Page 162 of Hateful Games

“Hi, my sweet Rosalie,” says my mom as she pulls a tense Rosalie in her arms. Soon, she relaxes and returns the hug. “I was so happy when Nova said you’re coming to our place instead. I’ve been telling him for some time now.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry we had to cancel at our home.”

I pull Rosalie against my side and lie, “Our cook canceled at the last minute.”

Rosalie looks up at me in surprise before nodding along. “Sadly, I’m not a good cook.”

“By that she means, not at all.”

She elbows me hard in retaliation and goes red as a beetroot, realizing my parents saw it. Hand flying to her mouth, she mumbles, “Oh, I’m so sorry.”

“Someone should keep our son in check,” says my dad with a small smile. My mom chuckles and caresses Rosalie’s arm in affection. Dad gazes down at my mom and teases, “Are you going to invite the kids in or not, Teresa?”

Rosalie observes us with a comical expression, as though we’re alien creatures. I wish I could read her mind and what is swirling in them. The look is gone as soon as my mom takes her hand and they both walk away, leaving me and my father alone.

“You’re smitten with her, aren’t you?” he asks, as I step up by his side.

The denial is on the tip of my tongue but I can’t get myself to say it. “You would like that, wouldn’t you? It works out perfectly for you. Bringing our families closer brings you closer to her.”

His smile falls and expression hardens. “I’ve told you this marriage has nothing to do with her or my past.”

“Your whole life has been about her,” I sneer. “You might fool Mother, but not me.”

“People change, son.”

“If that were true, I wouldn’t be married to your enemy’s daughter.”

His lips twist in displeasure and his eyes penetrate into mine before he slowly warns, “Whatever qualms you have about my intentions or your in-laws, you will do nothing to sabotage your marriage, Nova. Rosalie is innocent in all of this, I will not let you ruin her life.”

“See, it didn’t even take you long to accept her as your daughter.”

“Don’t ruin the one good thing that’s happened to you.”

“You’re making a mistake trusting Mihir,” I flatly tell him. “Snakes might shed their skin but underneath, they’re still treacherous and venomous backstabbers. You want to turn a blind eye, be my guest. Don’t expect me to fall in line.”

Pushing past him, I storm inside the house.

My father is losing his touch, and tonight he proved me right. Between him and the narc amidst my office, I’d be putting out fires left and right.

With it, the sinking feeling in my gut solidifies that something perilous is on its way.

Chapter Forty-two

Rosalie

Nova is in a dark mood, despite the easy smile he wears for his mother.

Ever since he returned with his father a few minutes ago, he’s been silent and tense. It’s in the rigid set to his square jaw, shadowed with evening stubble. Danish, his father, has poured himself a scotch from the bar in the corner and is quietly sipping. Every now and then, he glances at me and makes small talk.

With each question, Nova’s gaze darkens a little more as he subtly glares at his dad.

Does he not want me to get along with his father?

They looked friendly when we arrived. What could they have said to each other that they’re now at each other’s throats? My curiosity is piqued.

If Teresa senses the animosity, she doesn’t comment on it. Her full attention—surprisingly not annoying—is all on me. Just as Nova mentioned. Teresa’s sweet pampering and warmth is reminding me of my mother, who I’ve exchanged a few texts with here and there.

“You can sit with Nova, sweetie,” suggests Teresa as we enter the kitchen. “The dining table is already set. I can bring the rest.”

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