Page 63 of Tainted Love
Bea’s eyes water and her bottom lip trembles. Now I feel like a dick, but after seeing how talented she is, I can’t just sit back and watch people walk all over her. I’m certainly not going to let some arrogant, rich arsehole force her into dating her douchebag ex. I know Hunter Cromwell’s type—I lived with them for two years. Bea was not put on this earth to be some trophy wife. She’s smart, talented, and beautiful. She needs to be challenged and worshipped. I know I can be that person.
Chapter 34
Bea
WORDS ESCAPE ME as I blink back the tears from Elias calling me out like that. I don’t have time to form a response before the Chancellor of the university, Erica Morgan, takes to the microphone to get the night’s proceedings underway.
Elias is right. We’re here tonight because he’s chasing his dreams, while I’m stuck floundering in a law degree I have no interest in completing.
The firm has been Granddad’s whole life since Nan died ten years ago. His work makes him happy, and he still thrives from being in the courtroom and takes on one or two high-profile cases a year. Dad was content, too, until he met Elena, and since I’ve been home, it’s clear that he’s found happiness with her. Attie has a family, Elias has Forever Summer, and I have … what?
“It is our hope,” Chancellor Morgan says. “That this new music conservatory will provide pathways for some of our most talented artists to reach their full potential within our programs. We hope you will dig deep with your donations tonight and support tomorrow’s future.”
I clap along with everyone else, but I’m numb inside. Lost.
When I was a little girl, I spent my nights playing with my barbie dolls on the floor in Dad’s office, mixing and matching their outfits and putting on fashion shows. As I got older, I passed the time sketching my own clothing ideas, spending time with him while he prepared for cases. When I reached my teens, I graduated to helping him research case law and search for precedents. It was my way of staying connected, and I loved watching him work, but the law has never been my passion. As I got older, Dad and Granddad started talking about me following in their footsteps. I didn’t know how to tell them it wasn’t what I wanted to do, and the longer I leave it, the harder it is to admit.
“What’s on your mind, Duchess?” Elias murmurs quietly as the auctioneer steps up to the lectern.
Shrugging, I feign interest in the formalities. Watching as people with deep pockets bid on weekends away on luxury yachts, corporate boxes for sporting events, expensive looking artwork, and even tickets to sold-out concerts.
All I can think about is how I can’t keep living a lie. My whole life, all I’ve done is please other people. It’s time I do something for myself.
“I don’t want to study law,” I finally admit out loud when there’s a lull in the proceedings.
Elias grins. “No shit, Duchess. It’s taken you this long to figure that out?”
“This isn’t easy for me,” I say, pulling my bottom lip between my teeth.
“Nothing worth having ever is.” His intense gaze meets mine and I shiver. I feel like he isn’t only talking about standing up to my family about my vocation, yet his words give me a sense of hope. Maybe telling them will be worth it. Elias and Maya are right—Dad and Granddad will want me to be happy. “So, what are you going to do?”
I sigh. “I’ll look into fashion courses. Maybe I can transfer.”
“They’ll understand,” he assures me.
“Who’ll understand what?” Granddad asks as he joins us again.
My eyes widen and my mouth goes dry. I may have decided I was going to tell them the truth, but not right now. Not here. I need to tell Dad first.
“The band,” Elias lies easily. “They were really hoping I’d get to meet some music execs; help get the band on their radar.”
My stomach twists, I hate lying, but just because I had my epiphany, it doesn’t mean I’m ready to jump straight into my new life.
“Of course,” Granddad says, clapping Elias on the back. “The night is still young, son. Once all the boring formalities are over, I’d be happy to introduce you to some of my contacts in the music industry.”
“That would be great.”
“But first,” Granddad says with a grin, his eyes locked on the auctioneer at the front of the room. “I’m going to do my bit for this evening and bid on this golf trip.” He raises his hand, calling out, “Ten thousand dollars.”
Elias’ eyes go wide. To him, it must seem like an exorbitant amount of money for a weekend away with the boys. And he’d die if he knew how much the Tom Ford suit he’s wearing cost. To Granddad, though, that’s just chump change.
The bidding goes on, with four or five men battling it out until Granddad is the last man standing, winning the bidding at sixty-five thousand dollars. He claps his hands together and winks at Elias. “I hope you like golf, son?”
“Sorry, what?”
Granddad chuckles at the baffled expression on Elias’s face, and even I manage a small smile. “You think Darren and Iare going to miss the opportunity to get to know Elena’s son? Don’t worry, the trip is for four, we wouldn’t make you face the firing squad alone. I’m sure one of those band members would be happy to hit a few rounds.”
Elias glances at me before meeting my granddad’s gaze. “You want me to go on a golf trip with you?”
