“I didn’t know you had that kind of a relationship with your maintenance guy,” I half-heartedly joked. “Scandalous.”
She didn’t smile, but concern lined her brow. “Get some rest. We’ll figure everything out in the morning.”
My attempted smile collapsed. “Thank you,” I whispered.
Sloane wasn’t a hugger, but the squeeze of her hand conveyed the same sentiment.
Later that night, I lay in bed, unable to sleep despite my exhaustion.
I’d lost both my father and my fiancé in some way or another today. Two of the most important people in my life, unrecognizable or gone.
My father lied, manipulated, and used me while Dante…
I never willingly chose her.
This is just business.
The pressure behind my eyes finally exploded. The remaining pieces of numbness disintegrated, replaced with pain so sharp and intense I would’ve doubled over had I been standing.
Instead, I curled into a fetal position and gave in to the sobs wracking my body.
They crashed over me, one after another, until my throat turned raw and wetness scalded my cheeks.
But no matter how hard I cried or how much I shook, I couldn’t make a sound.
My sobs remained silent, felt but unheard.
DANTE
I took the next three days off work.
I tried to work. I really did, but I couldn’t focus. During every call, I heard Vivian’s voice. During every meeting, I saw her face.
At this point, I was a liability to the company, so I instructed Helena to cancel my meetings for the week and took the time to get my head straight.
That meant cracking open a bottle of whiskey every night, retreated to the living room, and ignoring Greta’s questions until she stormed off in flurry of curses.
Tonight was no exception.
I tipped my head and bottle back.
The liquor burned down my throat and filled my stomach, but the aching emptiness remained.
I was simply unused to Vivian’s absence after living with her for so long. It’d pass, as would my emotional attachment to her.
People broke up and moved on every day. It wasn’t anything fucking special.
I tossed back another swig. The fireplace was unlit for spring, but a hazy memory of its flames and the way their light danced across Vivian’s features filled my mind.
Are you afraid I’ll break the engagement? Run off with Heath and leave you looking like a fool in front of your friends?Why do you care?
They’re ice cream cufflinks. I know a jeweler on Rue de la Paix who makes customized pieces…
It’s not just business for you. And it’s not just duty for me.
I’m glad I came to Paris.
Pain lashed at my chest, a stinging burn.