Page 78 of Broken Truths

She quirks her head. “It’s natural to be nervous.”

“I’m not nervous. They’re forcing me to marry Keegan.”

She peers at my shoes as if I’ve suddenly grown a third foot. “You two will look so handsome together.”

“I want to leave,” I say more tersely.

“I’m sorry,” she rushes out. “I can’t do anything to help you.” She finally looks up and meets my eyes. There’s so much desperation there. So much agony. “I really am sorry.”

I nod. “Then take me to them, I guess. I believe I heard Keegan earlier.”

“Yes, he and his father are in the side garden under the trellis.”

“Pretty,” I mutter.

My heart feels like it’s going to careen right out of this stupid dress. I walk down the hall on shaky feet, and she slips next to me to keep me steady, staying at my side as we descend the grand staircase. The other servants have come out of their hiding places and watch me make my entrance.

When I get to the back door, I take a deep breath. I don’t know what’s going to happen out there. But I do know that there’s a five foot wall that circles off the Forbeses’ property except for one gate that’s on the complete opposite side of the yard. I feel like a mouse in a closed maze with a cat nipping at my heels. There’s nothing I can do.

I’m trapped.

The Forbeses’ waitstaff is placed strategically throughout the house. In front of the main doors, which are most likely locked, anyway. In front of the hallway to the garage. I’ve always thought of locks keeping things out, not keeping things in. I guess I’m not as warped as the others in my social circle.

The young servant opens the doors. The crisp air from yesterday morning is gone. It’s a little warmer out today. The grass is clear of snow, and with the long, lace sleeves on the dress, I’m almost comfortable.

Lit torches line the walkway to the side garden. Spaced every six feet or so, they lead right to a large firepit under the trellis. There, a better-groomed Keegan, Leon Forbes, and a man of the cloth stand.

When I round the bend, Keegan glances up. For a brief moment, his eyes shine bright like he’s had a glimpse of what should have been his. In the next instant, though, the hologram crumbles, and it’s me he sees. Not Dee. Not my precious sister who loved him more than he deserved.

My lips thin. My feet don’t want to move. My stomach churns again and again. This is so wrong.

Leon Forbes beckons me forward with two fingers, and it’s only then that I realize I’ve stopped moving.

“You better go,” the girl says.

I peer at her face to find that it’s twisted in fear. This guy is a piece of shit. I reach down and take her hand. “You should find another place to work. Try my family’s home. Tell my mother I sent you.”

At the Astor house, it’ll at least be better than here.

She gives my hand a quick squeeze, and I make my feet move forward. The heels teeter on the uneven cobblestone path, yet somehow, I make it under the trellis with the three other gentlemen without face planting. I make a show of looking around. “No Mrs. Forbes?”

“She’s busy,” Leon says tersely. “This is just the pre-ceremony, anyway. Everyone will be invited to your larger one.”

This is just the ceremony to seal the deal.

I make myself stare at Keegan. He’s in pure torment, and it only makes me spiral faster. He’s as trapped as I am. And he’s had to live with this monster his entire life. It’s no wonder he was the way he was. “I’m glad Dee saved you,” I say softly.

He glances at me from fanned lashes. We stare for some time and then he mouths, “I’m sorry.”

I shrug like it’s no big deal. Like I get held hostage to marry guys every day.

I turn toward the priest in front of us. He certainly looks like the real thing with his white collar and friendly face, and if Forbes wants this binding, I’m sure he is. Swallowing, I say, “I don’t want to do this. You know that, don’t you?”

The priest peers over at Leon Forbes who silences him with a death glare. “As we discussed,” he snarls through clenched teeth.

“This man was going to marry my sister,” I tell him. “Then she died.” I want so badly to say she was murdered. I want to confront Leon Forbes with the truth and study his reaction. He gave her the bouquet. What else did he do?

I almost burst with all the unanswered questions.

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