Page 56 of Silver Hills' Christmas Miracle

Why did I have to defend myself for having a relationship? I was an adult. I didn’t need to explain anything to anyone.

Suddenly, the door to the study flew open and my father charged inside. His face was twisted and purple.

“Is it true?” He bellowed so loud that every hair on my arms jumped up. “Did you fuck Hugo?”

My mind froze for a moment. He’d been Rook for me for over six months so I clean forgot his real name was Hugo.

“Dad, listen?—”

“Don’t you dare!” He pointed a thick, waving finger at me. “Tell me if it’s true!”

“Why?” I snapped back. “Are you calling Mom a liar?”

“Kitty!” Mom appeared behind Dad and gasped loudly. “Your father is just trying to understand.”

“Understand? By yelling in my face?”

“You—” Dad’s hand curled into a fist and he pressed it firmly to his mouth.

“He’s worried,” Mom said. “And angry. Kitty, wetrustedyou. Hugo is your father’s friend and I… I know this may be difficult, but if he forced you in any way, then we can make sure?—”

“No!” I exclaimed. “Holy shit! No, he didn’t force me. I was completely willing and eager each time he wanted to fuck me because I felt the same, okay? And I’m an adult. You don’t get a say in this, understand? Who I chose to spend time with and love is my own business, and you don’t get to make these threats to destroy a man’s life just because you can’t handle that I’m not a child anymore!”

“Love?” Dad scoffed. “You know nothing oflove.”

Did I say love? I hadn’t noticed, but it was the truth. I knew it, deep down in my soul. Rook saw me. He treated me better than anyone had ever treated me. He cared for me. He saved mylife. And now I was carrying his baby.

“Did this start while he was still employed here?” Dad growled.

Theyessat on the tip of my tongue, but I hesitated. Would this get Rook into trouble? I didn’t know anything about their work agreement or contract, but it suddenly felt like any answer I gave would be used against Rook.

“Don’t be foolish, Samuel,” Mom snapped. “It’s clearly been going on for a while if she’s using the word love.” She turned to me, her eyes angrier than I’d ever seen. “Kitty. Your father’s friend? Were there really no nice boys your own age?”

“You’re joking, right?” I snapped. “Dad and his fucking golden spoon have fucked up our reputation so much that half this town wouldn’t even spit on me if I were on fire. Do you think I could get a date? What Rook and I have is… you wouldn’t understand.”

“Of course not,” Dad snapped and his entire body trembled from rage. “I brought him into this house. He was my friend. I gave him our trust, let him into our home, and he repays me by defiling my daughter!”

“Defiling?” I barked out a humorless laugh. “Don’t be so dramatic. I certainly wasn’t a virgin when I first slept with him. Look, I understand that this could look like a betrayal.” I forced a deep breath to try and calm myself. “But you can’t help who you fall for. I’m just… sorry you had to find out this way.”

“God, I can never show myself at the seamstress ever again,” Mom wailed, and she dropped into the seat across from me.

“Honestly, I don’t think Hilda minded.”

“For God’s sake, Kitty. Can you think of anyone but yourself?” Mom snapped, and she surged forward, slapping me sharply across the face. “You are bringing shame on this family!”

My cheek flared hot and I stood abruptly. “Me? I’m bringing shame for having a boyfriend? Do you two even hear yourself? So twisted up on reputation and what other people think in your rich little circles that you don’t even stop to think about how it affects people. Mom, you told me you’d missed the town, andyet you still follow Dad and his misguided plans for this place. You’re both as bad as each other, butI’mthe shameful one for having a little sex?”

“He’s your father’s friend,” Mom bit out. “He’s too old for you, never mind everything else. You honestly want to stand there and tell me you have feelings for him?”

“Yes!”

“No, you don’t!” Mom stood. “He saved your life. I understand that, but it’s making you confused.”

“No, it’s not!” I yelled, and tears sprang into my eyes. “I love him! I know how I feel. You don’t get to stand there and tell me how I feel.”

“But I do,” Dad growled out darkly. “He’s fired, and if ever steps foot on this property again, I will have him arrested, do you understand me? See him again, contact him again,entertainhim again for even a second, and not only will I send you to stay with your Aunt, but I’ll make sure you never see a penny of your inheritance.”

My gut fell out of my ass and a sickly chill swept up my spine.

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