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I let out a frustrated sigh, knowing they’re not going to budge on their decision, but I’m determined to make them see that Isiah isn’t the right choice for me.
“You know he has said and done some disgusting things,” I say, meeting my dad’s gaze.
“Such as?” Dad asks.
I swallow hard. “I wouldn’t dare repeat what he’s said, but he cornered me in the ladies’ bathroom at the charity event and touched me inappropriately.”
Cain laughs. “Are you saying he fingered you?”
My mom gasps. “Cain, don’t be so disgusting.”
Luciana and Maria giggle. “I wouldn’t be complaining if he fingered me,” Luciana says.
“Stop it!” my mom shouts.
Dad looks completely disinterested by the topic of conversation. “It’s normal that a man would want to touch the woman he intends to make his wife before the fact.”
“Are you fucking serious?” I ask, balling my hands into fists. “I told him no, and he still touched me.”
“It’s pretty standard practice,” he says.
“You’re a fucking psychopath if you think that’s fine!”
My father’s face turns red with anger as he slams his hand against the tabletop. “Isabella Benedetto, enough! You’ll marry Isiah and that’s final. I don’t want to hear another word on the subject.”
An awkward silence falls over the table as I fiddle with the hem of my dress, wishing I could sink into the floor right now.
I always knew fighting their choice was futile, but I never thought my father would be fine with a man touching me without consent. Clearly, his regard for me is much lower than I ever believed possible.
“Nice wine,” Cain says, swishing the contents of his glass around. “What is it?”
Trust that asshole to break the ice with such a mundane question.
“It’s a pinot noir,” Mom replies, still looking flushed from the topic of conversation before.
Nina leans toward me. “Are you okay?”
I swallow hard and give her a short smile. “Not doing great.”
She shakes her head. “Maybe we can excuse ourselves early.”
Cathal is here to see her, and she knows it. “Why would you do that when you have a very attractive Irishman here to see you?”
Cathal, obviously overhearing, joins in. “Indeed, why would you do that, Nina?”
Her cheeks flush a deep red as she shakes her head. “I don’t know.”
He smiles. “I’m here to see you, and you alone.”
I turn my attention back to the rest of the family, who are squabbling over what meat is better: beef or lamb.
Everything seems so mundane in comparison to what my future holds. Isiah Darcy is the last man on this earth that I want to marry, and yet I’m being forced down the aisle by my own parents. The two people who should care about my welfare more than any other.
Maria clears her throat. “When will the wedding be? I need to go shopping for a new dress!”
I glare at my sister. “The thirteenth of never, I hope.”
Dad shrugs. “I’ve yet to work out the details with Isiah. As soon as he’s back, we will.”
