We step back into the noise and light of the celebration.
And behind us, my father takes his last breath.
It isn’t until Nancy slips her hand into mine that I feel it, her gaze, burning into me.Leonie.
I look up, searching through the crowd.
And then I see her.
She’s staring straight back at me, her face pale, her eyes locked on mine, with my brother standing too close at her side. My world tilts, everything narrowing to that single point of contact.
It happens too fast. Nancy’s fingers tighten around mine. Her other hand comes up, cupping my cheek. I freeze. As she rises onto her tiptoes and presses her mouth to mine, I realise she’s smirking—the curve of her lips, the satisfaction there.
She knows exactly who’s watching. She knows exactly what this will cost me.
Her mouth lingers a second too long, a deliberate show, and when her tongue sweeps forward, I pull back sharply, my breath ragged, my chest tight.
But the damage is already done.
And as I turn back, Anthony has her by the arm and is trying to drag her away.
LEONI
“Get your fucking hands off me,” I scream.
A few people nearby turn, curiosity flickering across their faces.
“Leoni, stop,” Anthony hisses close to my ear, gripping my arm. “Let’s go outside and I’ll get Warren to come and explain—”
“Explain what?” I snap, wrenching against him. “That he’s a lying, cheating wanker?”
“Let her go.” Warren’s voice cuts through the noise. I stiffen. Anthony releases me instantly. “Well played, little brother,” Warren adds coldly. “For a minute there, you reminded me of our father.”
Erik grins, dipping into a mock bow. “I aim high.”
I finally look at Warren. For one stupid, fragile second, I almost forget everything. Almost forget the way my heart just shattered.
“It’s not what it looks like,” he says.
I laugh. The sound is sharp and brittle, too loud for the room. “So, you’re not engaged to her? You didn’t just kiss her in front of my eyes?”
“Go home,” he says quietly. “I’ll come over when I’m finished here and explain.”
I scoff, rolling my eyes. “You have to be joking.”
“Leoni, please.”
I’m already shaking my head, backing away, when Nancy appears at his side. Her smile is cruel. Triumphant.
“Don’t be mad with him, Liz,” she says sweetly. “He was only doing what his father asked.”
“Nancy,” Warren snaps, warning threads through his tone. “Now is not the time.”
She grins wider. “Time is all I have. Just be honest with the girl.”
“Maybe I’ll send those videos after all,” Warren warns.
“I can spin that story,” she replies smoothly. “Trust me.”
