I didn’t back down either.
He ran his tongue over his teeth then nodded slowly, as if telling me two could play this game. “Tell me,mija, have you seen Josh around campus? He’s attending Vesta University, too, yes?”
The temperature on our end of the dining table chilled.
My smile was wiped off my face.
Vance’s and Julia’s heads swivelled our way at the mention oftheir son.
Mymamásat next to me and she too perked up at the mention of Josh, abandoning her conversation with the young socialite to her left.
The fingers holding the stem of my wine glass clenched. I almost shattered it under my strength. By a miracle, I held it together, counting to five in my mind as I breathed through my nose.
Uno, dos, tres, cuatro, cinco.
I could not believe he’d thrown Josh in my face right now.
Mypapáand Vance were long-time friends. I knew Josh since we were babies. He was a great guy—funny, charming, respectful, and cute. My parents adored him and wanted me to date him since the dawn of time. It would be a great way to merge our families, yet Josh and I had never seen each otherthatway. Ever.
He was in love with Layla.
And me?
I’d fallen in love with Cade Killian Remington three years ago.
My parents hated that I dated the adoptive son who was nothing short of bad news.
After our messy breakup, they basically said, ‘I told you so,’ with haughty voices.
“No, I haven’t seen Josh around,” I whispered, my voice frail despite the fire burning under my skin.
Mamáput a comforting hand on my shoulder, inchingpapáa frown. And for a second, I saw guilt flash across his face when he realized he’d hit a nerve.
I’d needed weeks to glue my broken pieces once I broke up with Cade. Our separation took a physical toll on me. My parents were first-hand witnesses to it. I was a shell of a girl after the whole thing happened. Even now, I barely felt healed.
“Ella—”Papástarted with an apologetic tone.
Frustrated, I threw my napkin on my plate like a white flag, signalling the end of dinner for me. Scraping my chair back, I got up and ignored the guests’ curious looks. “Excuse me, but I think I’ll retire for the night. I’ve had a long day and I’m exhausted.”
“Dessert will be served soon,mija,”mamásaid in an attempt to keep me at the table.
“No, thank you.” I adjusted the silk skirt of my rust-coloured gown and grabbed my wine glass. “Hope you all enjoy the rest of your evening.”
Nobody bothered to stop me afterwards.
I was an adult who could make my own decisions.
Even if they weren’t always the best ones.
Head held high and shoulders squared back, I sauntered out of the dining room with all the grace of a youngprincesa. My invisible crown in place, my heels clicking against the marble flooring, and a cloud of fury looming above me.
Once I entered the empty hallway, the fast beats of my heart were magnified and my left hand’s fingers flexed before forming into a clenched fist.
I had the irresistible urge to hit something.
The only thing in my vicinity was a crystal vase resting on a demilune table. A recent purchase made bypapáduring his last trip to France.
On my way past it, I slammed the antique item onto the floor in retaliation.
