Page 89 of Reflections of Peonies
Besides, I hated Bryce and firmly believed he didn’t deserve to be our teacher, but I didn’t want anyone to get into trouble on my account.
“That’s not the problem. Aine Hamway is on suspension—there’s a concern that she was working with the Cole family,” Bryce said. “I’m in charge of her class until the investigation is completed. So long as someone else grades your work, Dean Abernathy doesn’t care that you are my student. Though, we might have to be aware of rumors. People are going to be curious and might approach you.”
My heartbeat was thundering in my ears. “People will notice me?”
“People notice you anyway.” Bryce frowned.
I glanced at Brayden, and he nodded. “Anyone with an inkling of power will be drawn to you.”
My stomach clenched. Now, my entire day would be filled with paranoia and fear… Well, even more than usual.
Thanks, Bryce.
“It’s not a bad thing,” Brayden offered, covering my hand with his.
I tugged my hand away, pressing it against my mouth. “This is a disaster.”
“You don’t like being the center of attention?” Bryce finished loosening his tie and ran his fingers through his hair. “Well, you’re going to have to suck it up. This is your life now, honeybee. Just wait until you’re introduced to the courts.”
I pushed my hands into my lap, glaring at him.
“By the way,” he said, cutting me off before I could begin. “I brought you something.”
“What is it?” I asked.
“Our mother’s engagement ring,” Bryce replied, holding his fist out to me. His cheeks turned dark, but his voice remained oddly formal. “It would be my honor if you accept my proposal.”
“Thisis why you’re interrupting our lesson?” Brayden covered his face. “I only said she needs something on her finger,not that you should make a dramatic production. You’re already married.”
“Shut up.” Bryce glowered at the younger man. “We have traditions to uphold.”
“That’s gross.” Brayden shuddered.
My hand shook as I held out my palm. My silent acquiescence wasn’t from the fact I approved of the manner of his proposal or that this wasn’t disgusting.
Because it was.
I was expecting a ring. But I thought he’d purchased it at the mall.
Notthis.
My throat closed. The annoyance in Bryce’s eyes had trickled away, and for a moment, we were connected. All my negative feelings toward him were scattered in the face of this new development.
Bryce was trying. I could see it in his eyes. He wanted to mend the rift in our relationship, and to do that, he was giving me something that belonged to my biological mother.
How could I say no to that?
This was physical evidence of her existence. My breath was shaky and loud in my ears, and I couldn’t hold back the breathy squeak of my voice. “Can I see?”
“The ring?” Bryce’s eyebrow slowly rose. “Of course, it’s yours.” He opened his fist, and the antique gold band fell into my hand.
Brayden scoffed. “That’s real romantic. I thought you were going for tradition.”
“Keep your comments to yourself,” Bryce retorted.
I could scarcely breathe. My vision wavered as my blurry gaze took in the gold band. I couldn’t even make out any details yet, but it felt heavy. Surely, it didn’t weigh so much.
“But what about her?” My voice echoed in my ears. “Won’t she miss it?”
