I don’t mean to eavesdrop but Levi’s ravaged voice is loud enough to carry through the hall. The faint shuffle of his shoes like he’s pacing.
Then I hear Odette’s uncharacteristically timid voice. “Do you really think it would have lasted with that girl? Do you really believe something real could’ve come out of that relationship? She wasn’t one of us. She wasn’t… she…”
One of us?
I knew she was a snobby, high-society woman but it seems like her animosity toward common people is deep-seated. Enough that they… pushed Iris away.
Levi’s tone hardens when he responds. “I would’ve wanted to figure that out for myself. I didn’t need your approval. I didn’t want a goddamn clause like a noose around my neck.”
Tears spring to my eyes. My frame shaking again—just like in the car when I saw those pictures.
“I wanted to find love…myself.”
Jesus Christ. Heshouldwant that. Of course, he should. Love can’t be forced upon him and it was taken away from him all those years ago.
But all I want to do is shrink myself into a corner. My whole body is growing cold with dread at what this means.
“I’ll get that damn clause eradicated,” he says, tone calm yet deadly. “So no one—ever—has to suffer from this stupidity again.”
I find myself stupidly nodding to no one.
It makes sense. The clause shouldn’t exist since it’s probably why his parents threatened Iris.
Suddenly, the half open door to the sitting room flies open fully. Levi’s frame filling my vision. That’s when I notice. The suit. It’s the same as the picture. And he did say he was at the office today.
Oh.
They must’ve talked. It makes sense. It all makes sense now.
But what doesn’t make sense is the relief washing over Levi when his gaze finds me.
“God. Cece…” he says with a pained whisper.
When he steps forward, as if to pull me in an embrace, I involuntarily flinch. I can’t… endure touch. Not right now.
“Baby?” he asks, his face twisting in confusion.
He just called mebaby. Why?
Then I see the strange hurt still lingering in his eyes, and I want to take it away. And I know how.
“I… I’ll help,” I find myself mumbling.
“What?” he croaks.
I try to relax my face, ensuring I’m not showing the sheer panic beneath. Then I say the words thatmight work. Words of support because I think that’s what he needs. Given how his parents have betrayed him so brutally.
God, what were Odette and Thomas thinking? I know they aren’t the most loving parents. Butthis?
“I’ll help you get rid of the clause,” I assure him. “Then… you can marry whoever.”
I watch as his face falls, paling at some realization that only he knows. Then suddenly, horror twists his face and he’s in front of me in a blink—cupping my cheeks gently.
His eyes flick between mine as he whispers. “You heard me.”
I nod numbly, not fully grasping why he’s acting this way. “Just the last part. About… Iris… and the clause. I’ll help.”
His face suddenly crumples. I can hear the faint sounds of his parents arguing inside.
