Page 53 of The Devil’s Lair

Unlike previous De Vil weddings, this will be an intimate affair involving family members only. Together, we stand firmly behind Rebecca and Tobias. We ask that the press and public alike respect their privacy as they move forward as a family unit, not as victims of tragedy, but as a solid partnership built on courage, strength, and respect.

Charles De Vil.

“It’s really happening,” I murmur after reaching the end. “We’re getting married in just over two weeks.”

“We are. But listen, if at any time, right up to the wedding vows, you change your mind, you can tell me. I really want this to work for my own personal reasons, but you have to want it, too.”

“I want to feel safe,” I whisper.

“This is the place. My family and I will keep you and Isla safe. You can have a wonderful life here, Rebecca. We’ve already built a friendship. I think we can deepen that over the coming months and years, and possibly have a happier marriage than those who marry for love.”

I agree. I married for love, and look what that got me? A life of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Love isn’t worth the price it demands. I like Tobias. I enjoy his company, and Isla is growing fonder of him by the day.

“I won’t change my mind. This is the right thing for me and for Isla. For you, too, it seems.” One day, I hope I can earn his trust and he’ll come out to me. I would love to be that person for him, to give him support and a shoulder to lean on.

“It is.”

“Then, it’s settled.” I heave a sigh. “If only deciding what I want to do with my life was as easy.”

“Give it time.” He rises to his feet.

Isla clambers off the floor and wraps her arms around his legs.

My heart squeezes tightly. “I don’t think she wants you to go.”

He swoops down and picks her up, settling her on his hip. “I don’t want to go, either. Unfortunately, I have a meeting I can’t get out of.”

She pats his face with her hand, grinning. If Tobias’s answering smile gets any bigger, his face will split in two.

“She doesn’t make it easy to leave.”

“Yeah, it’s her superpower. She flashes those dimples, and everyone melts.”

Marcus never melted. He’d only get irritated with her. I keep that painful memory to myself and get up, taking her from him. “Tobias needs to go to work, Isla.” I hope one day, I have to tear myself away from her to work, too.

“Remember what I said. Try to notice the things you like and don’t like, and if you want to shadow anyone on the estate, let me know and I’ll arrange it.”

“Thank you. For this and for, well, everything.”

“It’s me who should be thanking you, Rebecca. You’ve given me a ready-made family. I’ll never be able to repay you.”

Once he’s gone, I curl up on the couch and sit there for a long time, with Isla snuggled into my side. I can’t remember the last time I did something simply because it made me happy.

Maybe, just maybe, it’s time to start figuring that out.

Chapter Seventeen

REBECCA

Today is my wedding day.

The last two weeks have passed by in a flash. The second the De Vils’ PR department released the announcement of our upcoming wedding, my time was taken up with dress fittings for Isla and me, choosing flowers and dinner menus, as well as a myriad of other things that apparently needed my input.

It’s been a whirlwind, and I’ve loved every minute. I never thought I’d be the girl who relished being fussed over, but the wedding planner—yes, my wedding planner—and her team have made me feel so special.

Every time an alert popped up on my phone, my heart would leap, expecting some cruel article or more lies spread by Felicity. So far, there’s only been positive reactions. Even better for Tobias, mentions of The Lair have almost disappeared—exactly what he wanted to happen.

Sometimes I struggle to comprehend that this is my life. Ten weeks ago, I was trapped in an abusive relationship where I believed murder was the only way to escape. I was so damaged mentally, even leaving my daughter an effective orphan didn’t come into my decision-making process at the time.