Total pages in book: 166
Estimated words: 169305 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 847(@200wpm)___ 677(@250wpm)___ 564(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 169305 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 847(@200wpm)___ 677(@250wpm)___ 564(@300wpm)
Eileen took my silence as agreement, snapping the photo album shut on her lap. “My life is stable. I have a real job, a proper schedule, and the ability to raise a family—emotionally, physically, and financially. And I have never stolen or cheated in my life.”
But you lied to Zach, I wanted to point out, swallowing the words because I had no ground to stand on. You lied about who you are, about knowing him, about sharing phobias.
“Farrow, I’m telling you this because I think you’re a good person with a clear mind. You must see that I’m more suited for him. That your troubles will only be a burden. If you truly care for him—and I actually think you do—you’ll let him go.”
“What are you asking me to do?”
On the fringes of my mind, a giant warning signal went off. I forced myself to push away my emotions and think logically.
Everything about her is a lie. And the phone call. She laughed about tricking Zach into a dinner date. Don’t trust her.
Eileen gathered a stray hair behind her ear. “I’m asking you to get on a flight, move out of my fiancé’s home, and never come back. And if you do, I’ll take over the legal fees for your court case—”
I reeled back, wondering how she even knew about this. “I don’t need your charity.”
Did she snoop? Did Zach tell her?
But I knew he wouldn’t.
She toyed with the oversized engagement ring on her finger. “It’s not charity. It’s an agreement. No different from the one you share with Zach.”
Except it was different.
I wanted to help Zach. Eileen merely wanted to exist beside him.
How could she love someone she hadn’t seen since childhood? Did she even know him?
That he hated rain yet loved the cold.
That he pretended to be disgusted by hot Cheetos but scarfed them down by the dozen if a bag neared him.
That he only seemed detached but possessed fierce loyalty when it came to friends and family.
I kept my voice level, carefully crafting my expression into neutral. “My agreement with him ends soon.”
“Your agreement with him ends now.” She dumped the album into her bag, rising to her feet. “I think I’ve been patient enough.”
“I’m not the one you need to speak with. Actually, from what I remember, you’re the one who requested stricter no-touching clauses and suggested allowing outside relationships.”
I doubted she’d be content to keep those forever.
In fact, I’d put money on the fact that she’d suggested them proactively to lower his guard.
As if she’d heard my thoughts, she giggled into her fingertips. “Do you think he would’ve agreed to marry me if I hadn’t?”
“So, you tricked him?”
“It’s just a white lie.”
“A white lie is telling a five-year-old their hamster went to the farm after it dies. It is not making up an entire phobia as the premise of an engagement.”
I always wondered why my hamsters needed fresh air on that address-less farm.
“Does it matter? It worked. I’m engaged to him. You’re just the help. Know your place.” She spun her ring until the giant diamond faced me. “Your arrangement with my fiancé ends now.”
I tipped my chin up. “Zach is a big boy.” Ain’t that the truth. “He can make up his own mind.”
“Asking you to leave is no more than a courtesy.” Eileen towered over me, so close, I could smell the mint on her breath. Not a muscle in her face twitched. “Make no mistake—I will get rid of you one way or another. What I lack in imagination, I make up for in ambition.”
Oddly, I relaxed at her words.
This was my comfort zone, thanks to Vera.
The corners of my mouth tugged up. “Are you threatening me?”
“No, Farrow, I’m telling you.” She flicked a rose thorn from my sleeve. “You’re not worthy of Zachary Sun’s love. Step aside for someone who is. Or I’ll make you step aside.”
I didn’t know what life had in store for me and Zach, but I did know that I no longer believed he’d ever be able to experience happiness with this manipulative woman.
“I’m glad we had this talk, Eileen.” With a smile, I rose to my feet, feeling lighter than I had in days. “Good luck convincing Zach to fall in love with you. You never know…” I paused, remembering her words on the call and tossing them back at her. “…Once you show him how good you are in the sack, it’s game over for that brainiac.”
I pivoted with a spring in my step, headed back to my room.
“You’ve messed with the wrong bitch.” Eileen latched onto my arm, stopping me. “I’m about to unleash every circle of Dante’s inferno on you.”
If Farrow moaned the word porn one more time, I’d fuck her on this jet and create our own, audience be damned.
“Hold up.” Her tongue poked out of her mouth as she struggled to angle the camera at her chilaquiles without them resembling baby food. “Dallas and Ari want food porn pics.”