Page 47 of Love Arranged

He continues, “Whether you like it or not, this project is happening.”

“A project that is purely coincidental and has nothing to do with what happened between us a few months ago, right?” I reply sarcastically.

His smile is all types of wrong. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

I take a deep breath and push my feelings aside for the greater good of Lavender Lane. “Seriously. Can you act like anadult and put an end to this vendetta? Or at the very least, keep it between us and don’t target innocent people.”

He shrugs. “My father always had these plans. I just happened to suggest Lavender Lane over his other option.”

I throw diplomacy out the window. “You’re such an asshole.”

“At least I own it. I can’t say the same about you.”

My face turns red. He might see me as one, but that doesn’t make it true.

Ineverled Richard on, and I was vocal about only being interested in something casual, especially after the situation with Lorenzo. When I realized I still had unresolved feelings for him, I respectfully told Richard where my mind was at and ended things like a mature adult.

Even though Lorenzo ignored my existence, my heart was still invested in him, and Richard took it more personally than I originally thought. I can take a few guesses as to why he felt slighted, but I bet it stems from an inferiority complex that began when he was labeled thespareto his brother’sheir.

“You know how many women would have been grateful to be in your shoes?” he asks.

I’m not sure how I keep from gagging. “Sounds like you shouldn’t have a hard time finding someone else, then.”

“I liked you. I really did, to the point where I was willing to look past your particular…quirks.” His gaze is as demeaning as his words, but I act like they bounce off the white two-piece set I borrowed from my sister, even though that isn’t the case.

Judgy gazes or comments like his are why I started dressing like I do now. Because my closet and the clothes I wear reflectwho I am at my core, and I’m not interested in sharing that part of my heart with people who openly judge me or use it against me.

I’m too vulnerable at the moment, but I won’t be like this forever.

Just fornow.

Richard leans in, an air of vicious energy surrounding us as he whispers, “But I should’ve known you were too good to be true. That there had to be a reason most men stay away from you, including the one you still had feelings for, and it isn’t because you’re a prude like some people assume.”

I flinch and instantly hate myself for showing a reaction. He said something similar after I told him I couldn’t continue seeing him, so I should’ve been better prepared, but I’m sensitive, especially after the other night.

Instead of giving Richard an opportunity to tear me down some more, I walk away, exhibiting more maturity in ten seconds than he has in his entire life.

I was already motivated to save my business, but this conversation with Richard took the fire burning inside me and doused it with gasoline. I don’t care what it takes, but I’m going to make sure Trevor and his entire family lose all their power over this town—even if it means putting my anger aside and teaming up with Lorenzo to make it happen.

My mom breaks down as soon as I walk inside her bedroom.

“I’m sorry, Liliana,” she cries, her anguish etched into thefine lines of her face. “I tried to talk to the mayor, but then he showed me all the plans, and he tripled the money the city council is offering if I signed the NDA right there. I couldn’t say no. Not when I knew there was nothing I could say or do to change his mind.”

All my rage from earlier today is wiped away, replaced with worry.

“Mami.”I help her take a seat at her vanity. “Take a few deep breaths.”

I model a lungful, and we both breathe in and out until she is no longer hyperventilating. I’ve had lots of practice over the years, so I have a whole toolbox of techniques to help my mom through her anxiety attacks, along with a sixth sense I’ve developed to anticipate them before they happen.

Once she gains control over herself, she shows me the NDA, which requires her secrecy in exchange for a hefty sum of money. If she tells anyone about the plans, she will face a bunch of legal repercussions.

The mayor and his sons backed us into a corner because even if I wanted to tell the town about the Lavender Lane plans, I couldn’t do so without putting my mother in financial and legal jeopardy—something they know I’d never risk.

Richard successfully trapped me, but I won’t accept my fate without putting up a fight.

Un Muñoz nunca se rinde?*, I tell myself while accidently crumpling thepages of the NDA.

My mom’s wide-eyed gaze flickers over my face. “Please don’t be angry at me.”