The estate was exactly what ir hated the most:vish, cold, and painfully perfect. It wasn’t a home…it was a showpiece. A ce meant to showcase Peter and Viv’s wealth and status. The kind of ce that screamed old money, even if it was only surface–deep. Because none of their family could im that.
As the SUV rolled up the long circr driveway, ir’s stomach twisted into tighter knots. She really didn’t want to be here. The only benefit to her was that everyone would know she wasn’t crying about losing cheating asshole Dan.
Roman reached across the console, his fingers curling around hers. “We’re here.”
She swallowed hand. “Joy”
Keira leaned between the seats again, her voice low andced with sarcasm. “Let’s go grace the peasants with our beautiful presence. I mean, there are heaps of people here that will be waiting with bated breath to see if you would turn up.”
ir couldn’t help theugh that bubbled up, tension releasing for just a moment.
Sutton gave her hand a squeeze as they exited the car, the three sisters nking one another like a united front. Roman stepped around and offered his arm, which ir took without hesitation.
There were already guests mingling on the manicuredwn, drinks in hand, fakeughter bubbling in the breeze. A string quarter yed something soft and ssical that grated on ir’s nerves. The whole thing felt like a stage set, and she hated being cast in a role she never asked for.
A hush fell over a small cluster of people as they noticed ir. Eyes widened; whispers began. ir held her head high.
“Ignore them.” Roman murmured.
“I n to.” Knowing she had got the better man in the end. No, he didn’t love her yet, but the intense feelings she had for him were already stronger than what she’d ever felt for Dan. And she was going to marry him. So why not Roman?
They were halfway across thewn when a woman in pink silk intercepted them. “ir, darling! You made it.”
Aunt Viv. So bright and fake. Acting like her slut of a daughter hadn’t been sleeping with ir’s fiancé. No, it was all about keeping up appearances for the wealthy families in the area and their business connections.
ir pasted on a smile. “Of course. Wouldn’t miss it.” Waiting for lightning to strike her from the heavens for the big whopper that one was<i>. </i>She would love shoveling shit in a paddock than be here.
Keira snorted from beside her, but controlled herself and said nothing. For now.
“And Roman! What a surprise.” The look Viv gave Roman made it clear she now understood just how much Roman was worth. Therefore, beneficial to know and use. But she was also ufortable that he was here now.
He smiled coolly “Pleasure, I’m sure, Vivienne.” He didn’t move to kiss her cheek or shake her hand.
Her aunt’s eyes flicked to their linked hands, but said nothing. Instead, she turned toward the house. “Laura will be so happy to see you. Everyone’s in the garden.”
Keira coughed.
Before they could move anywhere, a second car pulled in behind them. Two members of Roman’s security detail stepped out, scanning the perimeter with discreet professionalism. Roman had told them the team would stop at the end of the estate to make sure no one was following them. When they were sure it was safe, they would meet them at the house. One of the men got into Roman’s car to move it. While Ethan moved to stand behind them.
“Security,” he murmured quietly to Viv, so she was aware of who was at her party
Aunt Viv turned with <i>a </i>pinched expression “Is that really necessary, Romant Bodyguards? This is a party, not a war zone<i>” </i>
<i>Roman </i>didn’t miss a beat. His tone was calm but firm. “Considering ir’s been nearly killed twice in one week, yes, it is absolutely necessary”
Vivienne’s lips parted slightly, caught off guard. She hadn’t been expecting that. Because ir hadn’t told her, “1… I see, Well, I suppose a little extra caution never hurt <i>anyone</i>” Aunt wouldn’t ask question now because she didn’t want her guest overhearing
Koman was watching her aunt very closely. Did he think her aunt had something to do with the attacks?
“Exactly,” Koman said smoothly, guiding ir forward before Vivienne could press the issue further.
As they were led around the side, ir felt the weight of every nce, every unspoken judgment. She spotted Laura near the flower arch, glowing in white, her hand resting possessively on Dan’s <i>arm</i>. ir felt Roman’s hand tighten slightly.
“White? Are you kidding me? That woman should be wearing ck, at least then the color would match her heart. She has never been pure” Keira whispered,
ir was worried that it wouldn’t be long before everyone would hear just what Keira thought of Laura,
Dan saw her first. His eyes widened before his features settled into a smirk that made ir’s blood boil. What did he have to smirk about?
Laura turned and gave a little wave, all fake sweetness and practiced poise.
“Smile,” Keira muttered from behind her. “Wouldn’t want to ruin their Instagram moment.”
ir exhaled and stepped forward, Roman keeping pace beside her.
Let the games begin<b>. </b>
As they walked closer to the flower arch, ir could feel her heart pounding louder than the music. Her fingers squeezed Roman’s reflexively. She felt like she was walking into a lion’s den like Keira had said, except the lions were dressed in designer suits and wore practiced smiles,
Sutton drifted a step closer, her voice low in ir’s ear. “We’ll keep things civil. Until we don’t have to.”
ir gave a tight nod. She didn’t want a scene, but she would not let them walk over her, either.
Just behind them, Keiraughed lightly. “At least if there’s drama, there’s wine we can get smashed after<i>.</i>” Looking at Sutton’s belly. “Well, some of us, at least”
Sutton rubbed her belly, grinning
Roman’s mouth twitched. “And I made sure our security brought the car around back. If we need to leave fast, <i>we </i>can.”
That, somehow, brought ir morefort than anything else. They weren’t just walking into battle. They were prepared to 9”
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