Page 129 of Mine Again
“Do you have any idea how degrading that was? How much of me died that night… every time I had to smile. Every time I had to pretend you and I never happened.”
I remember standing there, dress too tight, heels pinching, my skin crawling under those ravenous stares. I smiled like the good, obedient daughter I was supposed to be, but inside I was slipping further and further away. Like I was watching it all from the outside, screaming but unheard. And with every second, it felt like I was buryingusa little deeper.
Luca jumps to his feet now too, like he can’t stay still another second. He takes a step toward me, but I throw up a hand, stopping him.
“Don’t,” I warn. “Don’t come any closer.”
“You were never going to marry any of those men,” he grits out.
“Oh really?” My laugh is bitter. “What were you going to do? Kidnap me from my wedding? Like you did in Vegas?”
He shakes his head. “No. While your father was still alive, we had an agreement.”
My eyes snap to his.
“What?”
Luca’s expression shifts, his eyes darkening with something unreadable.
And he says nothing.
My stomach drops.
“You’re kidding,” I whisper. “You’re seriously not going to tellme?”
The rage creeps back in, unstoppable like molten lava.
“So help me God, Luca,spill. I’ve had enough of all the secrets.”
Chapter Forty-Seven
Isabella
“Luca,” I yell when he still doesn’t say a word.
His jaw flexes again. He looks away for a moment, as if weighing how much more I can take. When he finally speaks, he’s reluctant.
“Let it go for now, Isa. Trust me, there’s a time and place for this conversation, but it’s not here. Let’s head back to the house. You’re cold. The sun’s going down soon. It’ll only get colder.”
I stare at him, incredulous.
“No.”
I take a step forward, fists clenched.
“No, I’m not letting it go. I deserve answers, Luca. Whatever this is, it clearly involvesme.”
He studies me for a long beat. His eyes search mine like he’s looking for a reason to hold back.
I don’t give him one. I hold his gaze, every inch of me demanding the truth.
He sees it.
And finally, he gives in.
“Your father and I had an agreement,” he repeats. “He would notarrange another marriage for you. Because as far as he was concerned, you were still promised to me.”
The air leaves my lungs like a punch.
