— A hurricane would be more accurate, Isobel mutters.
The tea continues like that—barbed compliments, veiled jabs. Heather keeps bringing up shared memories with Callum, names I don’t know, moments I wasn’t part of.
Each one a reminder.
I don’t belong here.
— Do you remember that ride to the old cairn? she says at one point. The sunset over the loch, the champagne you brought…
— Vaguely, Callum says.
— Oh, Cal, how could you forget? It was so romantic. The blankets, the stars coming out…
That’s it.
I can’t sit here listening to my husband’s romantic past with Miss Perfect.
I push back my chair too fast, nearly knocking over my cup.
— Excuse me, I say tightly. I need to… check something. Make a call. Los Angeles—you know, time difference and all that.
I leave before anyone can stop me, feeling Heather’s gaze on my back—and picturing her smile, sharp and satisfied, like a cat that just cornered a very delicious mouse.
CHAPTER 24
JANE
I retreat to the castle library, a vast room lined with ancient books that smell of worn leather and aged paper. Over the past few weeks, it’s become my sanctuary—a place where I can finally be myself without performing, without pretending. Leaning back against one of the towering shelves, I close my eyes and draw in a slow, steady breath. Why am I so shaken? This marriage is nothing more than an arrangement, a contract. Callum could have shared a hundred romantic picnics with Heather, and it shouldn’t affect me in the slightest.
But it does. Far more than I’m willing to admit.
The door creaks open, and I straighten, bracing myself to face Heather or Isobel. Instead, Callum steps inside. The unreadable look on his face sends a ripple of unease through me.
— I’ve been looking everywhere for you, he says, walking toward me.
— Sorry for running off like that, I reply, folding my arms as if I can build an invisible wall between us. I wasn’t exactly in the mood for another stroll down memory lane with Lady Perfect.
A fleeting smile crosses his face.
— You noticed too, huh?
— Hard to miss her “Let’s reminisce about all the wonderful moments with Callum that Jane will never share” festival. Very enlightening.
He sighs, dragging a hand through his hair.
— Heather’s always been possessive.
— Possessive? That’s a generous way of putting it. I half expected her to start marking her territory around you.
A short, genuine laugh escapes him, easing the tension just a little.
— She didn’t need to, he replies. The constant references to our shared past did the job just fine.
— So you admit she was trying to make me uncomfortable?
— Absolutely, he says without hesitation. Heather never does anything by accident. Every word, every gesture is calculated.
I study him, caught off guard by his honesty.
