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Chapter22
Mila
“No woman should look this sad at her engagement party.” Annie pushes the last pin into my simple braided bun and hugs me from behind. Her hands shake, and it’s not the arthritis.
“It’s just nerves.” I try to lighten the mood.
Things broke between me and Gio a week ago in that car. I knew they would, but I had hoped I could make Gio see there is more to my interest in him than just the financial gain. It’s like all the connection we had in December and early January melted along with the shitty gray snow in the city.
My hope has been tested by his aloofness and a very practical approach to everything that’s happened after I accepted his proposal. That hope has been dying a slow and painful death.
Gio pulled back, and it hurts. But unlike before, I can’t even expect that my grief will heal over time. I’m becoming Mrs. Cassinetti in a few months, and all I can do is lick my wounds and hope I survive as they fester. And they will fester if he continues to look at me like I’m the personification of everything he hates in life.
“I can’t accept your sacrifice, Mils. There is still time to call everything off.” Annie squats and grips my hands with her permanently damaged fingers. It’s a firm grip, and it reminds me how much she’s improved since getting her treatment regularly.
I cup her cheek and wipe away a single tear. “Annie, this is the best for all of us. I love the man, and he might not love me back, but…” I sigh. “He will get there.”
“That’s quite a leap of faith, Mils.”
“Aidan is in a new school already. You’re moving at the end of the month, Ellery has a babysitter to help you out, and you’re set to manage your condition and go back to school.”
Gio has been very efficient in fixing all the issues. In holding up his side of the bargain. I inhale and fight tears.
“Yeah, and while we all benefit, what about you?” Her tears are streaming freely.
“Don’t forget, I got a firm I always wanted.” I force a smile.
“I think a marriage of convenience would work if there is no hope or other feelings involved. Mils, there is still time. Let’s call it off.”
“And then what? I’m exhausted, Annie. I’ve been doing all I can, and we can’t get ahead. This is my chance to relax, so don’t you dare think I’m doing it selflessly.”
I turn to apply my lipstick, because I won’t be able to hold it together if I continue looking at her.
“But at what price?” She stands up. I feel her gaze on me in the hotel suite’s mirror, but I refuse to meet it.
The price of my heart.
“Drop it, Annie,” I snap. “We don’t have other options and I’m doing this willingly. Yes, it would be more convenient if I didn’t love the man, but I can protect myself. I’ll survive.”
He will see past his assumptions. He must.
I stand up and check the clock. “Let’s go.”
“It’s all my fault.” She sniffles.
“Stop it, Annie. You didn’t ask for the diagnosis. You didn’t ask your asshole husband to lock you on the balcony in the middle of winter to get even worse. You didn’t bring this on yourself. You didn’t ask for the responsibility of taking care of me with no help and support. None of those circumstances are your doing.”
Annie was my best friend growing up. She was there to take care of me after our parents died. It felt only natural I came to help her when she got sick.
Our roles reversed in the past year when I took on more responsibility in the care-taking department. Right now, even though I’m helping her and I know deep down she appreciates it, I feel like I’m disappointing her.
A knock on the door breaks the intense moment between us. Annie rushes to open and Gina and Massi come in. “Oh my God, you look so beautiful.” Gina shrugs her shoulders and claps her hands.
My dress is a simple navy number, a lacy halter top and a silky maxi skirt. It was delivered to the room this morning. I suspect Haughty Bun at Saks chose it for me. It fits, but it’s not a dress I would normally want to wear. I don’t care. As far as I’m concerned, this party is just for show.
To make sure the family, the media, and all the eligible-husband-hunters in Manhattan know Gio Cassinetti is officially off the market.
“What can I do? You make the maid of honor job too boring.” Gina looks at Annie and cringes. “I know we share the duty, but I’m just so excited.”
