Page 49 of The Exception

“Think of it more like a business arrangement. This is a marriage in name only. We’re both getting something out of it.”

“What are you going to tell your family?”

“Nothing. I’m done.”

“Wow.” She sank back in her chair. “You know what? Good for you.” Her support made my actions feel justified. I was done with my family’s bullshit, and I deserved better.

“Right? And maybe I should tell them—for the sake of my…” I cleared my throat.

“Business agreement?” she offered.

“Yeah, that.” I swallowed hard at the reminder.

“But I don’t want to. I feel like…” How did I explain this? “I feel like they don’t deserve to know anything about my life and my choices. Especially not if they’re going to judge or mock me. But I also don’t want it to come back to bite Graham in the ass.”

“Do you think it would?” she asked, and I knew she was trying to understand. Working with the limited information I’d been able to tell her about the reasons for our marriage.

I tilted my head. “I mean, maybe?” It wasn’t like I thought the board would dig into the details of our relationship. Why would they? “But I also worry that they’d try to come after Graham for his money.”

“Bleh.” She mimed gagging. Her face fell. “I’m sorry, Lil. That sucks. But also, I’m really proud of you for doing what’s best for you.”

I curled my fingers into the couch cushion. “What if marrying Graham is what’s best for me? Will you still be supportive?”

“I’m not going to lie, I’m concerned. This is a lifetime commitment. Don’t you want to say your vows to someone you love?”

“I mean, yes. Of course, I want to marry someone for love. And maybe I will someday.”

“So…” She squinted, thinking. “This isn’t a lifetime commitment?”

I tried to think of how to phrase it so as to protect Graham. Ultimately, I said, “I know I’m putting you in an awkward position, and I hate that I can’t tell you everything, but I need you to trust me on this.

“I do trust you,” she sighed. She placed her hand over mine. “I know you’re desperate to save the château. And I can understand that. But are you sure you’re okay with this?”

I appreciated her asking, but it wasn’t like I had another choice. And I knew Graham was good to his word. “I’m sure.”

She regarded me, perhaps searching for any hesitation or reluctance on my part before she finally said, “Even so, you have to admit this is weird.”

“He’s a billionaire. Weird, eccentric behavior comes with the territory,” I joked.

“I just have so many questions.”

“I get it,” I said. If our roles were reversed, I would too. I was just afraid I might not have the answers.

CHAPTERTWELVE

Iglided my hand down the front of my shirt then centered my cuff links, a birthday gift from Knox. I was minutes away from meeting Lily at the altar. We were to be married in a simple ceremony on my rooftop terrace. It was going to be an informal—but well-documented—affair.

If I’d ever planned to marry for real, this was how I would’ve done it—small, simple, intimate. Though, I would’ve invited my siblings.

I frowned at the thought. Not inviting them felt like a mistake, but it also meant that nothing would stand in the way of my wedding Lily. I still didn’t know how I was going to tell my family after the fact. Or how they’d react. Though, one thing was for certain; they were going to have a lot of questions.

I sighed.

Perhaps sensing my distress, Prince Albert nudged his head against my leg. I smoothed my hand over his fur, wondering where Queen V was. Probably with Lily. My dogs loved her, especially Queen V.

“Cold feet?” Pierce asked.

“I’m not getting any younger,” I said, trying to remind myself of all the reasons I was doing this. “The sooner we’re married, the sooner I control the board.”

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