Page 133 of Far

“Great, then it’s settled.”

My mother huffs, clearly unhappy.

But for once, I don’t care. Let her disapprove. Let her cling to her outdated notions of what a woman should be. I know who I am and what I’m capable of. And apparently, so does my father.

“Mary, dear, you really should follow Ella’s example. She’s found herself a successful man who can provide for her,” my mother says.

Can’t she see how miserable Trent makes her? How much I worked for my father wanting me to take over the firm?

I glance over at Connor. Would he support me, or would he want me to be the doting wife? If he even would want to be a couple. Because after last time, I don’t know what we are. If he doesn’t, that means we’re—

“Actually, Victoria, Mary and I have an announcement to make.” Connor takes my hand, intertwining our fingers. “We’re engaged, and I would like nothing more than to support her in whatever she wants.”

Chapter 35

Mary

The room falls silent. My jaw drops.

Engaged? What is he doing? This is not what I intended.

“Engaged? I think I’m gonna faint.” My mother takes a sip of her wine.

“Wonderful news. This evening can’t get any better,” my father says.

My mother’s eyes narrow. “Let’s see the ring then.”

Connor grins, unfazed. “It’s being sized right now. You know how it is with these custom pieces. Gotta get it just right.”

I want to kick him. But as I take in my mother’s pursed lips and pinched expression, a contrary delight wells up within me. She’s furious! For once, she has no control over my choices.

I squeeze Connor’s hand and smile. “It was so sudden and romantic when he proposed, but I couldn’t be happierto have a future husband who accepts me as I am.” Okay, maybe that’s a bit laid on thick.

Connor lifts our joined hands and brushes a kiss over my knuckles. The warmth of his lips makes my heart flutter despite this all being pretend. Or at least, I think it’s pretend.

Honestly, I have no idea what Connor’s playing at here.

“Well, congratulations,” my father says. “I’m thrilled for you both.” At least someone is happy about this imaginary engagement.

My mother forces a tight smile. “Yes, congratulations. Though I wish we could have discussed this as a family first.” Her pointed stare bores into me.

I’m not her little doll she can just marry off anymore. Not like she does with Ella.

“We didn’t want to wait. When you know, you know.” Connor winks at me, and I have to suppress a very real urge to kiss him right then and there.

My mother’s lips press into a thin line. She opens her mouth, no doubt to deliver a scathing retort, but just then, Ella returns from the bathroom. Her eyes are rimmed with red, but she plasters on a smile as she sits back down. Trent is nowhere to be seen.

“Did I miss anything?” Ella asks lightly, though her voice wavers ever so slightly.

Connor gives my hand a gentle squeeze before letting go. “Just sharing happy news. Mary is going to take over from your father.”

“And we’re engaged,” I add. I don’t want Ella to hate me more. Although I don’t know which news would be worse for her. Shit.

Ella’s eyes go wide. “Engaged?”

“Yes.” I glance at Connor. He’s far too pleased with himself.

We suffer through the rest of dinner without another incident. My mother shoots disapproving looks at Connor when he isn’t watching, and Trent seems to have vanished. Some fresh air before the desert would be nice.

---