Page 168
Three days.
Three days to choose between the man who has spent three months teaching me what happiness can feel like—and the threat of watching everything around him burn.
Chapter 29
MAKSIM
“Are you good?”
Igor nudges my thigh beneath the table, pulling my attention away from my phone. I look up to find his brows raised, his expression saying he’s already figured out the answer.
“Oh, yeah. Sure.”
The lie comes out too quickly.
His eyes narrow, but before he can say anything, I glance across the dining table and catch my mother staring directly at me. Her expression is enough to tell me exactly what she thinks about me sitting at dinner with my phone in my hand.
I give her my most apologetic smile and slide my phone back into my pocket.
Even though I absolutely do not want to.
I have checked it enough times tonight that it has started to feel personally insulting every time the screen stays empty.
No message from Tristan.
No missed call.
Nothing.
I have not seen him in four days. He has not come to the apartment in four days either, which is unusual enough that I’m trying very hard not to let my brain turn it into a full-scale disaster.
Before leaving for work on Monday morning, he warned me that he would likely be overwhelmed with work throughout the week as he cleared his schedule and completed preparations for our Italy trip. I also remember him kissing my forehead, telling me to behave, and promising to see me soon.
So, logically, I shouldn’t be sitting at my parents’ dinner table, imagining every possible reason he hasn’t replied since Monday evening.
I should be normal.
Tragically, I am not.
“Still haven’t reached him?” Igor asks under his breath, leaning closer so no one else at the table can hear.
I lift one shoulder.
Igor’s mouth presses into a thin line.
He’s always known about Tristan and me from the very start. He also knows about this secret relationship/exclusive thing we’re doing.
“Pretty sure he’s at the Wesleys’ dinner celebration,” I whisper. “Their stupid mall project has been completed.”
I try to make my voice casual.
I don’t think I succeed.
Igor glances at me. “You sound thrilled.”
“I am thrilled. I love that he has to spend his evening with that family.”
“You don’t even know he’s there.”
