Page 123 of Poison Vows

When they’re done, the old man waves at me and says, “Come with me. It’s showtime. After you become an Easton, we’ll discuss my grandson’s secret.”

CHAPTER 19

Ivy

“Let’s do this officially!”

When Emmett’s grandfather announces this to the room, I barely react, feeling like I’m in a strange state of numbness, like my head is under wet sand, stuffy and heavy.

On our way back here, he was speaking but I didn’t hear a word.

“What do you mean, my friend?” Senator Hughes’s father questions in that old voice of his.

“The marriage has to be done officially and legally. Tonight.”

Vaughn stands up in a rush, shocked while Emilio’s face transforms into a huge smile.

But Giovanni… “Padre, I need to talk to y?—"

He doesn’t get to finish that. The old man cuts him off with a severe look.

“As I was saying, I’ve already decided and my sweet new granddaughter has already agreed to pick her groom and the next head of this family tonight, in the presence of everyone here,” Grandpa Armando says sternly.

The Hughes family are beside themselves with relief and joy.

But I already know everything.

Melissa is not my twin. I’m older.

Beverly’s disgusting husband is not my father… so who is?

“But,Padre,” Emilio starts hesitantly. “It takes some time to get the marriage licenses done.”

“Oh, that’s not an issue.” Grandpa waves his hand dismissively. He reaches for the little bell in front of him and rings it.

From the doors behind him, Ripley enters and bows his head to Grandpa Armando.

“Ripley, have our guests arrived?” he questions.

“Yes, sir. Both the judge and the priest have arrived.”

Once again, a shock bomb drops in the room.

A judge… and a priest…

Somewhere in the haze over my consciousness, I can hear everything, but I just stand there frozen like a statue.

Scar is leaning by the wall opposite me, eyeing me.

“Padre, you’ve already prepared everything?” Emilio asks, happily delighted.

“It’s my grandson’s wedding. Why wouldn’t I be prepared?”

Emilio laughs, looking as happy as ever, as the meaning of these words become clear to everyone.

Vaughn is the only grandson present, so of course it’s Vaughn being talked about.

This is exactly what they wanted.

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