Page 42 of The Billionaire's Pact

Jacob and Cindy

I dabbed my eyes and wrote a reply.

Hi Jacob and Cindy,

First thing I’ll do. Tell him I love him so much!

Adelina

Jacob had some good in his life. Yarwood Springs is better than the places we ever took him to before. We had a relationship that held a lot of meaning to the both of us now, and that made everything worth it. If things worked out with Rocco, then maybe we could grow even closer. But that all depends on us making it to the wedding ceremony.

I took a deep breath and tried Cassidy again.

She answered while talking to her mother. “Mom, give me a minute. It’s Adelina.”

“Adelina,” her mother’s voice came out loud from nearby. “Oh, please tell her I’m happy to hear she’s engaged. We love her and hope to see her again soon.”

“Did you catch that?” Cassidy mused.

“Yep, tell them I hope they can come with you,” I spoke loudly on the line.

“I held it out to Mom and she nodded,” she said and chuckled. “How are you, gorgeous?”

“I’m about to get ready for the announcement party. I wish you had been able to come.”

“Sorry. When you sent me the invitation, I was already on a flight to Cancun. We’re still here, and I’ve been a lazy bum, sunning and cocktails. But I plan to jet ski and snorkel tomorrow.”

“Sounds like paradise,” I said and touched the flower petals.

“Not as exciting as your party.”

“I’m nervous. The press will be there.”

“You’ll be fine. Don’t make up answers and just smile. That’s what I do when I go to events with my parents.”

“Oh, I have some big news. I met Nadia and Paul Crane. She’s styling me and making my dress.”

“Get out. No way,” Cassidy said excitedly. “Is she nice?”

“Very. I wish you could have come tonight,” I said and sighed.

“Me too, Gorgeous.”

The doorbell chimed.

“I’ve got to go.”

“I do, too. But please know I’m there in spirit. I’m so happy for you. I’ll try to call you later. I love you, Lina.”

“Love you, too, Cass.”

The neon sign for The Brass Clarinet was ahead of us, along with a red-carpet full of press, and a stream of luxury cars lined up outside the club. Photographers and tourists stood outside to glimpse the rich and famous. From what I could see from my window as we waited, they weren’t all celebrities, but they had a public persona all the same.

A stylist had come to fix my hair and makeup at the hotel. She’d added a loose twist to my long black hair, eyebrow pencil and mascara to my long lashes, and a little gloss on my lips. Combined with the swing dress, I looked so different. Like a grown-up version of me. Stylish and beautiful. The way I’d always wanted to look. I’d convinced myself I didn’t need much because I never thought I’d have it. But now, seeing myself well dressed, I looked as good as a star. It was like a cloak of confidence. I hadn’t known the power.

I’d turned my phone off but took it along. Tonight was having my moment in the spotlight. I felt dazed, a bit dizzy. Not only would Rocco introduce me to the public, but I’d meet his family. He hadn’t prepared me, and I wished I’d used some of my down time to research his parents. Too late now.

“You ready, beautiful?” Rocco asked with an exuberant smile.

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