Page 71 of Unmasking My Dark Knight

Mami looked at me like I was talking about dating Santa Claus.

“Romeo? ¿En serio?” she said, exasperated. “I’ll forgive you for even asking me that question.”

“But what’s wrong with Romeo?” I asked. I shouldn’t have, because I knew the answer; however, I felt the need to challenge her. I needed to hear her say the words.

“He’s not like us, mi amor.” She cupped my cheek, her thumbs caressing my jaw.

“Gustav says he makes really good money,” I said, trying to justify a man who couldn’t be mine.

“Where? Where do you see this money on him? He looks like he dresses in jeans. He’s not the same caliber as us. We need to maintain our family reputation.” Anytime Mami was angry, her accent flared up even stronger.

“I don’t understand why this has to be so complicated. Why do we have to punish Gustav for marrying Tallulah? Why can’t we just be able to like who we like?”

Mami pulled me further away from any prying ears. Most everyone had already sat down, distracted by their pumpkin decorating.

“This is what Papi wants for you, mi amor… I don’t know what to tell you. And as far as Gustav? His life will always be different than yours. He didn’t spend all his time shopping at the mall or drinking margaritas by the pool as you did. When he chose Tallulah, we cut him off, and he agreed. Can you do the same? Can you make your own money as he does and be happy? If that’s your choice, so be it… Otherwise, you can marry Antonio, and live the life of luxury you're used to with his and our support."

Could I really survive without Antonio? Could I live a life outside of money and luxury, for something entirely my own?

I didn’t know the answer, but my heart said no.

I couldn’t. Mami was right; I spent most of my life sitting by the pool, shopping, being the subject of her little marriage experiment. I wasn’t myself. I didn’t even know who I really was anymore. I was just the prepackaged wife created for someone else to enjoy.

But that wasn’t what High Jynx made me feel. Or Ro! I felt like with them, I was making a choice for myself, and that was something that I had never really had before.

“I need you to behave while we’re here—no more questions. Enough is enough,” Mami said as we made our way to the lonely table.

I didn’t even argue. What was the point? My fate was sealed by my parents because they knew I was too scared to leave all the comforts they provided behind. And now, the man I had waited years to meet was standing before me, smiling sweetly with intrigue.

“Ivy Jade, this is Antonio, and Antonio, this is my precious Ivy Jade,” Mami said.

I bowed. I was always told to bow.

“Nice to meet you, Ivy Jade.” Antonio reached out to shake my hand, cupping it in his own. His grip was as strong and warm as his voice, his smile perfect. “I’ve been dying to meet you. I’m here at last.”

CHAPTER 28

Ivy Jade

Antonio smiled, but he looked reluctant with Mami around. He stood much taller than I realized from across the patio, and he smelled like the inside of a luxury car. I quickly glanced down at his suit jacket. It was Brioni. Hand-tailored—not cheap.

“It’s so nice to meet you, Antonio. My mami has told me a lot about you,” I said, batting my eyes. I was pre-programmed for this very moment. Mami coached me to look like a doll, to cock my head, and to always smile as if I were a kitten.

“I certainly hope she hasn’t told you too much…” he laughed, deep and sincere.

“Only your entire life existence," I said jokingly, but he had no idea how serious I was.

Quiz me, I wanted to say. I know it all! He wore size thirteen shoes, had a goldendoodle named Potato Chip, and a fake front incisor from a basketball accident in college.

“I’m embarrassed if that’s true…” he said, still smiling. I think he was blushing.

“Isn’t he so charming?” Mami gushed annoyingly.

I rolled my eyes mentally. Had she caught me really rolling my eyes, she’d have whooped me behind closed doors.

“Yes, Mami. Very much so…” I said. All of us just stood around for a moment, painfully awkward.

Antonio cleared his throat. “So… would you like to carve a pumpkin with me?” he asked. He was gentlemanly; I’d give him that.