Page 61 of Royal Havoc

“What did Opal tell you?” he counters, leaning forward, steepling his fingers in front of his mouth.

I glance out the window, hating the memory he’s invoked. “You know, she sat down my cake. Told me how much she loved me, and sang Happy Birthday,” I finish, gliding my eyes back to him. Confusion fills his face, and I can tell he’s searching for what he’s about to say. “She told me you never wanted me, and I was better off without you,” I spit out, the hateful words instantly causing me to lose my appetite.

His jaw drops, sadness filling his eyes. “None of that’s true,” he rasps angrily, shaking his head in disbelief.

Now, it’s my turn to be confused. “It’s a little late… actually, no. It’s fine. I’m kind of over the reason,” I throw out, shoving my plate away, hiding the emotions boomeranging inside me.

“It’s notfine. I knew she was a lying bitch… I never imagined… I wrote letters and cards…” His head falls forward into his hands as I slowly register the parts he’s said.

“I never got any cards,” I announce quietly in thought, searching through distorted memories of a childhood I’ve never wanted to revisit.

He scrubs his face with his hands. “She was calculating, Onyx. It took me a long time to figure it out,” he starts to tell me, finally meeting my stare. “I was an idiot for ever believing a word she said,” he grits.

“None of what you’re saying makes any sense. Scratch that. Nothing about my life makes any sense,” I clarify.

“I never wanted to leave you. Rowland forced it. Always protecting his investments. All they ever cared about was the money. They didn’t care who they hurt in the process,” he says, hopelessly falling back in his chair.

I’ve already figured out some of what he’s said on my own. But… “Why did he force you to leave? How am I an investment?”

Suddenly, he looks as tired as I feel. “I assume she told you about the Unity since Vex is around. If she didn’t, he would’ve. So I’m guessing she felt like she had no choice.”

“I know I’m supposed to marry Vex because of the money and bloodline bullshit,” I grumble.

He nods, glancing out the window. “I wasn’t supposed to marry Opal.”

“What?” I gasp, eyes flaring as I peer at the side of his face. “But, I thought the rules said —”

“The onlyruleis money,” he rasps sadly. “You should ask Vex. He can give you a better explanation.”

“Fuc —”

“He’s not bad, Onyx. Vance raised him right. I think if you give him a chance, you’ll see you don’t know everything,” he tries to clarify calmly.

Crossing my arms defensively. “Whatever. You’ve still not answered why,” I press, steering our conversation back to the real topic.

His caramel eyes turn sad again, imploring me to believe what he’s about to tell me. “I don’t have all the answers yet. I swear I’ll tell you everything once I do. I have to leave tonight.” Holding up a hand to stop me from protesting. “I wouldn’t go if it wasn’t important. I need you to promise me something,” he says calmly.

Giggling at the crazy turn of events. “Why should I believe anything you say? Let alonepromiseyou something?”

Laying the back of his hand on the table, palm up. “Because I’ve loved you since the day you were born. And everything I’ve done was for you. I’m sorry I believed her lies. I promise to undo all the bad she’s caused.”

Tears sting my eyes against my will. My heart hiccups, unsure of the way it feels. “Tell me what you want,” I sniff.

“Vex is going to stay with you while I’m gone. Let him,” he pleads.

“He’s not staying —”

“I need to know you’re safe. Vex will keep you safe.”

“Safe?” I huff, shaking my head. “This is the smallest town —”

“Full of horrible people. Stay away from the people you think you can trust. Starting with that lying sack of shit, Nolan,” he grits angrily.

“You can’t be serious,” I groan, confusion twisting my brain.

Nolan’s the only person I trust. Now, the guy who dumped me expects me to trust him? When he hasn’t done a damn thing in thirteen years to prove I should believe a single word he’s saying.

The fuck?!

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