Page 184 of Forbidden Forget-Me-Not

Arturo stood in the middle of the room, tapping sharply on his champagne flute just as dessert was served. The chatter quieted instantly.

Great, another toast.

The light glinted off the massive rings on his fingers. His expression was smooth and congenial, but the warmth never reached his eyes. Arturo was the type of man who could bless you even as he ordered your death.

“To family. Not the kind you are born into by accident, but the kind you choose and build. The kind you defend.”

The guests murmured their approval. I glanced at my father, but his posture remained unyielding. Arturo continued.

“Tonight marks a union that strengthens the bonds between the Mikhailovs and Harringtons. Let the world remember what our two great families stand for…loyalty, above all else.”

That sounded distinctly threatening. I felt Luca’s eyes on me again, but I ignored him.

Arturo raised his glass higher.

“To the future. May it be secured swiftly and without hesitation.”

Without hesitation?

A knot settled in my stomach. This didn’t feel like a toast. It seemed more like a directive.

The candle flames flickered in the breeze, and I raised my water glass, fingers steady even though my pulse beat too hard.

Arturo’s gaze landed on me, sharp and heavy, like a gun pressed to my head. Music and conversations erupted once more.

Isadora approached us, moving with a graceful ease.

“Hello, my dear. I’m sorry, this is the first chance I’ve had to speak to you this evening.”

I stood to greet her properly. It was a real pet peeve of mine when people hovered over my shoulder.

“It has been a busy evening. There is no need for an apology.” I took in her black-and-gold dress. “You look stunning.”

“Thank you. I had it custom-made for the occasion. Oh, I cannot wait to see your reaction to your wedding dress. I had it fashioned in Paris for you.”

“I’m sure it will be beautiful,” I said, trying not to cringe.

“I was so worried you would be upset that I took over all the preparations.”

That was just the opening I needed. I let my smile fall.

“I don’t mind, but I can’t lie and say that I don’t wish my mother were here. I had always envisioned the two of us planning my wedding.”

Isadora grasped my hands firmly.

“Oh my goodness. I was unaware that your mother was alive.”

“I’m sorry, what? What do you mean?”

Panic filled me. Had something horrible happened to my mother?

“Well, Dimitri never mentioned her and…well…the one time he came to visit, he⁠—”

Her unspoken words were clear as day. My father had a litany of mistresses who traveled with him. I was surprised he hadn’t dragged one along with us on the flight. Then again, he probably knew I would have thrown her off the plane without a parachute.

I had only learned of these women just before leaving Mikhailov Enterprises to work for Nathaniel. Even though the job had been what enticed me, the knowledge certainly helped the decision-making process.

“I understand, and I’m aware. But yes, my mother is alive, and we have a wonderful relationship. Do you think you could inquire about her being allowed to attend? Her name is Helena Mikhailov.”