Page 86 of Maddening Fixation

But Yarina’s words remained.

They lingered in the darkest corner of my mind.

To her, this wasn’t about a will.

It wasn’t about legacy.

It wasn’t about family.

To her...

I was stealing the man she believed belonged to her.

Her final words refused to leave me.

They echoed again and again until they no longer sounded like a threat.

They sounded like a promise.

Just a few hours ago, my biggest concern had been surviving another painful family gathering after my grandparents’ funeral.

Now I was expected to marry Romeo Flynn.

The thought alone sent a confusing mixture of warmth and dread through me.

The legal documents slipped from my lap onto the polished desk with a dull thud.

I rubbed my temples, hoping the pounding behind my eyes would ease.

It didn’t.

My thoughts refused to slow.

A sharp vibration broke through my thoughts.

My phone lit up on the desk.

The sudden sound made me flinch.

Chapter 4

JULIET

Iglanced at the screen.

Egor’s name appeared on the screen. He was calling.

A small, involuntary smile tugged at the corner of my mouth.

Of all the people who could have called at that moment, I was oddly grateful it was him.

I answered.

“Please don’t tell me you’ve forgotten about today.”

His voice carried its usual easy warmth, followed immediately by an exaggerated sigh.

“The picnic?”