C H A P T E R2
Reminders of You
Ella
The Present
My gaze was fixed on the grandfather clock in the dining room. I was waiting for it to strike 10:00 p.m. so I could plan my escape from this party.
Currently, the Cordova household was buzzing with guests as my parents hosted their annual fall soirée with all their close associates. I was born and bred in Montardor, which was as beautiful as it was corrupted. Living within the high society of this city, I was well-accustomed to its key players—the rich, depraved men and their bored trophy wives.
We Cordovas weren’t criminals per se, but we did socialize with the kind of people who were. As a result, we found ourselves in these circles.
I swirled my glass of pinot noir and took a tentative sip while the chatter rose in decibels. Butlers walked around the perimeter of the room, offering more wine and flirting with the socialites.
Across the candlelit dining table, I met Julia Remington’s eyes, which were soft and kind as she sat in front of me. My body tensed up, but I forced myself to return her smile. It was awkward in nature, despite my best efforts.
Vance Remington sat next to his wife. Tall, muscular, dark hair, ice blue eyes, beautiful jawline, and in his mid-forties, he looked like an older version of my ex-boyfriend. From the looks and down to his mobster demeanor.
A pang of yearning travelled through my chest when I saw him reach for his wife’s hand and bring it to his lips for a kiss. The way he gazed at her with quiet adoration reminded me of the way his son used to stare at me.
Before he fucking ruined us.
I’d seen Cade’s adoptive parents multiple times since our breakup. It didn’t get easier with time. Especially when I remembered how I once thought the Remingtons would be my future in-laws.
Truly, I’d loved them like my own family.
Noting my pensive state, mypapá, sitting to my right at the head of the table, said with a prickly undertone, “What’s on your mind,mija?”
Francisco Cordova was nothing if not perceptive. Outward appearances meant everything to my family. My little brother Emilio and I were expected to conduct ourselves in a manner that brought honour to our name. For me, that meant playing the role of the classic good girl daughter in front of the world.
He didn’t like that I sat aloof, not participating in the conversation or giving a single shit about the latest gossip. Really, I was just here to eat and then quickly take my leave.
After all, I had big plans for tonight.
“Oh, I’m just wondering what’s for dessert,” I replied peachily.
Tres Leches cake, my favourite, but I already knew that.
Papápicked up on my lie and his eyes narrowed. “How’s school going?”
“Great.” I swirled my glass and gulped the wine in an unladylike fashion. “Loving my classes.”
Surprisingly, I was actually enjoying university. I was a freshman at Vesta University’s business school, double majoring in management and marketing. My true calling was art, butpapádemanded that I take over the family business. An idea that I found abhorrent when I was a kid, even though it was my birthright as the firstborn.
Now I looked forward to inheriting my legacy and being the first female figurehead in our business.
Women were the future leaders of tomorrow.
And I was ecstatic at all the ways I could transform our company and elevate it to a whole new level with my ideas and leadership.
“You’re an intelligent girl, Ella, with a good head on your shoulders.”Papácut through his steak and cast me a pointed look. “I’m assuming you’re acing all your assignments and exams.”
I didn’t know why, but the ‘good head on my shoulders’ felt a bit barb-like. A compliment and an insult. While I’d always worked hard in my academic life, I’d been known to make some bad decisions in my personal one. At least, that’s what my parents believed.
“Mhm. You know me. I’m a smart cookie.” I rarely used sarcasm because I was raised to respect my elders, but I was on edge tonight and a bit irritated. “I get it from you,papá.”
He shot me a timely glare.
