Page 64 of Love Me

Abigail curtsies, and I kiss Grandmother’s hand, the taste of char coating my taste buds. One day, you old hag, you will be nothing but a memory.

She gazes at Bailey like she’s a nuisance. Celine catches the same look in Grandmother’s eyes, and grips the edge of the table, her knuckles whitening.

Blake salutes Grandmother and pours himself a glass. He’s the only one allowed these slight gestures of disrespect. I am sure the drink won’t be the only one during the next few days, especially since he’s spending the weekend with his father. I am not looking forward to what comes after that.

Grandmother glances at each of us. I am pouring it on thick, avoiding looking at Celine when I burn inside.

Grandmother puts her hand around her pearl necklace. “We should announce your engagement,” her pointed stare lands on me and Abigail.

Do not fucking react.

Celine’s entire body freezes, and she takes a sip of wine.

“We can’t wait. We’re ready to make our relationship official,” Abigail says, masking the panic as we exchange a quick glance.

I kiss her on the cheek. “We have waited long enough as it is.”

I feel Celine’s stare burning holes in my side, but her face is a mask of impassiveness when I steal a glance. She’s a brilliant actress because there is no way she would be okay with this. At least, that’s what I hope.

Grandmother’s wrinkled features contort into a pleased one. Got you, old hag.

“Kaden.” Abigail shoves my hand playfully away as if I had my hand on her thigh. Celine grips the knife, and I stiffen for a second, afraid she will expose us by throwing it at my heart.

“I can’t control myself. I apologize, Grandmother,” I say.

At her pleased expression, I force a smile. Next to you is the girl I am desperate for. The one who might be carrying our baby.

“Celine, you’ll stay the weekend at the estate.”

“Of course, and tomorrow you can meet Hunter at the gala.”

It looks like we are all spending the weekend here. Fabulous.

Abigail digs her nails into my thigh, and I glare at her. She must see how serious I am about wanting to stay here as well when she says in the sweetest voice, “Can we stay the weekend here as well? I would like to talk to you more about our engagement.”

Grandmother can’t say no to that.

“Of course.”

I breathe a sigh of relief and kiss Abigail’s temple, thanking her.

“Your love for her will be our downfall,” Abigail whispers and sips from a glass of wine. Celine does the same, and I move my pointed look from the glass to her belly.

She coughs, spurting the contents into the glass. She apologizes and sends me a death glare.

Grandmother turns to her, and the tension lays heavy in the room.

“Tell me.”

Ah, she wants to pit us against each other.

Celine looks from each of us back to her with a coy expression. She’s good, damn it.

“Bailey is the most level-headed among them. Blake has potential, but his reckless behavior puts a strain on that. Abigail is your copy. You should be proud. Together with Kaden, they will bring this family to new heights.”

My chest swells with pride. Grandmother eyes Celine inquisitively. I know the next part will hurt.

“But his arrogance is a problem,” Celine continues.

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