Page 18 of Marry Lies
CHAPTERTHREE
THE SURPRISE
Miles
On my way home from work later that day, and after asking my father’s assistant for Estelle’s contact information, I draft a text to her. It all sounds so trivial. Truth be told, I’m not quite sure what to say, and as I mull over my words, I think of how I can entice her to make this work for one year. Because yeah, I sort of dug myself into a hole, and the only thing that makes sense is moving forward with what our fathers suggested. I owe her big time, and I know she’s not going to like it. Especially because of how I acted last week in Paris. But I’ve given us no choice. If our new client learns that I lied, it will only fuel the fire for everyone to hate usmorethan they already do.
I need her to agree. Even if it means I need to grovel, as Chase suggested.
Even if I need tobeg.
And I really fucking hate begging anyone for anything.
I run my hand through my hair for the hundredth time as I walk into the castle. I’ve already coordinated my evening entertainment with Luna, and the couple I’ve hired is awaiting my presence in the basement. Anticipation swoops low inside of me as I think about releasing all the tension from my workday—the meetings, everything with Estelle, my life in general. Just as I set my keys inside the abalone bowl in the foyer, I hear Luna’s heels clacking against the marble.
I can always tell when she’s in a rush to greet me—usually when things are amiss. Her tiny stature means she has to take quick, tiny steps. And tonight, she’s practically jogging over to me.
Swallowing, I watch as she approaches.
“I’m sorry,” she whispers when she’s a few feet away. “I tried to stop her, and I tried to call you, but your phone must be onDo Not Disturb,” she adds, looking behind her.
My brows shoot up. “Tried to stop who?”
Luna sighs and points at her iPad, as if I can read it from where I’m standing. “Estelle Deveraux. I sent the car to pick her up, and Louis said she appeared quite angry. Once she knew it wasyourcar, she climbed in and demanded he take her to you,” Luna explains. “I’ve managed to calm her down somewhat. She’s currently in the kitchen with a drink.”
I nod once.
Fuck.
“Thank you, Luna. I’ll go talk to her.”
“I’m not sure why she’s so upset. I tried asking, but—”
“I think I know why,” I admit, my voice exasperated.
Walking toward the kitchen, I glance back at Luna once, only to see her make the sign of a cross on her chest and shake her head.Double fuck.If Estelle is mad enough to unnerve Luna…
I am in for it.
I take my time walking to the kitchen, and when I quietly turn the corner, Estelle is seated at the bar—staring right at me.
Her bright purple luggage is sitting next to her stool, and her clothes are bright green. Or, are they pajamas? She’s wearing a green, short-sleeved blouse with the tiniest crop top underneath and matching green shorts that are entirely too short. Her hair is down and wild like it was at the restaurant, and I see her shoes—white sneakers—sitting by the back door.
“Estelle,” I mutter, trying to keep my eyes off her toned thighs and light, honey-colored skin. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
She narrows her eyes as she sips her martini. Dirty, if the cloudy liquid is any indication. As she audibly swallows, she sets her glass down and swivels to face me fully.
“I could ask you the same question,” she murmurs, her voice low.With anger,I realize. “Imagine my surprise at having come off an eleven-hour flight to find out—from a fellow board member, mind you—that I’m engaged to a man I’ve met twice. Especially when that man made it very clear that he didn’t want to marry me a week ago.So much so”—she snarls, glaring at me—“that you, what? Crawled out of the window? Ducked down behind a table as you walked out? Tell me, howexactlydid you manage to sneak out of that lunch?”
I loosen my tie slowly. “It wasn’t my finest moment.”
She scoffs and takes another sip of her martini. “No kidding.” After she swallows, she pins me with another icy glare. “And today? Why is Wendy Hannigan congratulating me on my upcoming nuptials to Miles Ravage? And asking me why Ihaven’t told anyone about our courthouse wedding?” She lifts her glass and downs the rest of her drink in one go.
I must admit, seeing Estelle all riled up has me wanting to smile. She’s cute when she’s mad. Still, I keep my expression neutral. I don’t want to show my hand too quickly. If I’m going to convince her to give this a try, I’m going to need to approach her like I’d approach an angry, feral cat.
“I panicked. I’m sorry,” I tell her.Apologizing is the first step of groveling, right?“My father wasn’t wrong last week. Clients are canceling on Ravage Consulting Firm left and right. I had a meeting with the charity earlier today, and they kept going on about our reputation,” I explain. “Then they mentioned you were on the board, and I seized an opportunity. They signed a contract with us on the spot. I know it was wrong, and I promise to make it up to you.”
She scoffs. “Yes you fucking will. You can start by making me another drink.”
