AllFreeNovel
Share Us
After failing to reach her all morning, I let out a heavy sigh and call my father.
“I’m sure you’re quite happy with yourself,” I say when he picks up the call.
“Happy? Do you realize the strings I had to pull to make last night happen?” he replies, his stern voice crackling in the speaker.
I press my tongue to the back of my teeth for a moment.
“You manipulative swine. How much did you pay Madeline to do that?”
My father doesn’t reply right away, and a twinge of guilt nips at me for disrespecting my father. But after years of himdisrespecting me, I guess his ways are finally beginning to rub onto me.
My mother would hate the idea of us fighting. Especially because we only have each other.
“William, are you even listening to me?”
I jolt out of my head, only just realizing that my father’s voice had been droning in the background while I was thinking.
“I’m not getting an annulment. I’m in love with Emily.”
“You’ve known Emily for five minutes,” my father snaps. “And it’s not your choice. Emily was more than happy to sign the papers last night before she left.”
“You had papers?” I say, sinking to my bed in shock. “And she signed them?”
“Do you blame her? She’s a smart woman, William. She knows when she’s a fly in the ointment.”
I grind my teeth, furious. “Dad. That’s it. I’ll go to this event tonight and meet with the Art Queen. But after that, I’m done. I’ll sign whatever paperwork you want. But I’m done. We’re done. Do you understand?”
“What are you talking about, son?” my father says, adding the last word as though it’ll stir up any feeling of loyalty in me. But it has the opposite effect.
“I’m sick and tired of your toxic, controlling behavior. I’m leaving the business. You can keep it. I’ll set up my own gallery far away from here, and you’ll never hear from me again.”
“You’re being unreasonable, William. But I understand you’re hurting. We’ll talk at the event tonight.”
“No. We won’t,” I snap. “I’ll be civil in public spaces, yes. But you and I will not be talking.”
Before he can argue, I shut off the call, feeling simultaneously freer and heavier.
I lean over and bury my face in my hands. Not at the fact I’ve finally stood up to my father and cut him out of my life. But atone heart-jolting fact that makes me want to sink to my knees and weep.
Emily signed the annulment papers and won’t take my calls.
Which means she’s just carved me out of hers.
The charity event at the Willoughby Gallery is nothing short of spectacular.
The grand event hall, usually echoing with the hushed tones of art connoisseurs, tonight resonates with the hum of London's elite. The chandeliers cast a warm glow over the well-dressed guests, their laughter mingling with the soft melody of a string quartet playing in the background.
The air is thick with anticipation, and I find myself scanning the crowd, a part of me still hoping to see her.
I adjust my black tie, feeling slightly out of place despite being in my element.
The art pieces around us are mere backdrops tonight, as the who's who of the city engage in hushed conversations and polite applause.
Then, the crowd parts, and several guests murmur, "Who is that?"
My eyes follow the collective gaze and land on the top of the grand staircase.
There stands Emily, looking like a vision out of a dream.
