Page 105 of Things We Fake
“I asked Cam to pretend we’re in love. I chose to make up an engagement rather than stand up to anoverbearing, selfish, judgmental mother. But you know what? I’m done. I’ll never be the perfect woman you want me to be, and I’m finally okay with that. My life might not be perfect, but it’s mine. I made it. And I’ll be damned if I’ll let you or anyone else ruin it for me.”
My words seemed to reverberate around the table. I stared at my mother, willing her to shout, to fight back, to give me an outlet for the years of anger I’d been hoarding. But she said nothing. Just like the others, she’d been stunned into silence. Her gaze slipped away to her plate.
Silence stretched around the table. Every face was stunned, shell-shocked.
I moistened my lips. “I’m sorry for ruining dinner. I hope you all enjoy your time in New York.”
I looked down at Cam, who was sitting still and patient beside me.
I spoke directly to him. “I’m sorry.”
Then I turned and walked away.
My legs shook as I moved through the restaurant, but my spine stayed straight. For the first time in my life, I wasn’t the girl trying to please everyone. I wasn’t the daughter, the fiancée, the people-pleaser, the push-over, the doormat.
I was just… me.
And God, it felt like flying.
Chapter Thirty-One
Cam
I stared down at the ring. The delicate sapphire winked up at me, oblivious to the chaos it had caused. With Sue’s retreating footsteps echoing in my ears, the world dimmed—the soft restaurant lighting, the polite clatter of cutlery, even the warmth in the air. All of it vanished with her. Everything that had made this night feel full of possibility, of something real, was gone.
She had left, and she’d taken my breath away with her.
The ring still held the warmth of her skin—at least that’s what I told myself as I curled it into my palm. Maybe it was my own body heat. Maybe it was wishful thinking. But I wasn’t ready to let go of it yet.
My mother’s hand landed softly on my arm. “Is that true, Cam?”
Around the table, six pairs of eyes burned into mine. Carlo’s expression was inscrutable again. It hurt, because I’d worked hard to earn an approving smile from him. All of that was lost now. Next to him, Elaine was as pale as a sheet, her skin almost translucent. Paul and Michelle wore equally puzzled expressions. Becky’seyes were round, demanding answers. Mom’s gaze held no judgment—only patience and support. She knew me. She knew I must have a good reason for this deception.
I took a deep breath, my fingers tightening around the ring. “Yes, it’s true. Sue and I aren’t really engaged. Although we are in a relationship.”
I hoped at least that part was true, although I wasn’t sure anymore.
“Why did you lie?” Carlo demanded.
His gaze was the hardest to meet. For some reason, I’d wanted to earn his approval. Now I felt I would never gain his confidence again.
Everyone looked confused. The only one who didn’t seem curious was Elaine. She had withdrawn into herself, but she was listening carefully.
For a second I felt a sharp twinge of resentment toward Sue, because she’d left me to face this alone. I immediately felt sorry and ashamed for my feelings. Her mother’s careless rudeness, almost cruelty, had been only the final drop that filled the glass. This moment had been long time coming. I was just a collateral victim.
These people deserved answers, even Elaine. They had invested time, money, and emotion into this event. They needed to hear the truth.
I let out a slow breath. “We lied because she felt trapped. Someone snapped those pictures of us and posted them without context. Her job was on the line, and her family—” I flicked a glance at Elaine, still frozen in place. “She didn’t want to disappoint you, or be pushed back toward her cheating ex.”
A collective gasp rippled around the table. Paul lurched to his feet. “Cheating? Who are you talking about?”
“Neil,” I said flatly. “He cheated on her. That’s why she broke the engagement.”
Elaine winced, as if I’d struck her. Her skin drained of color until even her lips were pale.
“My God,” she whispered. “Are you sure?”
“Of course I’m sure.”
