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“We struck up an engagement the same day we met. I ran home satisfied that I could help him, knowing how relieved he must have felt to find someone who could give him everything he needs without compromising any part of himself.”
She gutted me one word at a time. I felt nauseous with guilt and pain and horror.
I couldn’t even speak.
“His mother loves me. His aunt adores me. I am willing to abide by his rules. If he wants me close—I will be. If he wants me to stay away—I can do that, too. I will be there for every version of him, regardless of whether he stays this way or changes. I will mold myself into anything he needs. Can you say that about yourself? Can you give up all your dreams for him?”
I flashed back to Andras’ office. To me, trembling with rage, unable to back down from my quest for vengeance. And him, ordering me to let it go to chase our mutual dream.
But, I realized,the idea of taking from Vera no longer thrills me. I may not be able to give up revenge for fencing, but Icangive it up for Zach.
Eileen took my silence as agreement, snapping the photo album shut on her lap. “My life is stable. I have a real job, a proper schedule, and the ability to raise a family—emotionally, physically, and financially. And I haveneverstolen or cheated in my life.”
But you lied to Zach, I wanted to point out, swallowing the words because I had no ground to stand on.You lied about who you are, about knowing him, about sharing phobias.
“Farrow, I’m telling you this because I think you’re a good person with a clear mind. You must see that I’m more suited for him. That your troubles will only be a burden. If you truly care for him—and I actually think you do—you’ll let him go.”
“What are you asking me to do?”
On the fringes of my mind, a giant warning signal went off. I forced myself to push away my emotions and think logically.
Everything about her is a lie. And the phone call. She laughed about tricking Zach into a dinner date. Don’t trust her.
Eileen gathered a stray hair behind her ear. “I’m asking you to get on a flight, move out of my fiancé’s home, and never come back. And if you do, I’ll take over the legal fees for your court case?—”
I reeled back, wondering how she even knew about this. “I don’t need your charity.”
Did she snoop? Did Zach tell her?
But I knew he wouldn’t.
She toyed with the oversized engagement ring on her finger. “It’s not charity. It’s an agreement. No different from the one you share with Zach.”
Except itwasdifferent.
I wanted to help Zach. Eileen merely wanted to exist beside him.
How could she love someone she hadn’t seen since childhood? Did she even know him?
That he hated rain yet loved the cold.
That he pretended to be disgusted by hot Cheetos but scarfed them down by the dozen if a bag neared him.
That he only seemed detached but possessed fierce loyalty when it came to friends and family.
I kept my voice level, carefully crafting my expression into neutral. “My agreement with him ends soon.”
“Your agreement with him endsnow.” She dumped the album into her bag, rising to her feet. “I think I’ve been patient enough.”
“I’m not the one you need to speak with. Actually, from what I remember, you’re the one who requested stricter no-touching clauses and suggested allowing outside relationships.”
I doubted she’d becontent to keepthoseforever.
In fact, I’d put money on the fact that she’d suggested them proactively to lower his guard.
As if she’d heard my thoughts, she giggled into her fingertips. “Do you think he would’ve agreed to marry me if I hadn’t?”
“So, you tricked him?”
