Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 28059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 140(@200wpm)___ 112(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 140(@200wpm)___ 112(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
“What did they say when you called?” she asks, and I shake my head.
“I don’t really know. I made the offer to your father, and he said he would let your mother know. I thought that was an agreement, but perhaps I got that wrong?” I look to my dad, who gives me a tight smile.
“Then maybe it’s better if you both come.”
I’ve got an office on the other side of the house, but my father doesn’t lead us there. Instead, he takes us to the library where Glenda’s parents are waiting, but not dressed for the party. It’s black tie, and although they weren’t necessarily invited, they would have dressed appropriately if they were staying.
When we enter the library, they both turn in our direction but don’t look at me. Instead, Glenda’s father speaks directly to her.
“We’re leaving,” he says and takes a step toward Glenda.
Suddenly everyone talks at once, and we’re all speaking over each other.
“Wait, let’s discuss this,” my father says.
“She’s not going anywhere.” I cut through the noise and look at her parents. Her mother isn’t saying a word, and her lips are pressed together in a thin line.
“You don’t have a say in that.” Her father finally turns his eyes on me. “I heard your proposal, and the answer is no.”
“Dad.” Glenda’s quiet shock is almost as loud as his declaration. “Why not?”
“That’s not for us to discuss here,” he tells her, finality in his voice.
“If it’s money you want, you can take it all,” I say angrily. I mean it. He can have every dime if it means I get Glenda.
“You can’t always buy your way into something,” Glenda’s father hisses.
“So your son was good enough for our daughter, but not the other way around?” my father asks, and even I can hear the cut in his voice.
“They didn’t have control of him,” Glenda says softly. “They couldn’t force him into an arranged marriage.”
“Well, they can’t force you into one either,” I say to her and pull her closer to my side. “It’s too late for negotiations anyway. She’s already pregnant,” I announce to the room, and her mother’s face pales while her father’s gets redder.
“Oh god,” her mother whispers and closes her eyes. “She’s ruined.”
“I knew she shouldn’t have come here,” her father says and clenches his fists. “With any luck, we can have a quick wedding and pass the bastard baby off as Travis’s without him knowing.”
“What!?” my father and I shout at the same time.
“Travis Rollins has a controlling share in my company, Glenda. He’ll sink it if you refuse his hand.” Glenda’s father is talking directly to her, and all I see is red.
“Over my dead body.” I move in front of her now so that she’s completely behind me.
“That can be arranged,” he says as he takes a step toward me.
My father moves between us now, but I don’t need his protection. I’ll rip this man apart with my bare hands.
“Time to cut the cake!” My mother comes straight into the library all smiles and cheers as she takes in the sight before her. “Looks like something else is going to be cut first, I see.”
Chapter Fifteen
Glenda
Leave it to Cora to try and break the ice in a tense situation. The woman really is an angel. My mother turns a glare toward her, and I know it’s because she’s never been her biggest fan. I heard her mutter a few things about her under her breath during my brother's wedding. Jealousy really is a nasty thing.
“We won’t be staying for the cake,” my mother all but hisses at her. “We’re leaving.”
The anger I’m already feeling starts to bubble up inside me. I tell myself to stay calm, but my grip on it is quickly slipping. It’s not just me that’s having to take their rudeness now. They’re lashing out at people who have been nothing but kind and loving to me.
Cillian’s hold on me tightens. Yeah, I’m not going anywhere. I wouldn’t try to, but I adore that my Cillian isn’t backing down from them. He’d even offered to give my greedy parents more. That wouldn't be happening either. I’m sure whatever Cillian already offered was more than generous. They have gone too far now.
“Let’s not forget that we’re family,” I remind everyone. “Felipe and Amelia are married, and I’m sure grandkids will be coming along shortly.” I do my best to try and reason with my parents. I’m still holding on to a glimmer of hope that we can save this.
“You’re right. We’re supposed to be family, and the Floreses should respect the fact that we have said no. Don’t be selfish, Glenda. Did you not hear what I said? The Rollins family could crush us.”
I want to roll my eyes but manage to control myself. I could be wrong, but I find it hard to believe that they would sink a company they have stock in over an arranged marriage. I think my parents are being dramatic because my father doesn’t like that he’s not in control of something. That something being me.