Page 57 of Bride By Initiation

I jerk my head backward. "We're in Chicago. How is it boring?"

Kinsley says, "New York will be so much more fun. There's so much more to do there."

"I don't know. I grew up there, and I prefer Chicago," I tell them.

"Kylie. Kinsley. Over here," Gianni Marino's oldest son, Romeo, yells. He stands next to Kian, and they look like they're up to no good.

The girls glance at each other, then at me.

"Well, don't stand around because of me. Go," I order.

"Thanks again for coming. We'll talk later," Kinsley says, hugging me.

Kylie follows, and I watch them disappear into the crush of bodies.

There's a huge crowd at The Aspen, Maksim Ivanov's newest restaurant, which he named after his wife. He spared no expense, and worked with Dmitri's wife, Anna. She designed the space into one of the most luxurious restaurants in Chicago, and every time I'm here, I'm awed by the intricate details and things I didn't notice before.

I glance around to decide who I should talk to, then turn right into Aspen. I gasp, "Sorry!"

She beams. "Me too. I'm so glad you made it."

"I wouldn't miss it," I reply, and we hug.

She asks, "Are your mom and dad here yet?"

My gut drops. I've barely spoken to my parents in the last few months. My plan for the evening is to avoid them at all costs.

"Not yet. I was just admiring the restaurant. It always stuns me."

With bright eyes, she says, "Thanks. Maksim always goes overboard with his gifts, you know." She smiles, and it's full of love and appreciation for her husband.

"Zara." My father's voice comes from behind me, and my pulse quickens.

Aspen glances between us and chirps, "Chanel. Luca. Good to see you."

They hug, and I try to figure out how to escape without being too obvious, but I have no options.

I might as well deal with this situation now.

The tension I've felt anytime I speak to my parents heightens. The day after I left their condo, Mom called. She claimed my father told her everything she needed to know and that they have no secrets. Yet she wouldn't tell me what he said.

I'd asked if Dad had another family and if I have a sister somewhere out there.

She'd said I'm his only child.

Then I'd demanded to know who the woman and baby are.

She'd told me it's not my concern and that she wouldn't be discussing this further.

I got angry, and she demanded that I tell her if I knew who'd given me those photos. Like my father, she fretted over my safety.

I once again denied knowing anything, and our conversation stalled after that.

I'm still in the dark. Anytime they contact me, I insist they tell me the truth.

It's always the same.

They refuse to tell me anything, and I stay angry.

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