Page 68 of Marrying Off My Husband

My heart leapt as I hoped she realized her mother was lying.

“Where are we going?”

“To the attorney, pet. We have to stop Spencer from robbing you blind. Now, you made a mistake marrying that boy, but Mama’s going to fix it.”

I couldn’t believe the lies she was telling poor drugged Louise.

“Okay, Mama,” Louise said with a bob of her head. “Thank you.”

My heart broke as Louise stepped toward her mother, allowing the woman to wrap her arms around her and lead her from the room. I stayed in the closet, my pulse still racing as I waited to make sure they were gone.

My mind spun. What was I going to do? How could I help Louise?

CHAPTER 17

SPENCER

An incessant banging sounded at my door as I stared at the spot the car had been in a moment ago. I’d been politely told last night that this meeting was a private family matter, and I was not needed.

Louise had agreed to go alone, telling me she’d fill me in later.

My lips tugged into a frown. After the debacle with Eve last night, though, we hadn’t had a chance to discuss it further.

Louise had taken their argument hard, tears sliding down her cheeks in a steady stream. “I always do this, Spence. I always push everyone away.”

There had been no consoling her despite my best efforts. She’d locked herself in her room.

I’d tried to see her this morning, but she hadn’t answered. Instead, I’d had the pleasure of running into my less-than-sweet mother-in-law, who reminded me my presence was not required or welcome at the morning meeting.

So, I’d spent the rest of my morning pacing the floor of my room, wondering where Eve had gone. I’d waited up for hours, but she’d never returned. I worried something may have happened to her. What if she’d wandered into the wrong area of town?

I’d considered calling her, but realized she’d likely not speak to me.

Between saying I only wanted to fake date her to the kiss with Louise, I’d royally messed up everything between us. And it made my heart ache.

And now I’d have to find another fake girlfriend to date when we got home.

I kicked at a tassel on the carpet, my jaw tightening as I wished I could go back and undo that one foolish moment.

It had been Eve on my mind when I’d pressed my lips against Louise’s, but I couldn’t tell her that. Even if I wanted to, I’d likely never have the chance.

I collapsed on the edge of the bed, puffing out a breath as I wondered how we’d find Eve to take her home.

A loud, frantic banging jarred me from my thoughts. As I rose to answer it, each step felt weighted with dread. Swinging the door open, I found Eve, wide-eyed and frantic, her chest heaving with rushed breaths as if she’d run here.

“Eve,” I said, heat washing over me at the sight of her. “Thank goodness you’re okay. Listen, about last night, I can explain–”

“There’s no time for that,” she said with a shake of her head, waving her phone in the air. “We have to help Louise.”

“Help Louise?” I tried to make sense of her statement.

“Yes,” she said, her voice nearly pleading.

“Okay, slow down,” I said as I guided her into my room and eased her onto the bed. “What happened? What do we need to help Louise with?”

She licked her lips, her features pinching. “Louise’s mother is drugging her. She’s going to try to make it look like Louise is crazy, and then she’ll invalidate your marriage, take her money, and have her committed.”

The story sounded incredible, and I stared at her like she was speaking another language.

---