“Neither do I.” Our eyes lock in an unspoken battle until Josie approaches us.
“Is something wrong?” Josie asks. “I wanted to talk to you about our dresses for the wedding, but I can come back.”
“It’s okay, Josie.” Dax puts an arm on his sister’s shoulder. “We had a little fight. That’s all.” I wait to hear what lie he’s going to tell. “I can only spend one week in Italy for our honeymoon, not the two weeks she wants.”
I make a face, and I’m glad Josie doesn’t see. She seems sweet, and I don’t want to be the one to tell her that her brother shouldn’t be walking around in polite society.
“Well, why don’t you clear your schedule?” Josie asks. “The bride should get whatever she wants.”
“You know what I want, Josie?” Her eyes light up at my question. I bet she thinks I’m going to say something cute and funny.
“Not in front of my sister.” Daxton lets out a fake laugh. “She’s too young for that kind of talk.”
“Not too young, but I don’t want to hear it about my brother.” Josie takes my hand and squeezes it. “Mom was right. I’m so glad you’re going to be family.”
She kisses my cheek, and every smart remark I had died.
“Is Milan your choice or Dax’s?” she asks.
The fool did mention going to Milan, and my first impulse was to jump in excitement. I didn’t comment, but he’s made the arrangements. Unfortunately, I won’t be going. I don’t have apassport because I’ve never left the country, and I don’t plan to get one.
“I bet it was yours, Cori, since you’re into fashion. I wish I could come.” She pouts.
“Well, that’s not happening, but we’ll bring you something back.” Josie seems appeased by her brother’s words, so I force a fake smile. I almost feel bad, but not quite.
Chapter 29
Cori
Crazy motherfucker. He’s going to spend the rest of his short life paying for this, and when I’m done with him, he’ll either take his own life or I’ll put him in a subpar psychiatric hospital and neglect him.
I should have known his ass did this. Why didn’t I think of that? But why would I assume this man would turn the tables on me so much that I would end up in this situation?
My last hope was when we told Mother. My father warned me not to tell her about the arrangement because that would stress her out. But what kind of mother would be okay with their daughter getting engaged to a man so fast? Mom only met him once, and we never dated. Of course, she’d protest, but I was wrong.
Days ago
“Mom!” I yell when I burst through the house. My steps come to a stop when I notice that Dax is already here. Not only that, but he’s holding Ruby in one arm while he sets my mother’s dining room table with the other. He acts as if he’s already a part of our family and belongs in my parents’ living room.
Devin’s useless ass is on the couch asleep, while I hear my father’s voice talking in his office.
“Cori, you’re here.” Mom wheels her chair to me and pulls me into a hug. When she moves away, she takes my left hand and whistles. “I’m so happy, baby,” Mom says. Her eyes brim with tears, and she fans her face. “When your father told me the news, I swore I heard wrong, but I know Dax will make you happy.”
I look past her shoulder, and Dax gives me a smug look before he winks at me. Ruby starts to coo, and he plants a loud kiss on her fat cheek.
“Mother, did Daddy tell you the circumstances of this engagement?” I start to push her away so we can talk, but Dax follows us.
“Of course, but don’t worry. Sometimes these things happen fast. I met, fell in love with, and married your father all within six months. I’ve never regretted it for a single moment in my life. Honey, don’t be nervous. Dax cares about you. He told me so himself.”
“This isn’t like that.”
“What do you mean, baby?” Mom looks at me with her big eyes. She reaches for my hands and takes them in hers. Dax gets close to us and stands next to me. There’s enough tension in the room to cut with a knife. “Are you nervous? It’s normal, but every woman needs a good man in her life. And Daxton is just so kind. He’s already made arrangements for me to go to Chicago two days after your wedding.”
Mom starts to cry in her chair, and I’m lost for words for the moment. I can either tell her the truth and get out of this. Butwhat if the truth does not set me free in this case? What if she thinks it’s a logical idea for me to marry this man so she can have her surgery? And if that’s what she thinks, will I ever be able to forgive her?
I look at the floor as I contemplate my next move. Dax looks from me to my mother, and for a moment, I consider taking a risk and telling her everything, but no words come out.
Dad enters the room and quickly assesses the scene.
