Page 97 of Marry Lies
I nod as I sip my third cup of tea, feeling caffeinated and perky. “I don’t understand the stigma,” I tell her honestly. “I know I’m biased now that I bear their last name, but all of them—Charles included—have been absolutely lovely to be around.”
Annette assesses me as she takes another sip of coffee, and I swallow nervously at her assessing gaze.
“Of course. But I think we’re all curious how someone with such a good-natured and philanthropic family came to merge with a family notorious for stealing money.”
I take a deep breath. “With all due respect, I’m not sure that’s a fair comparison to make. People are a lot more than their name, or their history. Everyone deserves a second chance.”
“I see where you’re coming from,” she says softly. “But Charles Ravage lost over thirty-four million dollars. That money belonged to hard-working families. He might’ve been acquitted legally and on paper, but his infamous trial—and the reaction to his verdict—just goes to show that a lot of people still don’t trust the Ravage family. It’s your word against everyone else’s.”
My palms curl in my lap as I take a steadying breath. I expected a question or two about Miles—but I didn’t expectCosmoto get into the trial and everything that Charles Ravage did.
What are her intentions by asking me about all of this?
“I knew what I was getting into when I married Miles,” I tell her, my voice a tad icier than before. “And despite the horrible things his father did, Miles Ravage is a good man.”
Annette eyes me skeptically, and I have to temper the unjust anger beginning to flood me.
“I have sources that say the opposite, Stella,” she says gently. “In fact, is it true that he’s the only one of his brothers who is still in contact with Charles?”
“No, I believe Orion still sees his father from time to time.”
“And the article fromLA Weeklya few weeks ago? What do you make of that?”
I remember the article down to the title.
“Business Versus Bullying: How Far Is Too Far for Ravage Consulting Firm?”
I read it. Of course I’d read it. My hands curl against my thighs. I want to tell her that she’s wrong—that Miles is nothing like his father. That he’s thoughtful, and funny, with a wicked, dry sense of humor. I want to tell her that the tabloids don’t know my husband like I do.
“Quite honestly, it was a load of rubbish,” I tell her, my voice firm.
Her brows furrow, and she leans forward. “Forgive me for the inquisition, Stella. A lot of people are concerned about you. They feel like you and your father have been taken advantage of by a very powerful, very manipulative family.”
My heart clenches at her words. “I fell in love with Miles Ravage before I knew who he was. Before I knew the man attached to the name. He’s funny, and kind, and he takes good care of me. He’s the reason we’re sitting here today—because he believes in this clothing line. Which, by the way, is what I thought we’d be talking about.”
Annette looks somewhat surprised. “Very well. Back to VeRue then. When can we expect your website to go live?”
I sip my tea as I give her a polite smile.That’s more like it.“I’m hoping by next Spring.”
The interview ends shortly after that, and I walk out to Niro’s car with shaky knees. The entire drive back to Ravage Castle, I go over what I said, how I said it, and if my words are going to make any difference in the Ravage family reputation. Miles especially deserves a second chance, and I’ll do everything in my power to ensure people believed that by the time our year was over.
I rub my chest when I think of what that will look like. How am I supposed to walk away from him after everything that’s already happened between us?
More importantly…what-if I don’t want to walk away?
CHAPTERTWENTY-THREE
THE SHOWER
Miles
After waking up just before eight, practically the afternoon for me, I spend the morning working on my laptop with my feet propped up on the pink couch. Much to my chagrin, the color is growing on me. It’s not as offensive as I’d once thought, and if it made Estelle happy, then it could stay as long as she did.
As long as she wants to stay.
After checking my email, I send a large batch of follow-up emails. RCF signed thirty new clients this week, which was a record for us. Shira was onboarding more employees as soon as we could get them in, and Chase was working on possibly expanding our office to the floor above us. Expansion was good. Being busy was good. I make a mental note to thank Estelle when she gets home.
I check my phone for the hundredth time. It’s nearly noon, and I know she’ll be home soon. I can’t wait to see her—to spend more than a quick dinner with her. I want to see her laugh at something I say, nose crinkling in the cute way it usually does. I want to ask her about her first kiss. I want to feel her hand as I hold it on top of the table. I want to ask her about the interview.
