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A monster hidden in plain sight.
Her inevitable downfall.
Staying away is as much for her sake as it is for mine, yet I can’t not help her. Not after witnessing firsthand how badly her uptight and demanding parents treat her. Disbelief, I expected, even a bit of anger at finding out, out of the blue, that their daughter is engaged, but not so much vehemence pouring from them. Their pride was way more important to them than her happiness.
I guess Bianca and I have a lot more in common than I thought.
The pain and sadness radiating from her was plain as day and when I saw her shoulders slump—the movement barely noticeable—from my periphery, I wanted to wrap her in my arms. And I’m not even an affectionate type of man.
I destroy and burn those around me.
I don’t do soft things, yet I was willing to for her.
Because her behavior is jarring and so uncharacteristic to the Bianca I’ve come to know. My kitten has a backbone and fire. She’s fierce and compelling.
In one fell swoop, my decision was made and sealed. I understand now more than ever her resolve and urgency to go through with this insane plan. If I wasn’t convinced already, the temptation to take her parents down a notch undoubtedly did.
Bianca’s stunned gaze hits the side of my face while I glare down at her mother, whose hand flies to her mouth.
“I don’t like anyone upsetting my fiancée.” My voice is cold. “Which is all you’ve done since I sat down. When you’re ready to talk calmly, call us. But know this, I am going to marry her, with or without your approval.”
“No daughter of mine is marrying without her family by her side,” her father grunts, who has been silently assessing whether or not I’m worthy of his daughter.
He is going to search for everything there is to know about me the second we leave. Once he does, he’ll be calling me himself. Because I did my research, too, before coming here and I wasn’t surprised when I learnt he wants to marry Bianca into a family which will also benefit his business empire.
Something I can tell Bianca isn’t aware of.
Meeting his challenging stare, I reply, “I suggest you make up your mind soon before it’s too late.”
“We’ll talk about this later, Bianca,” her dad says, making her body go rigid.
“Let’s go, kitten,” I whisper softly in her ear.
Her gaze flits to her mom who turns her head away and it takes all of my strength to not curse at the arrogant woman.
How can she treat her own blood this way?
I lead Bianca away from their table and she mutely follows. I don’t say a word, sensing she needs space to gather her courage. I stiffen when she tugs her hand from mine and murmurs, “I need to go to the restroom.”
Without waiting for my reply, she wanders to the back but not before I witness a tear drop down her cheek. I push my hands in my pockets and pace back and forth while telling myself not to go after her.
I don’t need to keep up the act of a loving fiancé when we’re alone. No need to tangle myself more into her mess than absolutely necessary. Maintain my distance.
Despite all these thoughts running rampant in my head, my feet carry me toward her.
Like I said, rationality out the window. Nonexistent.
The corridor is empty near the restrooms and not giving a fuck, I blaze past the door into the women’s room. I come to a halt when my irresistible obsession comes into view.
She stands alone in front of the mirror looking so small and sad. Her shoulders, shaking slightly in silent sobs. The pain is so strong she doesn’t even notice my presence for the first few seconds. It’s when I click the lock in the place that she stills and looks up at my reflection.
Those pretty eyes widen before she hastily hides them beneath her hair while fingers push her tears away.
“Dash. Go away.” A hiccup in her voice.
I stride closer and turn her around. When she doesn’t put up a fight, concern flares inside my chest. Pushing her hair back until her stunning face isn’t hidden, I tilt her chin up with my fingers. She closes her eyes, lips pressed together while I rub those tears away.
Despite us being in the similar position in the past, a tremor racks her body like she doesn’t expect softness from me. Only difference is, she didn’t carry such baggage on her small shoulders.
