That sounded kind of cryptic.
I hold his gaze. “At least he’s not a monster.”
“I deserve that,” my father says on the heel of a small laugh devoid of any humor. “You have no idea how guilty I feel about putting you through this, but––”
“I’m the only way out of this cluster fuck of a mess.”
He glares at me.
I cock a defiant eyebrow.
“When is the wedding?” Daddy moves right along.
“This Sunday.”
His eyes widen. “That’s fast.”
“I thought that’s what you wanted.”
“I thought it would be a few weeks. Not a few days.”
“Phoenix doesn’t see any point in stretching things out.”
“I’m sure he knows what he’s doing.”
“Phoenix’s executive assistant will make travel arrangements for you and Uncle Ian. He’ll hire a private jet for the two of you.”
“That’s generous of him,” my father says with a touch of humility.
“It’s going to be a private affair at his father’s mansion.”
Daddy nods. “It’s a good idea to keep it intimate.”
“Yes, the less people—” A crippling thought enters my mind as a pang of pain stabs at my heart. I place a hand against my chest and fold over a little.
“What is it, ladybug?”
I pinch my lips and lift my hand to cover my mouth as emotions bubble up.
A tear trickles down my cheek.
Then another.
And another.
“Did Phoenix do something to you? Did he force himself on you? That’s not part of the deal. He gave me his word he would treat you with respect.” Anger colors my father’s voice.
“No.” I wipe away my tears. “So far, he’s been a gentleman.” I inhale a shaky breath. “It just hit me.”
“What just hit you?” Daddy’s voice rises.
“I’ve known since the day Mom passed away, she wouldn’t be at my wedding, and I know this is a fake wedding—” I sniffle. “Still, it’s a hard pill to swallow not having her there.”
My father’s eyes close for a beat. When he opens them, they’re glassy.
We stare at each other in silence, overcome with emotions.
His gaze flinches as he blinks away tears. “Oh, ladybug, you just broke me,” he says, his voice trembling. “I’ve been single-mindedly pushing my mission forward. Securing the Villiers Grand’s future became top priority—myonlypriority. I was so afraid I had fucked up your heritage, so ashamed I had let the woman I loved with every part of me down, I didn’t even stop to think about Mom not being here and how that would affect you.” He takes in a long, deep breath. “I’m so sorry, ladybug.”
