Who knew pretending to be happy could take so much energy from you? It’s difficult to keep a smile pasted on your face when your heart has been broken. It’s easier to avoid everyone than play the part, but I can only do that for so long.
“Sweetheart.” Mom knocks on my open bedroom door. “You have a second?”
“Always for you.” I plaster a fake smile on my face. It’s my parents that I do the most acting for.
Mom steps into my room, taking a seat on my bed. I put down the dress I was adding pockets to.
“Your dad got a message from the Marinos.”
“Okay.” I shift in my seat. This could be anything, but if it was about the marriage being called off, my mom would have likely burst into my room with excitement.
“There will be a dinner at the main house tonight to celebrate the engagement.” I blow out a breath, making my bangs scatter.
“All right.” What else can I say? There is no choice. I would rather not see War. I’m still seething over the things he said to me at the pond. The man never talks to me, and he only did to issue orders.
“And War said you aren’t to be in the garden for the next few days.”
“What!” I jump up from my seat, knocking the dress off my lap. I grab it off the floor. “That’s bullcrap. Why?” Is he deliberately trying to hurt me? I don’t understand his reasoning behind it.
“He didn’t give a reason, and I don’t think your father will be asking.” Right, because who dares to question War?
I hate how much I got him wrong, but it only goes to show once again how naïve I have been. There have been stories about War, or whispers, I suppose. He is a man to be feared, but I never heeded the warning. I thought people had him all wrong. That maybe underneath that tough exterior there was a kind man. But that’s not the case. Right now I’m too heartbroken and pissed to be scared of him. Again, I’m being foolish. I know this, but still no fear comes.
‘Whatever.’ I huff, dropping down into my chair.
‘I’m sorry.’ Crap.
‘You know it’s silly.’ I force that smile back onto my face. ‘There is no reason for me not to go into the garden, so something must be being done to it.’ I don’t have a clue what that could be or if it’s close to true, but I’m going with it.
‘You’re probably right,’ Mom agrees. ‘After tonight, I’m sure the wedding plans will be moving forward.’
‘Do we have a part in that?’ I kind of hope we don’t. I’d stupidly been excited about finding a dress and so on, but now I couldn’t care less. I’m not going to invest in any of this or allow myself to pull the wool over my eyes.
‘I’m not sure, but we’ll get a feel for everything tonight.’
‘Okay.’ I nod. ‘I’ll pick out a dress.’ I don’t think anything I own will meet the standards. I don’t have an item of clothing that I haven’t altered in some way or created on my own. No one has “cleaned me up.” That is what they said, right?
“We’re to be there at seven.”
“Got it.”
Mom lifts a brow. Okay, she kind of has a point. I might lose track of time often.
“I swear, I got it.” The last thing I want to do is be late. I’ll get banned from something else. First the pond and now the garden. The two places I love the most.
“Your dad and I are going early to have a cocktail with Rochelle and Dario.”
“Was that ordered too?”
“Rochelle called and asked.” She and Mom have always gotten along well, but my mom gets along with everyone.
“So kind of an order?”
“I don’t know, sweetheart. I’m sorry.”
“Mom.” I stand up. “Stop apologizing. It’s going to be okay.”
My whole life, my mom has always put my dad and me first. Her life has always centered around us. She’d do anything to make sure we are taken care of. I bet if I asked her to help me run away, she’d even do that. Which isn’t a thing I’d ask her. That would get my parents in a world of trouble, I’m sure.
“I’ll do my best.” Mom gives me a hug. “Seven.”
“Seven,” I repeat before she leaves my room. I close the door behind her, letting out a breath. I can make it through this. I might as well make the best of it for myself. What I won’t be doing is going out of my way for War anymore.
I go in search of an outfit. I decide on a white dress I’d gotten a few months ago. I haven’t had a chance to wear it yet. It was strapless, but I added pink silk ribbons that you tie into bows for straps. I also added adorable pockets, placing matching bows on them as well. The dress goes well with a pair of pink ballet flats I have.
I check myself over in the mirror. It’s cute, but I’m not sure it’s up to par for this dinner party. I decide that I don’t really care. There’s nothing I can do about it at this point. It is what it is. I start playing with my hair and makeup before growing bored. I debate putting in my contacts, but hate wearing them. It doesn’t matter. I’m not trying to impress War. Those days are over.
Digging through my nightstand, I find my Kindle. I smile when I see a pre-order has hit my library for a book I’ve been dying to come out. Hopefully I’ll be able to sneak away, find a corner, and dive in. It shouldn’t be hard. It’s not like War will be paying attention. He ignores me most of the time, so I hope that carries over to tonight.
I roll over to my side. I’ll only read the first chapter. There is more than enough time for that.
I should have known better. It’s never only one chapter.
