Page 24 of Of Vows and Betrayal

His expression softens. “Now you have me.” He gestures toward the door. “What are we shopping for? Is it a real shopping trip this time?”

I sigh as we settle in the car. Unfortunately, it is. My cousin Sophia would not cover for me. If anything, she’ll go out of her way to make it difficult for me.

Javier throws me a side look that I can’t quite decipher,but it seems to be bafflement.

It’s like when he asked me in the library why I stayed—I can’t trust him with my secrets yet, and I can’t tell him how I, and all the people I care for, have targets on our backs just because of who I share DNA with.

The last person I completely trusted quit, and things around the house got stranger… and now my father’s more on edge. I won’t commit the same mistake again.

“It’s my cousin Francesca’s birthday in a couple of weeks, and I’ve been ordered to go.”

“You don’t seem much more excited by the party than you are for the shopping trip.”

“Oh no, it’s okay. I just… It’s not my usual scene.”

Understatement of the year, but once again, I don’t want to tell that to Javier. I sometimes wonder why he is even here. Every small act of kindness from me seems to surprise him, and I don’t miss the hard looks he gives my father and the other men of thefamiglia. Is he here because he pities me? I throw him a side look.

“We can skip it if you want.”

The idea did cross my mind, and I smile to myself, considering it again for a few seconds before seeing my father’s irate face.

“Nah. My father is already in a foul mood. There’s no need to add fuel to the fire.”

“What’s up with him? Is he angry about the stunt you pulled?”

I shake my head. “No, some of his business at Little Island is stressing him.” I realize my slipup. I was used to speaking freely with Jeremy, but Javier doesn’t seem tohave picked up on it. “I confronted him about selling my mom’s store. He didn’t like that,” I add quickly, hoping to divert the conversation.

He lets out a low whistle. “And how did that go?”

I grimace just as he parks the car across from the mall. “As well as I expected.”

“Who knows, maybe nobody will buy it.”

Maybe so, but perhaps it’s for the best. Maybe I’m being hung up on a life that’s not mine anymore.

As if on cue, I see Sophia in front of the mall, waiting with her bodyguard. She looks like a perfect social media influencer clone, with her black hair perfectly styled, designer clothes, and a face sculpted by makeup. Her smile is all teeth and no warmth.

My father had always tried to integrate me into the family’s social sphere, but I was the one who resisted. Lost in my grief for my mother, I rejected every attempt my cousins made until the disdain was well-ingrained.

“Here goes nothing,” I mutter as I get out of the car and cross the street to meet her.

“Ophelia,” she says, her voice saccharine sweet. “Ready to look a little more… presentable?” she adds, looking my outfit up and down.

I don’t take the bait though; I know better now, and I also know that ignoring her is far worse for her.

“Sure,” I say, trying to muster some enthusiasm. Javier stands close by, his presence a small comfort.

As we walk through the mall, Sophia wastes no time belittling me. Every comment is a thinly veiled insult meant to remind me of my supposed inferiority.

“You really should consider more designer brands,” she says with a disdainful glance at my outfit. “Your current taste won’t suit Francesca’s birthday party.”

I clench my fists, nails digging into my palms. Her words are like the bars of a cage, trapping me in a world I desperately want to escape.

We enter a boutique filled with dresses that scream wealth and status. Sophia immediately starts picking out gowns, her eyes gleaming with the thrill of spending money.

“She seems like a handful,” Javier whispers to me as we follow her to the back.

“You have no idea. I actually feel bad for the poor bastard who will end up marrying her.”

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