I held the envelope in my mother’s signature gold trim. Something felt odd. I turned it in my hand several times, contemplating its content.
“Please, just open it,” Victoria said impatiently
As expected, the letter that was inside also had Victoria’s signature gold trim. I read the brief message. I was shocked, numb.
“Mother, I don’t understand,” I said in disbelief. I looked to my right to find Mia’s eyes glued on me.
Does she know what this says?
“Read it aloud, my boy,” Dad said, kicking off his shoes and stretching out on the couch.
“Well, Dad it appears mother bought me a bride for Christmas.” I laughed hoping this was a joke “As if I can’t find a partner on my own.” Then I turned to my Mother. “Is this a joke?”
“No, Parker it’s not.”
You could have heard a pin drop
“Where is she, Mother? I’m releasing her from whatever contract you have with her.”
“Parker, just give it a chance. Please trust me. You’ll meet her tomorrow, and you’ll love her.”
“Mother, this is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard of. You have lost your mind.”
“Where is she?” he demanded. He was having a hard time breathing or functioning as a normal person.
With trembling hands, Parker took a step back. The crumpled note hit the floor.
Chapter 30
MIA
Istared at the crumpled note on the floor.
What was happening? Oh my God, he doesn’t want me. All this time I wanted it to be him, and now it is and he doesn’t want me. Mia, you are an idiot.
The silence in the room was deafening,
He glanced at me, his brows knitted, and in that moment all I saw was pain in his eyes.
I blinked back disappointment.
I thought about the small suitcase full of my belongings stuffed in the closet upstairs. I didn’t have a plan, but I knew I had to get out of there before I threw myself at him, begging him to love me.
“You sound sure of yourself,” Victoria said, pouring herself a glass of wine.
“I think I have been clear with my answer,” Parker barked, pacing back and forth like a caged tiger.
I glanced at him, then away quickly so we didn’t meet eyes. That was a bad idea. I don’t think I could take that anger towards me.
Hedoesn’t want you, Mia. Excuse yourself and get out. You know there is a clause in the contract to release you. Victoria would let you out.
I quietly backed out of the room. I’m not sure how I got upstairs. My sleeves were soaked from the tears that flowed like a river until my eyes hurt. I pulled my little suitcase from the back of the closet. I was packing what I arrived with. I wasn’t going to feel I owed them for anything more.
You’RE okay, Mia. Sophie got what she needed. You saved her life, and that’s all that matters.
A knock sounded on the bedroom door.
“Mia, honey, can we talk?” Victoria asked from the hallway. “I know Parker upset you, but we can figure this out.”