Page 13 of Chasing a Highland Dream

Olivia looked up at her. ‘It’s too late, Bella. Forget it.’

Innes walked across the room and stood by Bella. ‘It’s not ruined. We can still make this happen. It’s 5.55 now, let’s say it will take half an hour to call people if we all take a portion of the list. We can do the house tour at 8 and the fashion show at 8.45 with the canapés and Champagne as people watch, then the buffet while the band plays their set. If we explain the situation, say a glitch in the new internet connection perhaps, I’m sure people will understand. We can say it’s a casual affair, no need to dress up especially, less pressure that way.’

Olivia straightened up a little. ‘You really think we can do this, Uncle Innes?’

He nodded. ‘Absolutely!’

Bella nodded. ‘And I think Innes is right; if a few of us chip in with the calls, we can do it. We have nothing to lose. We can at least try.’

Olivia’s face brightened and she smiled. ‘Okay, let’s give it a go.’

Bella printed out the list and handed sections to Skye, Ben, Brodie, Mirren, and Innes, keeping the last section for herself. Olivia went to revisit the running order of the show and see if anything would need to be changed. Everyone with a list went off to find a quiet corner in which to make their calls, but before Olivia left the library, Bella stood before her again.

A multitude of emotions vied for dominance within her as Olivia narrowed her eyes. ‘Honestly, Bella, what were you thinking? You know what Kerr’s like. You’ve witnessed what a shit he can be and you still fell for him?’

Bella shook her head. ‘I promise I didn’t fall for him. It wasn’t anything as deep as that and I knew you’d hate it, that’s why I ended things.’

Olivia sighed and closed her eyes briefly. ‘But you could have fallen for him, then what? I genuinely can’t believe you even contemplated a relationship with that cruel, heartless narcissist.’

‘I know, and I’m so sorry.’ Bella swiped away tears as they fell at pace down her cheeks.

Olivia shook her head. ‘I’m not upset with you for dating him, however briefly it may have been, I’m upset you kept it from me but more than that, I’m upset you didn’t think of yourself and what he would do to you. He isn’t worthy of you, Bells. You deserve better and he’s my brother so I know what I’m talking about.’

Bella simply nodded.

‘But then again, I allowed him to be here too. I believed his lies so I’m just as much at fault.’

Bella sniffed. ‘I’m 100 per cent sure he was only using me when I look back. I feel so stupid.’ Her chin trembled. ‘Everyone must think I’m an idiot.’

Olivia softened. ‘No one thinks that. They all care for you and know he’s a manipulative swine.’

With regret knotting her insides, Bella said, ‘I’m so sorry, Olivia. Everything you’ve said is true and I’m sure you want to fire me after all this, but instead, I’d like to offer you my resignation, effective after the fashion show.’ Her lip quivered. ‘I’m ashamed at how stupid I’ve been. And I’m so very sorry for betraying you. I promise it wasn’t deliberate. I convinced myself Kerr was actually a decent human being. I couldn’t have been more wrong, and I hope you can somehow find it in your heart to forgive me someday, even though I don’t deserve it. You’re one of the best people I know, and I’ve been so lucky to have you in my life.’

Olivia gave a small smile. ‘I’ve dealt with my brother my whole life, Bells. I know how convincing he can be, he was the same when we were kids, sadly. But after how he’s been behaving lately and the fact that we’ve been getting on so well, even I hoped he’d changed. I clung to that hope and waited for him to prove me right. Sadly, he couldn’t do that. He fooled me too. And he didn’t deserve you, Bella. You’ve adored him since you were a teenager and I’ve watched you pine over him for so long I dreaded this day happening. But I honestly hoped you’d see him for what he is before he got his claws into you.’

Bella gulped and her stomach lurched. ‘You knew?’

Olivia nodded and a smile crept onto her face. ‘You didn’t hide it as well as you thought. The fact you used to blush profusely every time he walked into the room was a bit of a giveaway.’ Her smile faded. ‘But I really hoped he’d leave you alone. I could tell he was aware of your feelings, too, but I knew he’d hurt you. It’s as if he waited until he could make the worst impact. I suppose he’s not capable of being decent after all. He has to twist and spoil everything; he always has. Let’s not allow him to do that to our friendship, though, okay?’

Bella shook her head as more tears cascaded down her face. ‘Of course not. And I’ll stay until you find someone to replace me if that helps.’

Olivia squeezed her hands. ‘Do you really want to leave? Is that what’ll make this whole debacle easier for you? I mean, I can understand you wanting to stay away from Kerr, but as far as I’m concerned, he isn’t welcome here any more. So, is it what you really want?’

‘No!’ Bella sobbed.

Olivia smiled. ‘Then I don’t accept your resignation. You made a mistake. But so did I. And you’ve done so many amazing things here. I meant what I said when I told your granny I don’t know what I would’ve done without you. But I also agree with her you deserve someone decent. And I’m afraid that’s not my brother.’

Bella flung her arms around Olivia. ‘Thank you! I love working here and I’d be devastated to leave. And I can assure you I’m off relationships for a very long bloody time.’

Olivia hugged her tightly. ‘Don’t say that. But maybe let me vet the next guy.’ They both giggled and Bella’s shoulders relaxed.

8

At 7.50 p.m., Bella stood at the entrance to the castle and watched as the last few guests arrived. Not everyone could make it at such short notice on a Monday evening, but Bella was pleasantly surprised and relieved so many had. The last few hours had been draining to say the least, both physically and emotionally.

As they arrived, the guests were ushered into the long gallery, ready for Olivia to give a welcome speech. Bella stood at the back of the room with her granny holding her hand and smiling up at her reassuringly. There were local press officers, business owners, bloggers and local social media influencers in the audience; slightly fewer than had been originally planned but more than Bella could’ve hoped for under the circumstances.

All eyes turned to Olivia. ‘It’s so wonderful to see so many of you here and I can’t thank you enough for taking time out of your evenings at such short notice. I know my team explained the situation and I can assure you all this kind of thing will not happen again.’ She glanced around the height of the room and held her hands out at her sides. ‘With that said, I would like to welcome you all to Drumblair Castle.’