Page 47 of The Billionaire's Pact

She went back with a determined stride, and I stormed after her. “I’m not leaving. The Marinis went through so much to make it great for us.”

“It wouldn’t look right if I left on my own this early.” She stopped outside the restroom and took out two pills from a small case.

I shook my head. “And besides, we’re leaving for Italy later.”

“Then just go away with me for an hour? I’ll make sure you make it in time. Tonight’s giving me bad flashbacks, and I don’t want to be alone.”

I shook my head. “I can’t go, Mama.”

“Can you get me a glass of water?” she asked.

I left her to get it, stopping a hostess to request for the water, and she quickly went to get it for me. My stomach churned as I thought about what his family would think if I left early with Mama.

When I reached her, Mama was talking to Rocco. And from his sour expression, he didn’t like whatever she was telling him.

“We were all worried about you two.” Rocco winked at me.

Mama gave me a look that meant, “Tell him for me.”

“Mama has a migraine, and she asked me to take her home,” I said to him.

His eyes widened in surprise. “I’m sure Glenn can take you home.”

“But I need Adelina,” Mama said. “She’s the only one who understands how bad they get.”

Rocco’s jaw tightened. “No, Adelina can’t go. A car will drive you and Glenn to the airport and fly you home. Thank you.” His voice held a polite finality.

Mama’s gaze narrowed. “Can you send Glenn out to meet me here—”

“We won’t do that,” Rocco said, answering for me in an abrupt tone. “We have our family, friends, and some press here. I’ve been questioned already about why your parents didn’t come.” He paused and Mama’s face pinked, but she didn’t say a word.

“It’s improper. You’ll need to come explain to my family and leave civilly.”

My mouth dropped open and I furrowed my brows. “Civilly? My mother said she’s unwell.” Even if Mama was lying, his insult was just as bad and it also surprised me. I thought he was kind.

He smirked and stared at Mama. “It’s the very least you can do, even with a headache.”

Mama stared hard at me waiting for me to save her. However, I agreed with Rocco. No one was making her stay, only asking her to give her leave.

“Please, Mama,” I said softly. “I’ll be right with you.”

Her eyes widened and her lips puckered like she sucked a sourball. “Unbelievable,” she hissed. She turned on her heels, and thundered back inside the hall without a backward glance.

Rocco gave me an icy glare before morphing his face into a plastic grin and taking my hand. “Let’s go give your mother a proper goodbye.”

“She did like you asked,” I shot back with just as much annoyance. But when we reached the hall, I put back on my rehearsed smile. There was no need to cause a scene.

We shook hands with more people as we made our way back to the table. When we reached it, his parents’ faces were blank as Mama babbled. “It’s been a long week. I’ve just gotten over a cold, and now I have a migraine. I’ll have to cut the evening short just in case it’s something more serious. It’s been so delightful to meet you all, and I’m looking forward to the wedding.”

“She wants Adelina to go with her,” Rocco announced.

My skin went cold. The groans around the table brought a rose to Mama’s cheeks.

“I usually help her when she’s sick,” I lied.

“I’m sure Glenn can take you to a doctor if you need help,” Mrs. Marini told her, her top lip curled.

Mama’s lips formed a line, but she didn’t say anything in response.

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