Page 66 of Broken Rivalry

A smile tugs at my lips. “Yes, he’s quite adorable actually. So kind that I have a hard time seeing what he sees in me.”

“Ah, I see. He’s smart.” She smiles. “You know, being rich is not a problem; it’s the drive behind it. With your father, I was as much to blame. I saw all the signs. I knew money, power, and social standing would always come before me and his family, and in truth, I wanted to climb the ladder enough to forgo all of it.” She smiles and caresses my cheek. “But you’re wiser than I was. I know you see past all these things.”

“It’s complicated.”

She gives a little laugh. “Everything worth living for usually is. Do you love this young man?”

I nod, tears blurring my vision. “I love him, Mom.”

Her face lights up. “Does he love you?”

“I think he does.”

“Then I love him already! Everything else is secondary. Poppy, you’ve been so devoted to helping us these past two years, working endlessly to keep us going. You’ve given up a lot, your own happiness included. I’ve always wanted you to find someone who would bring joy to your life, who would make you feel cherished.”

I blink back tears. “I never saw it as a sacrifice, Mom. We’re family.”

She reaches out, holding my face carefully. “I know, darling. And I’m deeply grateful. But seeing you with someone, it’s a relief. It means you’re finally allowing yourself to live, to love.”

But as comforting as her words are, a nagging doubt remains. She doesn’t know the whole truth. No, it can’t be, not when she ignores the most important fact of all—whose blood is running in my boyfriend’s veins.

I hug her tightly. “Thank you, Mom.”

“Oh, I’m thrilled, Poppy!” She beams, tightening her hold around me. “Everything is finally working out for us.”

“Yes, it’s amazing, Mom!” And I mean that even if I know I will end up breaking someone’s heart soon enough. I’m not sure if it’s hers, Ethan’s, or ultimately mine.

Chapter 22

Poppy

The cabin stands tall and imposing, nestled amid the thick forest. Its wooden exterior, though rustic, exudes an air of luxury. Large windows offer glimpses of the opulence inside—plush sofas, a roaring fireplace, and state-of-the-art amenities. It’s a world away from my life now, but it feels like a painful reminder of the past.

I stop on the path to look back at the car. Maybe it would be better to go back for now.

Ethan notices my hesitation and takes my hand, leading me inside. The warmth of the cabin envelops us, and I’m struck by its grandeur. Every detail, from the intricate chandeliers to the plush carpets, speaks of wealth and sophistication.

“This is not where your parents used to do the Christmas party,” I say, sitting in front of the fireplace that had already been lit up, probably by their caregiver.

“No, it’s mine.”

I turn toward him, thinking he’s joking, but he looks serious as he presses the button to bring the blinds down as the dusk is setting to give us privacy from prying eyes, which I don’t expect to be many in the remote location we’re in.

We are only forty-five minutes from town, but it feels like the complete wilderness.

“Yours? Was it like a graduation present?” I mean it as a joke, but it comes out with a bite, and I’m not really impressed with myself for this. I know I have a lot of unresolved issues with wealth and what used to be my life, but I can’t take it out on Ethan.

He turns toward me, not missing the edge in my voice. Of course he doesn’t. Ethan is so attuned to me that it’s humbling and scary at the same time.

However, he remains calm, his face happy and serene as he walks past our bags by the door and sits beside me on the comfortable white leather sofa.

“No, this house has nothing to do with the Hawthornes. As you may know, my mother comes from money as well.”

I nod. His mother is a Walton, and I heard gossip that she was actually wealthier than his father when they got married.

He shrugs. “My grandfather never liked my father much, but he loved me. I’m wealthy independently of my father, and I thought you needed to know that.”

“I don’t care about your money.” Because I really don’t, and truth be told, I often think that it would make my life much easier if he were a regular guy.

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