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I just lost my job.
I sit there for a long time, trying to wrap my brain around this turn of events, until the hum of the lawn mower outside my window sets me into motion. I have to tell Roman and once I do, there will be no need for us to go through with the wedding.
With my life crumbling around me, I force one foot in front of the other and somehow make my way back to the villa. “Roman,” I call out, my voice as shaky as my hands as I drop my purse. I race through the villa and go to the rooftop, but he’s nowhere to be found. I run back downstairs to grab my phone from my purse, but papers on the kitchen island catch my attention. Maybe he left a note.
I run to the island and pick up the papers, and as soon as I realize what I’m holding I sink into the closest chair.
A prenup.
A level of separation between those who have and those who don’t.
A piece of paper that reminds me who Roman is, and who I’m not.
Tears press against my eyes and bile punches in my throat. An almost hysterical laugh explodes from my mouth. I drop the papers onto the floor like they’re disease-ridden and slowly back away. Yeah, I should have seen this coming. People like Roman and his family need to protect themselves from someone like me—a girl from the wrong side of the tracks who will never be good enough, never really be accepted or loved for who I am.
I never, ever should have let myself believe in fairy tales.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Roman
“OKAY, I HAVE TO RUN. Peyton should be back at the villa by now,” I say, and my sisters all take turns giving me a hug. I absolutely love the way they took Peyton under their wings, readily accepting her and showing her love and affection, just like I knew they would.
Before I leave the family villa, I take a look at the beach below, the perfect spot for us to exchange vows tomorrow. A seed of hope wells up inside me. It’s all kind of surreal, really. I’m not sure I can quite wrap my brain around the fact that I’m marrying my best friend’s sister. After my gold-digging ex walked out, refusing to sign the prenup as is tradition in our family, I closed my heart off. But things are different with Peyton. She’s sweet and beautiful, open
and honest, and yeah her brother is going to tear me a new one, but once he sees how serious I am about her, how much I love her—that this wasn’t just about sex—I think we’ll be able to bring him around to our side. It’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission, right? Besides, he wants his sister happy, and I damn well plan to spend the rest of my life making her exactly that.
I step outside and hop in the car waiting for me. “How are you doing today, Elias?”
“Very well, Roman, and you seem quite happy yourself.”
I smile. “Tomorrow is a big day for me,” I say.
“To the villa?”
“Yes, thanks.”
As we drive through the streets, my heart beats a little faster, I’m so anxious to get home and pull Peyton into my arms. Being away from her for any length of time practically kills me, and that just makes me laugh. I pull out my phone to see if she messaged me, and disappointment wells up inside me.
Man, I’ve got it bad.
I stare out the window and take in the scenery. I might have to travel to the States every now and then, but most of my work can be done here and meetings can be held online. If Peyton wants to stay in the villa we can do that, or if she wants to buy a new place, I’m open to that, too. Whatever she wants, she gets.
Elias stops the limo in front of my villa, and I thank him and rush up the steps. I punch in the code and step inside.
“Peyton,” I call out. “You home?” I note that her purse isn’t by the front door, but she could very well have taken it to our bedroom. I take the steps two at a time and find the bedroom empty. I go all the way to the rooftop, but she’s nowhere to be found. Perhaps she hasn’t returned from school yet. I shoot her off a text and when she doesn’t answer, I head back outside and walk to her school. I try the front doors and find them locked. Strange.
I walk around the school, only to find it’s closed for the weekend. I check my phone again, worry gnawing at my gut. Is it possible that she went to the family villa, expecting I’d still be there? I shoot a text off to Lucy.
Hey, Lucy, is Peyton with you guys?
No, why, what’s up?
Oh, nothing, she’s probably just doing a bit of last-minute shopping.
You sure everything is okay?
Perfectly fine.
