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Chapter Thirty-Two
Beau
“There she is.”
Father stood from the head of the dining table with a smile so kind it was almost believable.
I’d been summoned. And now it was apparent it wasn’t for a father-daughter breakfast.
The Davenports sat near my father, looking pleased to be in the Hollingsworth family home. Not many people made it behind these doors.
Father lifted a brow at Alex, who awkwardly stood too. He came toward me like a predator who knew he had his prey exactly where he wanted them.
Why would my father give him this advantage? We were the ones with the most power. Yet he was handing it to Alex on a silver platter.
“Don’t come any closer,” I said through my fake smile.
His steps faltered, but he didn’t stop. “Did you get my flowers?”
“Did you get my medical bills?” I asked far too sweetly.
His jaw clenched. “It was a little misunderstanding, darling. I’m sure you’ll do your best to please me from now on.”
What?
I shouldn't have covered up the bruises. I should’ve made him look at what he'd done.
“Now that you’ve accepted my generous apology, let’s have breakfast.” He put a hand on the small of my back and steered me toward my father.
In this massive room, I was trapped. The table and the wall kept me from being able to get away from Alex’s touch. Though it was slight, it felt like a steel weight on my back.
Alex presented me to Father like I was some sort of prized pony.
“Good morning, sweetheart.” He kissed my cheek. Through the pleasant look was a warning to fall in line.
“Good morning.”
I didn’t acknowledge the Davenports as I sat across the mammoth table from them. The room was ridiculous. An “intimate” breakfast with future in-laws shouldn’t be held at a table for twenty. I almost needed binoculars to see the opposite end.
I should move down there.
“We’re so thrilled you want to move the wedding date sooner. That will make the arrangements a bit of a hassle, but we’re so close to finalizing details that it should be fine.”
I dropped the water glass in my hand.
Sooner?I glanced at Father who had a triumphant gleam in his dark eyes.
Winston rushed over to sweep the glass and mop the water from the floor. I barely felt the liquid that had splashed on my dress.
If anything, my father should have called this entire sham off. Not expedited the wedding.
No. No. No.
“I nearly had the same reaction when Samuel told me,” Mrs. Davenport said gleefully. “The invitations went out this morning. We’re having them hand delivered so the guests appreciate what an exclusive event this is.”
A wave of nausea rolled through me. No. I needed more time.
This-this couldn’t be happening.
