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Chapter 4

The doorman greets me as I enter the lobby of my parents’ building to get the rest of the stuff I left here. “Afternoon, Ms. Barron. Lovely day, isn’t it?”

“It is, Philip. Thank you.”

Despite having my own home, my parents’ penthouse still feels like a refuge to me.

When the elevator doors open onto the top floor, I’m enveloped in the scent of lilies and lemon. My mother’s signature fragrance. She’s waiting in the foyer, dressed in a pale yellow sundress that complements her blonde hair. At the sight of me, her face lights up.

“Gemma, darling!” She pulls me into an embrace, kissing my cheek. “It’s so wonderful to see you. How are you? And how is Mary doing?”

“We’re good. We had lunch together earlier.” I hesitate. “She has a date tonight, actually. With her online boyfriend.”

My mother’s eyes widen. “Online? Gemma, that’s dangerous. You have to be so careful these days.” Her brows knit with concern. “Promise me you’ll be safe if you decide to start dating again.”

I bite back a sigh, wishing I hadn’t mentioned Mary’s date. “Don’t worry, Mom. I’m not planning on meeting any strangers from the internet.” Yet.

Her frown deepens. “I don’t like the idea of you being alone, sweetheart. It’s been nearly half a year since the divorce. Don’t you think it’s time to start putting yourself out there again?”

“We’ve been over this.” I try to gentle my tone, not wanting to argue again.

Since I told her about what happened with Oliver and the divorce, my mother has become obsessed with managing my love life. She’s determined to see me paired off again as soon as possible, preferably with a doctor, lawyer, or CEO, and I don’t want to concern her with the divorce not being through yet.

So, I’ll play along with her matchmaking efforts. “I’m focusing on my work right now. I told you I want to start my own fashion label.”

She studies me for a moment, then nods. “All right, I understand. But promise you won’t shut me out, darling. I want you to be happy.”

“I know you do. And I will be, in my time.”

A knock sounds at the door, saving me from further discussion. I jump up to see who enters, relieved to see Bash’s familiar face.

“Hey, sis.” He envelopes me in a hug. “Mom said you needed help to move some boxes?”

“Yes, thank you for offering.” I step back to let him in.

Bash strides into the foyer, pausing when he spots our mother in the sitting room.

“Oh, hello, Mrs. Barron. Lovely to see you again.

“Likewise, son. How was your day?”

“I met a very charming person. Mrs. Milton.”

“Mrs. Milton! So, a date.” My mother’s eyes gleam. She’s been trying to marry him off for years now, with no success. “How wonderful. Wait... Isn’t...”

“Ah, slip of the tongue,” Bash says. “I meant Mr. Milton. We just had a meeting. My work keeps me far too busy for dating.”

My Mother is momentarily flabbergasted but recovers quickly. At least one of her children has to produce grandchildren for her.

She pats my brother’s arm. “When you’re ready, darling, I have enough lovely girls I can introduce you to.”

“Of course, Mother.” Bash’s lips twitch, and I have to bite back a laugh.

“Isn’t Mr. Milton single? He’s very successful, right? Seems like quite the eligible bachelor, doesn’t he?”

Bash grins. “I suppose he is. Though I doubt he wants to settle down anytime soon.”

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