Page 54 of The Christmas Trap

I cover up my confusion by aiming another bunch of rapid-firequestions at Keith.

"We have a meeting with the caterer on Monday to finalize details for the lunch at the reception. And now that you’re here, you can help me make the place cards.”

A strange look comes into his eyes. “Lark, I?—”

No, no, no.I don’t want him to complete that statement. I don’t want to face whatever is coming next.

I don’t want to concede how uncomfortable it feels to be anywhere near my fiancé. I definitely don’t want to acknowledge how deeply wrong it feels to have my fiancé here in my office with me. With my hot boss watching.

I can’t bear to accept that the perfect life I’ve been planning for myself is about to collapse.

So, I default to what I’m most comfortable with when I’m panicking. My checklist mode.

I push through with the other things on my wedding planning list where I need his input.

“Oh, I need you to share your RSVP list. And did you get your tux fitted yet? Also, can we go see the Christmas tree lighting at Trafalgar Square? It’s something I do every year."

I attempt a smile, but my face muscles don’t seem to cooperate.

“Lark…” His voice is almost gentle. “I came here because I have something to tell you.”

The combination of sadness and determination on his face makes me pause. Also, why is he sweating?

Another chill of unease crawls down my spine.

Out of the corner of my eyes, I notice the door connecting my office with my boss’s office open.

My boss steps into the room.

I ignore it because I’m more worried about the weird expression on my fiancé’s features. Alarm bells go off in my head. The hair on the nape of my neck rises.

I’m almost not surprised when he looks down at his feet. "I think we should break up."

“What?” My rib cage shrinks in size. I gulp down a few breaths, sure I’m caught up in a nightmare.

He looks up and past me. He must spot my boss, for his forehead wrinkles. “I…" He looks back at me, lowering his voice. "I don’t think you and I are good together. I think this marriage is a mistake.” He squares his shoulders.

His stance tells me he believes what he’s saying.

“What? No. You can’t break up with me.” I’m aware of my voice rising. And that I’m almost yelling. And my boss is watching. I flush with embarrassment. But the concern about the bomb that has gone off in my life and destroyed all my carefully laid plans takes precedence over anything else.

“I’m sorry.” He runs a finger under the collar of his shirt. “Truly, Lark.”

I look at him closely, but he doesn’t meet my eyes. In fact, there’s a guilty expression on his face.

I stiffen. “Is there…someone else?”

He straightens his spine but continues to look away. “What makes you say that?” He risks a glance in my direction, but his gaze skitters away.

The band around my chest tightens. A cold sense of certainty grips me. “Thereissomeone else.”

Keith opens his mouth. I throw up my hands. “Don’t bother trying to deny it; your guilt is written all over your face.”

He squeezes his eyes shut, then nods. “I’m so sorry, Lark.”

My heart sinks into my stomach.

“Who is she?” I burst out.