Page 68 of Fallen Stars

Levi releases my hand, leaves me at the entrance of the room and goes to stand where he can look everyone in the eye.

“Quit playing coy, son,” Mr. West says with a forced chuckle. “Abigail has already shared the wonderful news.”

A knot forms in my gut as I wait for someone to elaborate. Minute-long seconds tick by without an answer as the pang in my stomach twists and morphs into a gnarly beast.

“What news?” Levi demands with a growl, his fingers balled into fists at his sides.

“Mind your tone,” Mr. West says more politely than he would without select guests.

Mrs. West sidles up to her husband and pats his thigh. “He’s probably just nervous, Jefferson. Ease up.” As she says the last two words, she squeezes his leg.

“Will someone tell me what the hell is going on?” Levi’s voice booms throughout the room.

Time stands still for a split second as all eyes dart in his direction. Then everything moves in slow motion as Abigail rises from her seat, walks over to where Levi stands and loops her arm with his.

Dazzling smile on her face, Abigail lifts her left hand and wiggles her fingers, a behemoth diamond sparkling in the light. “I know you told me to wait, but I just couldn’t.” She giggles and clutches his arm harder. “I had to share the news of our engagement.”

My heart falls to the floor as my body turns to ice.

What. The. Fuck?

It isn’t true. And it’s not a part of their fake relationship either. Levi would have told me immediately. He would have warned me about something this monumental.

Yet my mind refuses to grasp reality. It only believes the lie.

I stumble back and hit the wall. A shiver rolls up my spine as the room blurs and narrows.

But it’s Levi’s thunderous words that snap me back to the present.

“What the actual fuck, Abi?” He rips his arm from hers and steps back. “We are not fucking engaged.” He scoffs. “Hell, we’re not even a couple. We never were.”

Levi moves closer to me as everyone’s eyes widen.

“It was fake from the goddamn start.” He jabs his chest. “My idea to get you all off our backs.” His eyes narrow on her. “Because we’re both in love with someone else. People our families wouldn’t approve of.”

A nervous laugh falls from Abigail’s lips as she inches closer to her parents. “There’s no one else, Daddy.” She shakes her head vehemently. “I swear.”

“Wow, Abi.” Levi gives her a disbelieving look. “Are you that scared of your parents knowing about Desmond?” His gaze shifts to Mr. and Mrs. Calhoun. “He’s a great guy. Laid-back, thoughtful and madly in love with your daughter.” He tilts his head and narrows his eyes. “Did you break up with him to do all this?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she lies with too much ease.

“Either way, I put an end to this whole fake relationship bullshit two weeks ago.” He slices the air with his hands.

“No, we’re enga?—”

“Shut the fuck up, Abi,” Levi yells.

“My apologies, Ray, Angel,” Mrs. West says at the same time Mr. West barks out, “Levi, a word in the other room.”

Meanwhile, I try to blend into the wall and escape this new form of hell.

“No!” Levi shouts. “I came here for one reason.”

My pulse whooshes in my ears. My hands tremble at my sides. Anxiety swells beneath my diaphragm.

This is it.

Watery eyes meet mine and hold them for one, two, three breaths. The corners of his mouth tip up in the softest smile. Then he breaks the connection to face his family, lifts a hand and points in my direction.

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