Page 25 of Sinful Lies

“I can’t say I’m surprised to only hear of this relationship now.” Mom settles on the couch opposite Dimitri and me. “Zara has always been a very private person. Even when she was in high school, we didn’t find out who her prom date was until he showed up on the doorstep with a corsage.”

Mom’s eyes light up with amusement as she looks at me.

Dimitri chuckles. “Glad to see she hasn’t changed.”

I elbow him in the ribs.

I glance at my father, but he seems nothing but relaxed as he sits in his favorite armchair, sipping a bottle of beer.

I haven’t been back to my parents’ house in a while. After moving out and attending college in the city, it was hard to come home to the suburbs even just for the holidays. It was too quiet, toosuffocating. I love having my freedom, and being in Manhattan makes me feel as if I’m truly living.

I know my parents miss me a lot, but they’re very supportive of my choices, particularly my dad. Which is why I really didn’t want to have to lie to them about this whole wedding business, especially when my mom cried with happiness when we told her the news.

My dad takes a sip of his beer. “Have you set a date?”

I shake my head. “Not yet.”

Mom sighs. “A fall wedding would be just lovely.”

“Maybe…” I keep fiddling with my engagement ring to keep my hands busy, and Dimitri seems to notice as he places a hand over mine.

He smiles at my parents. “We really just want to enjoy the engagement for now.”

Mom nods. “Of course. So tell me, how did you propose?”

I take a moment while they chat to look around the cramped living room. I’m hit with a wave of nostalgia as I take in the photos of Emily and me at every age that are covering the walls, from high school graduations to Halloween costumes and dance recitals. It’s a collage of my life, and I know soon enough a picture of me in a white dress will be at the center of them all.

My eyes start to sting, and I have to look away to stop myself from calling the whole thing off right there and then.

An hour later, I make our excuses, despite my mom trying her best to convince us to stay for dinner.

I can’t bear another moment of having to lie to the people I love. It’s been an emotionally draining few days, and I can’t wait to get back to my apartment where I can take off my ring and just be Zara Mullens for a few hours.

“Don’t work too hard, Dad.” I kiss my father on the cheek.

He huffs, his mustache twitching as he grimaces. “Crime doesn’t sleep, honey,” he grumbles. “But I’ll do my best.”

I step to the side so Dimitri can shake my father’s hand, and my mom pulls me in for one last hug goodbye.

“You seem really happy, Zara.”

“I am, Mom.” But the knot in my stomach says otherwise.

“Well.” She pulls back, and I cringe at the tears in her eyes. “Don’t be a stranger. That goes for you too, Dimitri. You’re part of the family now.”

“I promise we’ll be back soon.” Dimitri wraps an arm around my waist and pulls me against him.

The moment the door closes, I step away from Dimitri and bend over, bracing my hands on my knees. I could puke at any moment from the way my stomach is churning. “Being engaged to you is making me sick.”

Dimitri chuckles, but then his hand is on my back, rubbing in soothing circles.

My eyes flutter closed for a moment as I try to catch my breath.

“Better?”

“I think I’ve had enough of being your fiancée for one day.”

7

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