Page 44

Brooklyn

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

"Look, I don’t know who you are. And judging by this little 'conversation' we’ve had, I don’t feel like finding out. I’m in my boyfriend’s office, waiting for him, and from what I know of him, he’s not going to like hearing that you’re talking all this nonsense to me."

"Nonsense? The only one playing the fool here is you. Do you know why he’s courting you?"

"A million different answers are running through my head right now, but I’m not one to share my private life," I say, giving her a wink, fully intending to irritate her just as she’s done to me. "Besides, the word 'courting' has been out of use for at least half a century. He’s not courting me. Our interest in each other is mutual, and we’ve chosen to get to know each other."

"But the word is perfect. He’s courting you for a marriage of convenience. I overheard him talking to William and L.J. right here in this office."

I know I shouldn’t believe anything this crazy woman says, but the problem is, I also don’t understand why a man like him is with me when he could have any woman he wants. And so, insecurity—my old companion—starts to creep into my heart.

Still, I’m not about to let this idiot see that. "A marriage of convenience? Athanasios? I don’t think so. Besides, you’re getting ahead of yourself, sweetheart. We’ve only just started dating."

"If you think a man like him does anything without a plan, you’re more foolish than I thought. Athanasios is Greek and wants a family. He can’t have children; that’s why he’s replaced me with you."

"What?"

"He’s sterile, so he decided on a marriage of convenience. You have two beautiful babies. The perfect choice."

I take a step forward. "Don’t drag my children into your crazy jealousy, or I swear to God you’ll regret it."

She gives me a mocking smile. "I didn’t drag them into this; the man you call your boyfriend did. Take some advice from a woman who’s already been betrayed by him. Don’t fool yourself, Brooklyn. Athanasios has a block of ice where his heart should be. You seem like a good girl. He’s going to hurt you in the end. I bet he’s acting like the man of your dreams, but that’s how he operates until he gets what he wants. After that, you and your kids will just be trophies for his shelf. Another conquest for the powerful doctor."

She exits dramatically, slamming the door like an actress delivering her final line.

I’m not stupid. Of course I can see that she’s drowning in jealousy. And beyond that, her story doesn’t make much sense . . . unless what she said about him being sterile is true.

I feel my blood run cold, and the coward in me wants to run straight home. But I’m not going to back down because of the first fool who tries to poison me with lies. So even though my heart is clenched tight, I decide to wait for him.

"Brooklyn?" I hear him call my name, but I don’t open my eyes just yet, as it takes me a few seconds to remember why I’m still in his office.

I don’t know how much time has passed, but I must have fallen asleep on the couch.

"Hey," he insists.

Finally, I open my eyes, but I don’t look at him. I sit up slowly, placing my feet on the floor. "Was everything okay with the baby?"

"Yes, we’ve stabilized him. You’re tired. I should’ve had someone let you know it would take longer than expected, but I wanted you to be here when I got back."

I stand and straighten my spine. "Why?"

"What do you mean, why?" he asks, stepping closer. "I want to spend the night inside you."

I take two steps back. "Is that all?"

I feel a bit foolish because it sounds like I’m fishing for a declaration, so to try and salvage some dignity—and not look like another needy woman who’s chased after him all his life—I decide to get straight to the point, no preamble.

"Wait. That’s not what I want to know. I need to ask you something."

"What’s going on, Brooklyn?"

"Are you planning a marriage of convenience? Or rather, are you planning a marriage of convenience with me ?"

For the first time since we met, he doesn’t answer me right away. Athanasios isn’t the kind of man who hesitates about anything, and his silence tells me that what that woman said is true.

I step back even farther, needing to create distance, as my throat tightens.

I think back to how I was enchanted by him from the moment I woke up and everything we’ve shared since. I can’t believe I’ve been so foolish, that I let myself be used again.

"How the hell do you know about this?"

"Because your ex-girlfriend came to warn me."

"Ex-girlfriend?"

"Yes, Febe. The doctor you abandoned to be with me."

"What are you talking about? Febe and I were never together!"

"Then can you tell me that everything she said was a lie? Answer me, Athanasios: were you planning a marriage of convenience with me?"

It’s his turn to take a step back. "I was planning a marriage of convenience before I even met you . . . When I found you, you just fit into my plans."

"I fit into your plans?" I repeat, horrified, feeling tears well up in my eyes.

"Brooklyn, things didn’t happen the way you’re thinking."

"You have no idea what I’m thinking."

"Can you let me explain?"

"The only explanation I need, you already gave me: you didn’t want me for who I am but because I 'serve' your purposes. Don’t ever come near me again. I don’t want to see you anymore. In fact, I want to forget you ever existed."