I’ve never felt so much pressure to give in to one of her marriage schemes before. It’s not only a personal union, but a business one? I know Mom and Dad have their doubts about my ability to take over the company. I was supposed to take over a year ago. It’s been the tradition for the next CEO to take over at twenty-five. My dad took over at twenty-five, and my grandfather did as well. Anticipating the same would happen with me, I worked my ass off to get through school and then start working in the company to prove myself before I took the reins. I was successful with every project I was a part of, and moved up the ranks quickly, earning the trust and respect of my colleagues as well as the other executives. I never doubted that I’d proven myself more than capable of taking things over. However, my parents didn’t quite agree. They decided I needed more time before I took over, so they have put off naming me CEO until… I don’t actually know. They haven’t given me a timeline, which pisses me off, I’m not going to lie. Trying to force this creep onto me is only adding insult to injury.
I need to get away. I’m getting too worked up, and I can feel a panic attack brewing, and I can’t let my parents see that happen. They think I have my anxiety under control. I’ve managed to hide the worst of it from them for years, not wanting to worry them or burden them. They went through so much pain withColson, I can’t put them through any more. I’ve done a good job, but I can’t let myself slip up now.
I’m so lost in my spiraling thoughts, I lose track of the conversation and subconsciously lift my hand, ready to bite my nails when I catch my mom’s eye. She’s watching me with disapproval, and I realize I’ve totally spaced out and if she’s been trying to talk to me, I haven’t been hearing her.
Shit. Shit, shit, shit, shit.
Dropping my hand, I jump to my feet. “I’m sorry, would you excuse me for a moment? I forgot something upstairs.”
Mom gives me a stiff nod, and I hurry away from the group, keeping my gaze lowered, though I can feel all their eyes on me as I make my way to the staircase.
I count to myself as I climb the stairs. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten. One, two, three…
It helps me maintain my composure until I reach the third floor and get inside my room. The moment I shut the door behind me, I let out a gasp and sink to the floor. Holding my knees to my chest, I suck air into my lungs, trying to breathe through my anxiety.
It’s okay… it’s okay… I just need to focus. Stay in the present. Don’t let the panic carry me away.
Fuck! I have to find a way out of this. When I think about Leon and his cringy smile, I know I can’t marry him. No way in hell. How could Mom just spring this on me?
I wish Dad were home, but he’s still at the office. Does he know about this? Does he approve of this?
What if I told Mom I didn’t want to marry Leon? I can’t imagine how she’d react. Would it mean a fight between us? God, I don’t want to fight with her. She’d probably be so disappointed, and I can’t stand the thought of letting her down.I hate to see that sadness come into her eyes. It always reminds me of the way she looked after Colson…
Okay. I need to do something. I can’t confront her, so maybe I should get out of town for a bit and let this whole thing blow over. Out of sight, out of mind, right? If I leave and show no interest, Mom might let this go like she has all my other “suitors.” It’s never been a problem before. I usually go on one date to appease her, then tell her why I’m not interested in the guy. Even if she’s disappointed, she never pushes the guy at me after that. She just goes to find another one.
I know her endgame is getting me married, but she’s neverledwith that like she did tonight. She’s always, ultimately, given me the choice. So, for Leon to mention marriage and she didn’t do anything to correct him…I don’t know how to process that. There’s something bigger going on here and I don’t know how I can escape it. OrifI can.
Clambering to my feet, I make my way to my bedside table and grab my phone. Sinking onto the edge of my bed, I shoot off a desperate text to Rylee.
Sutton: 911! Rylee, help! I have to get out of here! My parents have finally gone too far!
I sit and wait, praying she responds, but I know she’s got a lot on her plate right now with her pregnancy.
A couple minutes pass with no response, and I decide to call my Aunt Delilah instead, desperate to have someone to talk to. Growing up, Aunt Delilah has always been a confidante for me. As much as I love my mother, there are things I just can’t talk to her about. Things she wouldn’t understand or wouldn’t fit into her idea of what my perfect life should be.
Aunt Delilah understands me. She doesn’t judge me or question my abilities. I dial up her number and, thankfully, she answers after only two rings.
“Sutton, darling!” she exclaims. “What a delightful surprise.”
“Hey, Aunt Delilah. Sorry to call out of the blue like this.”
“Oh, my dear, you never have to apologize for reaching out. Is everything okay?”
I hesitate a moment before releasing a long breath. “No…not really. Mom is trying to set me up again.”
Aunt Delilah chuckles. “Again? My sister is relentless, isn’t she?”
“Yeah,” I murmur. “It’s different this time, though. The guy is the son of an old friend of hers, and they’re already talking about us supposedly gettingmarriedbefore we’ve even had a date… which she’s never done before. Plus, it’s not just a personal union, apparently, but a business one.”
“Is that so?” She sounds curious now. “Who is the friend?”
“Aubrey Reynolds. Do you know her? I’ve never met her before, but Mom insists they used to be close.”
Aunt Delilah releases a groan of disgust. “Ugh, yes, I remember Aubrey. I can’t believe your mom is still friends with her. I was never a fan.”
“That so?” I slide further onto the bed and settle with my back against the pillows and headboard. “How come?”
“She always seemed rather entitled,” Aunt Delilah explains. “I mean, most people I know are entitled to some extent, but there was something extra snobbish about her. I think I remember her showing some interest in your father at one point, but that obviously never blossomed into anything. Still, I never really understood how your mom could stand being friends with her, but she’s always been far more patient and forgiving of people than me.”
