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“Once the engagement is announced, we’ll be able to use the planning for the upcoming nuptials as media fodder for any additional issues that may arise.”
I barely even register the squeeze on my hand, everything foggy, feeling like a dream.
But this isn’t a dream.
This is real.
At the end of the week, Jameson will propose.
That should be enough to encourage me to fight for what I actually want.
But I have nothing to fight for. Not anymore.
I zone out as I listen to Gianna discuss plans for the proposal, every detail already decided, right down to the dress I’m to wear.
It’s not until I sense motion out of the corner of my eye that I snap out of my trance, watching as everyone around the table stands, the meeting adjourned.
Jameson helps me to my feet, places his hand on my lower back, then steers me through the halls of the palace and into the SUV waiting to whisk us to our next engagement.
“Are you okay?” he whispers as Adam navigates the car away from the palace.
“Why wouldn’t I be?” I shoot back with a quizzical look.
Jameson narrows his gaze on me, leaning closer. “Because of what was just discussed. Are you okay with this?”
I squeeze my eyes shut, pushing down the urge to scream. It won’t do any good.
“This was always how it was going to end. No need to delay the inevitable.” I force a smile. “Like you told me after that first meeting. You’re a decent guy. It could have been a lot worse. For both of us.”
He nods, something resembling pity in his gaze. “But it could have been a lot better, too. Isn’t that right?”
I lift my eyes to his, my response caught in my throat.
He could be referring to his relationship with Callie, but I know he’s not. He’s talking about Creed. I can feel it in my soul.
Turning from him, I meet Adam’s stare through the rearview mirror.
“It could have been everything,” I choke out, allowing my emotions to show for the first time since I destroyed Creed.
Jameson reaches across the seat and squeezes my hand. “I’m sorry.”
“Not as much as I am.”
Chapter Forty-Two
Creed
“Now I know what you’ve been up to these past few days.”
At the sound of Adam’s voice, I look away from the TV where yet another action movie plays. I’d hoped by watching only movies with tons of explosions, I’d forget about Esme.
But even the most exciting action and adventure films have some sort of love story.
I hate it.
“Drinking all the liquor in Europe,” my brother attempts to joke, but I’m not in a joking mood.
Haven’t been for days.
