“I have no idea what you’re talking about. Your brother clearly hates me and makes it obvious every single day,” I reply with no emotion, and Lizzy suddenly starts laughing. I turn around, feeling annoyed and confused.
“What? I don't find this funny.” I look at her with a blank expression and she immediately looks at me gently and smiles.
“Yes, it is funny. Funny in the sense that you do not see what is really happening. My brother wants you. No, I even think he is completely smitten with you. He just does not like itand is fighting it. Believe me, he will not let anyone come near you except maybe himself.” She giggles again but I give her a warning look.
“You are crazy. Nicolas hates me. But let’s leave it at that. I have to get ready. To hell with these vultures… what should I wear?”
Suddenly I realize my situation and the indifference slips away. I cannot stop it.
“Oh, believe me, you are very wrong. Now come with me so we can show the world how suitable you are.” She steps in front of me and takes my hand, dragging me into the dressing room. “And Lia, I am sorry. I did not want to hurt you or call you stupid. I was just terribly worried about you. It was brave, I know that. And my idiot brother knows it too.”
She gently squeezes my hand, and I look at her gratefully.
“It is fine, let’s forget it. It was just a lot for me.” She nods and pushes me toward the makeup table and in less than half an hour I hardly recognize myself. My hair falls in curls over my shoulders, clipped back at the sides with silver pins. My makeup is subtle and emphasizes my eyes without looking unnatural. I like it.
A high-neck apricot sheath dress with long sleeves and a wide white belt at the waist along with white high heels complete the look.
I look beautiful but innocent and I am always amazed how talented she is with these things.
“Wow, Lizzy, I… wow.” Sometimes I am still amazed at what she can do with a little makeup and the right clothes. “Thank you.” I give her a faint smile in the mirror.
My stomach churns as if it might empty itself, even though I haven’t eaten, and my nerves are on edge. Lizzy notices the slight trembling of my hand and gently presses my shoulders.
“It will be okay. Nicolas will not let them tear you apart. Believe me,” she tries to soothe me, but I’m still uncertain.
“Ready?”
I startle at Nicolas’s voice behind us and catch sight of him leaning against the doorframe through the mirror. He’s dressed in gray slacks and a black shirt with the sleeves casually rolled up. Heat rises to my cheeks, and a restless nervousness washes over me as I study him. My emotions tangle in confusion, and I swallow hard when our eyes meet in the glass before I give a small nod.
“Let’s go. Lizzy, you know what to do.” He nods to his sister, and I rise on trembling legs, turning slowly. His gaze drifts over my body with a lazy ease before settling on my face.
His eyes sparkle, but I can’t tell if he likes what he sees. I don’t care because my stomach twists unpleasantly, and I have to be careful not to vomit.
Nicolas holds out his hand and I take it with a pounding heart, but instead of starting to walk, he pulls me close. His hand slides down my back and rests on my tailbone.
“You look like you might throw up at any moment, darling. Here is a little advice…” He taps my nose with his free hand before talking again. My stomach flutters excitedly and I catch my breath at this intimate gesture.
“Try harder this time to convince them.”
The blow hits deep and stings the already open wound a little more but this time I do not show him how much his words hurt me every time. After all, he does not care, and without paying attention to my reaction, he takes my hand again and pulls me along.
Into the lion’s den.
Asshole. I am and will remain an asshole.
No idea why I always end up hurting Amelia, why I keep wanting to see her. Because every damn time I do, it feels like a sharp arrow piercing deep into my flesh. And yet, I keep doing it over and over again.
Amelia Perlington is like a beautiful rose with sharp thorns that draw you in, and if you’re not careful, you tear yourself on them.
Looking at her hurts me. It stings and stings and stings because she reminds me of Phil. And what he stood for. Because she seems so much better than me. Because she makes mefeel.
I can clearly feel her little hand trembling in mine as I pull her into the conference hall of Harlington Castle, and again the devil and angel argue inside my chest. On one hand, I want to throw her to these vultures and expose all the secrets she’s hiding. Want to see if she can withstand all this crap. On the other hand, I feel ready to tear apart anyone who comes too closeto her. Anyone who hurts her, who even looks at her the wrong way.
We enter the hall through the side entrance for the castle residents, and I let my gaze wander around the room. At the front, there’s a podium set up with seats and microphones for the speakers. Several rows of visitor seats are positioned in front, today occupied by members of the press.
My father is already waiting for us with a serious expression.
“Amelia, Nicolas. I hope you are well prepared. Your appearance will influence how our people view the reputation and credibility of our house, particularly yours, Amelia. We cannot afford to lose the trust of Harlington.” He looks disapprovingly first at my fiancée, then at me. Goldilocks shrinks under his stern gaze, so I gently push her behind me.
