Page 50 of Vows In Corruption

Annoyance runs through my body. I think I like it more when he didn’t say full sentences to me.

“I’m done with you.” I grab my phone and start making my way upstairs to get ready for the day.

Elliot laughs and I hear it all the way up to the second floor.

Not going to lie, going back and forth with him felt nice. That hasn’t happened in years and it wasn’t until this moment that I realized that I missed it a whole lot.

I hope Elliot states in Chicago for longer than just today, but I feel like that just wishful thinking.

After checking to see that Drake is still asleep, the nightmares something he hasn’t experienced in a few weeks, I go and take a shower before changing into the suit that Henry put out last night.

An all black, slim fit Armani suit seems fitting for a day like today, but as I slide it on and look at my reflection in the mirror, something seems off about it.

This is a suit that I’ve worn a hundred times, but today, it feels like something is missing.

It doesn’t take me long to figure out.

The dream.

There was a reason I had that particular memory pop into my head today of all days.

After taking a deep breath, I walk over to the walk in closet and open the watch drawer. Inside there is a small cufflink box that I open maybe once a year when I want to drown myself in memories and happy moments.

I’m not one for cufflinks, unless with a tuxedo, so wearing them today for sure will be something that Henry will notice.

Opening up the box, I quickly scan the contents until I find the pair that I’m looking for. The pair that my father wore the night he died, were buried with him, but because I wanted a piece of him, I had them reconstructed a few years back.

I remembered every single detail of the ones he wore, so they are the exact same.

My hands shake as I put them on, but the second that they are both attached the suit feels complete.

I guess no matter what I do, or how old I get, I will always need a piece of my parents with me at all times.

Not wanting to think about it any more, I put the box back in its place and head back downstairs.

As soon as I step onto the first floor, I feel Henry’s eyes scanning my appearance and I see the moment when he notices the cufflinks.

A sad smile forms on his face but he doesn’t say anything about the links.

“Are you ready for today, Sir?”

I throw a curt nod in his direction and grab the briefcase that he is holding out.

“I’ve been ready for this for years, Henry. It’s time for that CEO title to be mine.”

13

ELLA

“Was that your brother?” I ask as the driver pulls the car away from the Lane property and heads back into the city.

If you would have asked me, it seemed like a big waste of time to send a car to go pick me up, drive me to the Lane house an hour outside of Chicago to pick up Bennett and then head back into the city.

But according to Bennett, it was necessary. How? I have no idea. But hey, he’s paying me from the second I step out of my apartment building, so you won’t hear me complain.

“Who?” Bennett asks from the seat next to me, not looking up from his phone.

“The guy that looks like he could almost be your twin.”

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