to marry—”

“Tealene.” A woman with bright red hair walks into the lobby, stealing my attention.

“I have to go, Mom.”

“Okay, but please be there tomorrow. For me.”

I stand, hanging up without answering. I can barely handle the sound of her voice right now, much less what she was about to say to me.

Mom warned me there was always a possibility Dad would choose my husband someday. It’s not unusual in families like ours, with generational wealth that needs to be protected. But part of me continued to hold out hope that she was overexaggerating.

I should have known she wasn’t. My parents didn’t marry for love, why should I?

But learning what my father has planned makes me wonder if this is what Declan was talking about. And if so, why?

Better yet, how could he help?

That last question eats me away as I follow the redhead down the hallway to her office. My anger toward my father brews inside me, but my curiosity is stronger. What does Declan think he could do to fix this?

“In here.” The redhead sweeps an arm out, guiding me.