Page 2 of Wicked God
“At what cost! Her happiness? Her freedom to choose her own path?”
“You’re being overly dramatic. This is how our family has always operated. It’s a tradition that has kept the Carter name synonymous with power and prestige for generations.”
“But not with my stepfather or you,” I argue. “And times change. There have to be other ways to maintain our status without sacrificing Tiffany’s future!”
Dean’s patience wears thin as his jaw tightens. When he speaks again, there is a dangerous edge to his voice. “The decision has been made, and the arrangements are already in motion. Your sister will fulfill her duty to this family, just like countless Carters before her.”
To him, Tiffany is nothing more than a pretty porcelain doll. A beautiful ornament for him to flaunt amongst his powerful friends and a means of bringing connections and prestige into the family. But she is so much more than that. She’s ambitious,driven, and has dreams of her own that shouldn’t be crushed under our family’s expectations.
Tears of frustration burn behind my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall in front of Dean.
“And what if she refuses?”
A chilling smile spread across his face. “She won’t.”
And unfortunately, he’s right.
Tiffany doesn’t see how our family is using us for their own gain. She’s too good for this family. Kind, sweet, and naïve—partially because I’ve been shielding her for far too long. It’s high time I wrestle her away from this snake nest. The sooner, the better.
“When will you tell Tiffany?”
“It stays between us for now.”
I tilt my head. “Why are you telling me first?”
“Because I know you. You’re the troublemaker. The one who will fight this tooth and nail.”
“Of course, I will! Someone has to protect her!”
“That’s exactly why I’m warning you,” Dean’s voice drops to a menacing whisper. “You will act supportive. You will not interfere with this union. If you do anything to jeopardize our arrangement, I will crush your budding business. And I promise you, you’ll never see Tiffany again.”
My blood runs cold. I know Dean has the power and willingness to make good on his threats. Losing Tiffany, with her golden curls and soft heart, is a thought I can’t even entertain.
“You can’t do this,” I say, but the fight has drained from my voice.
“I can and I will. Do we understand each other?”
I nod numbly, my mind racing for a solution. How can I protect Tiffany without incurring Dean’s wrath?
“When...” I swallow hard and force the words out. “When do you plan on telling her about this... arrangement?”
Checking his Rolex, Dean says, “In three weeks, when I return from my business trip. I’m leaving tomorrow.”
Three weeks. It’s not much time, but it’s something.
A thought occurs to me, and I lift my eyes back to Dean, my heart hammering in my chest.
“If you’re so insistent on aligning our family with Senator Hawthorne’s, why am I not your first choice for this marriage?”
My uncle stares at me for an uncomfortably long moment, his face impassive and unreadable like stone. “An interesting question, Olivia. I’m almost impressed by your audacity.”
Refusing to back down, I hold his gaze. “Well?”
“My dear, I wouldn’t be opposed to such an idea. However,” he pauses, his lips curling into a cruel smile, “who would want you?”
I clench my hands into fists.
Dean continues, his voice dripping with disdain. “You’re not even a true Carter by blood. And your...career choices? Let’s just say they’re unconventional.” He waves a dismissive hand. “I doubt Senator would find you a suitable match for his son.”
