Page 118 of Poison Vows

Grandpa Armando shakes his head with pity and then he produces a weathered, old but crispy-edged letter and places it on the table between us before he gestures for me to take it.

I stare at the letter, not daring to touch it, because I immediately recognize the handwriting on top.

My heart starts pounding like a galloping racehorse at a high-stakes derby.

“Go on, Ivy,” the old man encourages, this time his voice sounding almost like a caring grandfather, coaxing me to take my first step. Into what, though? Oblivion? Hell? I don’t know.

I glare at him. “What game are you playing at?” I demand.

I expect him to be offended but instead, he chuckles. “I have to admit, I am playing a game. I just have a deep dislike for people who pretend in front of me.”

I laugh, humorless and irked.

He knows.

“Upending someone’s entire life is a game to you, huh?”

He’s silent for a while, watching me lose it in front of him.

“Would you believe me if I said I’ve put everything on the line and hope it goes well for everyone involved with the minimum amount of casualties?”

“No,” I state immediately. “I wouldn’t believe you. I have never believed you!”

“Good. Don’t believe anyone,” he replies. “It’s a lesson you should’ve learned by now, no?”

My hands are trembling in my lap and I’m a second away from screaming with frustration.

“What do you want from me?” I ask, choosing to be blunt.

“I already told you. To celebrate your birthday, marriage, and for you to tell me my grandson’s secret.”

Shocked, I stare at him, the letter on the table practically burning a hole into the glass.

He’s planning on having me marry today…

Emmett is nowhere to be seen and from what I gleaned earlier, something must’ve happened to him.

Even Ty doesn’t know where Emmett is… which only leaves Vaughn.

“You just said Senator Hughes is not my real father, so why am I getting married today?”

“Because that was the deal,” he answers sincerely. “I don’t care about that imbecile politician. I just wanted you.”

“Why?”

“Because we’re old friends, you and I.” He smiles briefly. “Besides, I’ve noticed how peculiar and special you are. In fact, I think you’re the deciding factor, as evidenced by the pressure and movement that has been happening around here these past few weeks. It’s really amusing!

“Oh, and I promised to look after you, and what better way of doing so than making you an Easton?”

I feel sick to my stomach.

“But don’t get it mixed up, young one. You will be getting married today, regardless of whether you tell me my grandson’s secret or not. We’ll have plenty of opportunities later. I’m just hoping you and I make this easier for each other.”

I’m seated, but my body feels like a stone that weighs a thousand tons, with weak knees and sweaty palms.

It takes everything in me not to react, so I school my facial features into impassivity, just like when Emmett when he doesn’t care about a thing.

This old man wants to know his grandson’s secret.

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