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My heart thunders in my chest. Does Matthew want kids? Do I?
Tension strains me, freezing me in place. The lump in my throat makes it difficult to swallow.
I nod my head in agreement. I can’t even look at Matthew. I’m a coward.
“Don’t look so solemn,” my mother remarks. “There are people here.”
“I’m fine. You don’t have to pretend to worry about me,” I bite. Her eyebrows shoot up.
Oh no. I’ve never snapped at my mother, but the words just shot out of me.
The world spins out of control like a malfunctioning carnival ride, leaving me powerless in the seat of anger and disappointment.
“Vivian, Ray, if I may interject here.” Matthew’s voice is steady. “I’d love to better understand your reasoning. If it’s a matter of pedigree—”
My mom raises a hand. “Nonsense. I hope Molly hasn’t led you to believe such lowly thoughts of us.”
“Of course not,” I say, but she doesn’t pay me any attention.
“In fact, I was as much of an outsider as you before I married into the family. The adjustment to this life was exigent, but it’s necessary.” Mom’s neck lengthens in annoyance. I’m shocked. My mother never speaks of her life before she became VivianGreene. “Oh, no need to be surprised. I grew up in a small town outside of Syracuse, and if it wasn’t for Ray’s mother sitting on the board of Cornell University and listening to the commencement speech I gave, I doubt I’d even be here today. She didn’t hesitate to arrange our marriage as quickly as possible.”
Dad winces, but he masks his expression. Work and societal expectations took a toll on my parents’ happiness, causing it to slip away into the past.
“I appreciate you sharing that with me.” Matthew nods. “I’m only trying to understand your decision regarding our relationship.”
“Molly’s first match would be a better fit for her future,” Mom explains.
I don’t bother holding back my eye roll. The Bradbury investment must have fallen through. Or maybe my mother’s so intent on Lance because she likes to control every aspect of my life.
I need my trust now more than ever, or I’ll be stuck under their suffocating grip, letting them snuff out any hope of a life of my own.
“Is this about the resort expansion?” I probe, growing impatient.
“Doll, we care about you,” Dad chimes in. The nickname forces my molars to grind together. “This is about the family. The deal with the Bradburys is being sorted. Just let the grown-ups handle it.”
Annoyance drills through my entire body. “I’m not as sheltered and clueless as you think I am.”
“Molly, don’t start,” Mom snaps.
I rub the tops of my thighs to displace the energy coursing through me. My napkin falls to the floor.
This is all too much. Matthew’s face stays neutral, though there’s a small tick in his jaw as he studies both my parents. I’m certain their lack of decorum and belittling is making him uncomfortable.
He jumped through hoops, sacrificed his time. Now, that may all be for nothing. I’ll have to find another way to get him the money for EcoDrones.
Ugh. What is he feeling? Probably abased, uncomfortable. Because ofthem.
The seams of my heart break apart in my chest. I reach down to retrieve my napkin, but Matthew beats me to it, flashing me a knowing look. “I have a plan to get that money. Trust me,” he says quietly, so my parents can’t hear.
My pulse races.Trust?
Matthew’s words carry no hidden meaning, no games. Over the past two weeks, he’s shown me that he has no need for my perfectly-acted performances. He sees me, listens to me, and—dare I say—even cares for me.
Although I don’t have a clue how he truly feels about me, and I don’t know what can actually come of our fake relationship. But Matthew has given me an introduction to my voice, however shallow it may be.
If he believes there’s a way out of this, I trust him.
“What can we do to change your mind?” Matthew chimes in.
