Page 56 of How to Break My Heart
His name catches my attention.
“Yes, your brother will be here.”
“Does he know you invited Viviana? I mean, she’s his ex, Mom. I would be livid if you invited my ex.”
Mrs. Beaumont releases a sigh. “Your father insisted.”
My thoughts start to cloud, and I’m unable to think of ways to get out of this dinner. Sitting at the same table as Aston and his ex will not be pleasant. I mean, he doesn’t do relationships, so basically, she was a fuck buddy. Maybe not even a buddy, but a quick fuck, and that’s it.
Mrs. Beaumont turns away to head toward the kitchen, withMaddy at her heels arguing over the guest list. My hands twist as I fumble with my excuse, only to yell out, “I’m not feeling the best. Maybe I should head home—”
The hairs on my arms stand while my breaths become uneven. I close my eyes momentarily, addicted to this rush that’s consuming every inch of my body.
Then, a voice whispers behind me, “You’re not going anywhere.”
CHAPTER 16Eva
Mr. Beaumont takes a seat at the head of the table.
He arrived not long ago, making his presence known like it was such a big deal. Maddy appeared to be the only one who greeted him with a smile, embracing him while he doted on his only daughter.
Mrs. Beaumont retreated to the kitchen to check on dinner, barely saying a word even when he leaned in to kiss her on the cheek. It was apparent it was purely for show—possibly one of the coldest interactions I’ve ever witnessed.
As for Aston, his demeanor changed the second his father gave him a stern look. Something passed between them, the tension mounting in the room. I have no idea why he insisted I stay, given that he hasn’t spoken two words to me.
I knew the next hour would be torturous.
Damn me for having no backbone and agreeing to support my best friend.
Then, Viviana arrives.
I hate to admit it, but she’s attractive—if you’re into blondes. She’s wearing a gray knitted turtleneck dress that hugs every curve, accentuating her full, perky boobs. Her hair is pulled back into a sleek bun, giving her a polished, refined look.
My wraparound denim dress and knee-high boots look outof place. My hair also took a hit with the wind earlier—Maddy calls it my sex hair.
Which would be great if I were actually having sex, which I am not.
Of course, Aston sits beside Viviana, across from me, with a mischievous smirk. He dressed appropriately for dinner in dress pants and a black button-down shirt. His sleeves are rolled up, making him look incredibly sexy, and his smug expression is warning me to pay attention to his next move.
This man knows how to push my buttons.
“I’m pleased we are having dinner tonight,” Mr. Beaumont begins, raising his glass to toast. “I apologize my wife couldn’t make the luncheon on Saturday.”
Mrs. Beaumont keeps her poise, staring blankly at her husband like a puppet waiting for the next move.
“What matters is we’re all here now.” Roland Whitney raises his glass. “Aside from my son. It’s always a challenge to pull Myles away from the city, especially when he’s on the verge of supposedly casting the next Patti LuPone. With the wedding not far away, he’s trying his best to get all his work done.”
Everyone raises their glasses in a toast, then sips the rich red wine—a bold, velvety blend with hints of dark berries and a subtle oak finish that lingers warmly on the palate.
Maddy smiles, but I can see in her eyes that she is over it already.
Myles’s mother glances at Maddy and asks, “And I assume both you and Myles will be living in Manhattan?”
“We’re looking around Brooklyn, actually,” Maddy replies.
“Brooklyn?” her father questions with an arrogant laugh. “My daughter willnotbe living there.”
Maddy shoots dagger eyes at Aston but shifts her focus back onto her dad, evidently annoyed by the comment. Maddy is low-maintenance when it comes to the finer things in life, which surprises most people since she comes from a wealthy family.To this day, she still uses my Netflix login because she can’t be bothered paying for it. “I like Brooklyn. Besides, not everyone can afford a penthouse on the Upper East Side.”
