Chapter 117
ERICA
My father had been hounding me for months. Complaining Guilt–tripping, Acting as if I was the one neglecting my family, as if I was the problem Really! And what about the part he had to play in 11 From the moment I was born, he tried to control me. To mold me into the perfect daughter, the perfect society heiress.
He used to say I lacked class. Even as a child. Can you believe that? I was barely ten when he forced me to dye my hair brown, claiming that my natural red curls were too wild, too unruly–too unsophisticated for someone of my status.
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fremember staring at myself in the mirror afterward, hating the way I looked. Hating the way I felt. But I said nothing, because what was the point? James Davis always got his way
I was supposed to be his perfect little princess, meant for nothing more than hosting charity events, smiling on cue, and one day, marrying the man he chose for me. Someone powerful Someone who would benefit him. Because in my father’s world, everything—every person—was à transaction. And I was no different
James Davis was the worst father one could ask for. Well, maybe not the worst. Preston Knight probably took that title. But my father was a close second
And my mother: She was a lost cause. A perfect society wife, too weak to fight, too accustomed to bending to my father’s will. I had tried, once upon
time, to get her to leave him.
When I moved out. I offered to take her with me, told her she didn’t have to live under his rule any longer. But she just smiled that distant smile of hers and said she was happy where she was.
Happy Right.
She had spent her entire life as a silent spectator, watching as my father imposed his decisions on me, on everything I did. She never once stepped in. Never tried to protect me. Never told him he was wrong.
so I let her be. If she wanted to spend the rest of her life with a misogynist, controlling man, that was her choice.
But it meant I didn’t have to feel anything for her, either.
The love a daughter should have for her mother? That was long gone. A dead place.
I must have been under some kind of spell when I agreed to come for this stupid dinner.
I sat in the car, staring at the massive mansion before me, debating whether to turn back. But I had already come this far, and I knew my father. If 1 didn’t go now, he’d just make my life hell until I did.
here, okay?” 1 old Max, my driver and temporary bodyguard, who was still seated in the car.
Max raised
raised an eyebrow. You sure? I don’t like leaving you alone”
“My parenti can’t know I have a bodyguard, I explained. “They’ll make a big deal out of it, not because they’re concerned but because it’ll draw the wrong kind of medu unention. The society heiress has a stalker–imagine the headlines”
Max didn’t louk happy about it, but he nodded. “Fine. I’ll be right here. Call me if you need anything”
I stepped out taking a deep breath before walking toward the froid door
The guards let me in without question
As soon as I stepped through the familiar doors, a wave of discomfort washed over me. The air inside this house always felt suffocating Too many expectations. Too many melbune.
The grand chandelier cast a solt golden glow over the marble floors, and fresh flowers sat in delicate supposed to make the place feel inviting. But it wasn’t invaring ji wasjust anaher performance,
A butler i didn’t recognize gave me a polite god before annuumcing my arrival
vases, positiones in a way that carefully crafted illusion
Tjke I was some kind of gucat in my own hume.
I walked toward the grand dining room where my father sat at the head of the talite. He was dressed in one of his expensive tailored vatics, a glass of
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Chapter 187
ne in hand, his expression sharp as he watched me. My mother sat beside him, her elegain blue dress perfectly ironed, her posture stiff.
my father greeted “Finalb, your managed to make time for your
I forced a tight smile. “You’ve been hounding me for months. Figured you wouldn’t stop unit
showed up.
His eyes narrowed. “Is that the kind of attitude you bring here now? You should be grateful your mother and I are w var you’ve be hived”
willing to
to have
you, despite the
1 bit back a sharp reton and sat slow at the table. A server immediately appeared, pouring wine into my
glass.
I picked unig, taking a slow sip, already regrening my d
decision
Fora moment, there was silence. But then, another pair of footsteps echoed from the hallway.
head just as my father spoke again, his voice too calm, too smug.
We have a guest joining us tonight.”
dining room doors opened and I turned my head just in time to see
e Owen walk in.
Owen Parker Billionaire investor. The same man I had attended the annual function with, the one who had asked me to be his date.
My stomach twisted.
My father glanced at me, his expression smug. “You two are acquainted, aren’t you?”
And just like that. I knew. The realization hit me like a punch to the gut.
an ambush.
kept my face blank, but internally, I was seething.
My father had seen
seen us together at the party and decided to pounce on the opportunity. He had always been after money, and clearly, he had decided that Owen was a worthy candidate for me. It was just like him–treating me like a business deal to be negotiated.
t’s nee
Owen smiled at me, obirous to my growing fury. “Erica. It’s good to see you again”
I swallowed the urge to snap. It wasn’t Owen’s fault he was caught up in this. He had no idea how my father operated.
- I forced a polite nod “Owen What a surprise”
My fatiser smarked, clearly pleased with himself. “I believe you two are friends. We met at the panty
1 denched my jai
“Oh. Erica and I had a wonderful evening,” Owen said, turning to my father. “She’s an incredible conversationalist. Start, winy–kept me on my foes the entire night!
I wanted to die. Muse Ike it w Cillian who kept him on his toes all night with las freezing glare.
My father chuckled, looking far too satished. “That’s my daughter. Always full of supres
1 picked up my wine glas, taking a slow sip to stop myself from throwing it in his face
“You would agree, wouldn’t you?” My father a voire pulled my attention. I had zoomed out a major part of the conversation and focussed on munudiessly scrolling through my phone. So I had no idea what he wanted me to agree un!”
“To what?” I saw
saw my father a jaw
at the disrespect but he forced it down
“I was just telling Cowen how important it is to have a strong partnership in hide” My tather continued smoothly. “Someone who complements you,
Huppants your ambanons.”
Owen nodded, completely playing into his hands. Touldn’t agree more. The right partner can make all the difference”
Thanely held back an eye roll.
was thinking” my father mused, “that it’s such a small world Your two meeting at the function, now crossing paths again. Almost like fate,
Chapter 117
So, Ewould not say.
Owen glanced at que “Tsuppose it is
But I forced myself to stay. To tolerate it
Because Owen was an investor in Auden’s company, and the last thing I needed was
Tallert bommess.
to cause a scene that could aff
So I plastered on a smile, enduring every pointed comment, every thinly veiled attempt to establish something between us. Her my father weave his manipulative little weh, waiting for the right moment to escape.
waiting for literally
And then, my phone vibrated on my laps I glanced down, seeing Cillian’s name on the screen. I immediately picked it up. I was wait anything to get me out of this stupid conversations.
Cillian–Enjoying your lovely family dinner!
1 could practically hear the sarcasti. I typed back.
Me: A lot. Guess who just got ambushed.
dinner. Probably expects me to marry him.
Me: Remember Owen Parker? My father invited him over for di
I waited for a response.
Nothing
A strange disappointment settled in my chest.
I wasn’t sure what i had expected–some snarky comment Some possessive, irritated remark?
my patience snapped.
But instead, there was silence. I sighed slipping my phone back into my lap. I would sit here till my patien
And then I was never coming back here again
