Page 81 of Unmasking My Dark Knight

To think, High Jynx was someone who I’d never have paid any attention to, yet here we were—in the midst of what felt like a breakup. I was miserable, stewing on his words, unable to get over how my choices were breaking the hearts of the two men around me—men who for once made me feel seen.

Folding onto the couch, I stared up at the ceiling, wishing I could float away. “I’m a bad person, aren’t I?” I said under my breath, deflated. “And how could anyone love that?”

I zoned out, staring into nothing until my vision grew blurry, and my eyes burned with tears.

Coming to terms with my future was impossible because, to do that, I needed to accept the truth about who I was as a person.

This whole situation with Antonio—with my parents and their money—wasn’t about them forcing me into marriage. It was about me being too scared to walk away. And as hard as it was to admit, I succumbed to the fact that I always had a choice in how I lived my life. I wasn’t chained to my room or held hostage at the pool with margaritas. There was no dungeon or ransom note on my behalf.

I was free to live the life I wanted.

And the life I had accepted was that of a coward.

So badly, I wanted to talk to Romeo, and part of me hoped he’d appear at the library. He wasn't in his room when I checked earlier, and I wondered if he was avoiding me now. He probably already knew that I was going to end our week by leaving with Antonio... and I hated that I'd have to tell him that.

The library entrance creaked open.

“Romeo?” I asked, looking over. My spine tingled with anticipation when I straightened out of my position.

“You wish!” I heard Tallulah say, then she closed the door.

My cheeks pinched with warmth. “What are you doing up?” I asked, surprised.

Tallulah came over, tightening her fluffy robe across her middle. “Actually, I was hoping you’d be here. I wanted to talk to you.”

Then it hit me. “Oh my god! I am so sorry I missed your rehearsal dinner. I swear, it was for a good reason, Tal!”

“I’m sure it was,” she said very casually. She sat by my side, then took my hand into hers. “Ivy Jade, what’s going on?”

I stared at her. “What do you mean?”

“I mean… Why have you been running off every night? Where were you during my rehearsal dinner?”

I shook my head. “I’d rather not say.”

“I swear, I won’t be mad,” she pleaded. “Please, let’s just be those two crazy best friends from school who never kept secrets from each other. I have some of my own I am dying to share.”

“You go first!” I squeaked, putting the attention back on her.

“No way! I asked you first, Ivy Jade!” Tallulah laughed.

Here I was at another crossroads. This time with my dear friend. I was tired of keeping things from her, and maybe she could help me think through this life-changing problem.

“You swear you won’t get mad?” I asked for reassurance.

She shook her head. “Not at all! Tell me!” Tallulah scooted even closer to me. “But can you at least rub my feet? They ache from the freaking tall stilettos I wore during rehearsal.”

I rolled my eyes. “Gross! Who am I to you?” I teased.

“My best friend,” she said.

“You’re lucky your wedding’s tomorrow, and I believe you deserve relaxed feet before you step down that aisle to marry my brother.”

“That a girl!” she said, lying back, placing her feet on my lap.

I reached into the corner of the couch, handing her the ring box. “So… I lost these the first night we were here. I lost them at⁠—”

“Ivy Jade!” she interrupted me, grabbing hold of the ring box, opening it up to check inside. “What! My precious rings!”