Total pages in book: 158
Estimated words: 156392 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 782(@200wpm)___ 626(@250wpm)___ 521(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 156392 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 782(@200wpm)___ 626(@250wpm)___ 521(@300wpm)
“Then there’s compromise from his side. Just because you fail to see it, doesn’t mean it’s not there.”
“But he’s infuriating, Mama.”
“You still went to hell and back to marry him.”
I roll my bottom lip between my teeth as I meet Ari’s gaze and she shakes her head. She doesn’t want me to bring up the fact that my insistence to marry Eli has brought trouble for our parents. I apologized after I heard about that, but Mama said there was nothing to be sorry for while Papa remained silent.
“Honestly, I didn’t understand why you were so insistent on it back then.”
“Then why did you help me, Mama?”
She strokes my cheek softly. “The look in your eyes told me everything your words couldn’t. Besides, with time, I came to see how this thing between you two works.”
It does? How?
I want to ask since I certainly don’t see it, but the last thing I want is to worry my parents any further. I’m already the worst thing that’s happened in their lives, so there’s no need to make it any uglier.
“It doesn’t work.” A deep, familiar voice reaches us first before Papa stands in front of us, jacket in hand. “Stop indoctrinating her into believing in that useless marriage.”
“Papa!” Ari wraps herself around him in a koala embrace.
I shove her away to hug him longer than needed and then my sister and I fight over who hugs him more, just like when we were young. So Papa pulls us both to either side of him and kisses the tops of our heads.
“Are you here to announce your overdue divorce, princess?” he asks with unmasked hope.
“Cole!” Mama scolds.
“What? We all know she should ditch the loose screw and come back to live with us for life. Isn’t that right?”
I smile. “I’m an adult, Papa. I can’t live with you my entire life.”
“Sure can. It’s completely acceptable in other cultures, and we should normalize it here as well. We can start with our household. Look at Ari, she’s already sworn allegiance to me for life.”
“Is that so?” I tilt my head to look at her.
“Shut it,” she mouths at me, then grins at our father. “Daddy’s little girl for life. You’ll never get rid of me.”
“That’s what I like to hear.”
“You’re so full of shit,” I say.
“Ava is jealous, boohoo.” She clings to Papa before Mama pulls her away, probably to stop her from grimacing at me.
“Have you lost weight?” Papa examines me closely, rotating my face from side to side. “I knew the prick wasn’t feeding you properly. Let’s sue him for neglect and get those divorce papers while we’re at it.”
“Cole…” Mama warns.
“Maybe he can serve some time in prison as well?” He smiles mischievously. “It’d be perfect revenge for taking away my princess. The horrified look on Aiden’s face would be worth it as well.”
“I’m eating just fine, Papa. He actually takes me out to dinner regularly and makes an effort to pick restaurants that serve my favorite cuisines.”
“Hear that?” Mama asks with a warm smile. “Will you stop being insufferable to our son-in-law?”
“I have no son-in-law and never will.” He narrows his eyes. “Did he tell you to say that? You don’t need to lie, princess. I’ll make him pay.”
“I’m not lying, Papa.” I kiss his cheek. “In fact, I promised to join him for dinner tonight, so I have to go.”
“What about me? You won’t have dinner with me?”
“You have Mama and Ari.”
He opens his mouth to say something, but Mama stands and interlinks her arm with his.
“Go on, hon. I’ll take care of your dad.”
“Love you.” I hug them together, then smooch Ari on the cheek before I head to the door.
Behind me, I hear Papa saying, “What’s the restaurant? Maybe we’ll join.”
“And start a world war?” Mama asks.
“I will behave.”
“You said that the last time before you locked Eli out of the house.”
“It wasn’t on purpose, butterfly. I genuinely mistook him for a cockroach. Not my fault he has more resemblance to vermin instead of humans.”
I smile as I turn around and wave.
“Princess, tell me. I promise not to punch him.” He pauses. “More than three times.”
My face hurts from all the smiling.
Well, then, time to face my nemesis.
27
AVA
Instead of Alan, Leo is behind the wheel today.
I slide in the seat beside him and he stares at me as if I’ve blasphemed.
“You should ride in the back, Mrs. King.”
“I like to think we’re friends, and; therefore, can sit here.”
“Please, no.”
I frown as I secure my seat belt. “I’m wounded, Leo. I thought we’d formed a bond.”
“If you believe that, call me by my full name, or I’ll be found buried at the North Pole.”
I laugh. “You’re unintentionally funny.”
“I’m intentionally self-preserving.” He drives off my parents’ property, keeping his eyes on the road.
He wears white gloves. The entire time. I have actually never seen his hands. The other day he mentioned that he’s also diagnosed with OCD and has found the most understanding boss in Eli. Probably because they share some of the symptoms.