Page 173 of Forgot to Tell You Something

“I could kill you, Charlotte.” His shoulders slump as a defeated breath exits his body. “It wasn’t decided, but it’s so much money, Tally. Money that could take care of us forever.”

It’s a one-two punch. Not only did he betray me—again—with yet another lie, but he followed the sound of money instead of his heart. Maybe he’s more like the Auerback family than I thought.

I sway on my feet, my head spinning. I glance at my hand, the once shiny diamond now a mocking reminder of another carefully calculated lie.

The tears spill down my cheeks, but I make no move to wipe them away. “I don’t want the money. I wantyou. You didn’t even talk to me about this, Owen.”

“You see where his loyalties lie, don’t you?”

I shove my finger in Charlotte’s face, so tempted to knock her block off. “You’d better shut the fuck up, Charlotte, before I impale you with your designer earrings.”

“My, my—”

“Charlotte, get the hell away from us,” Owen growls.

She huffs and walks away, but I notice a spring in her step. So glad I could make her night. My gaze flits back to Owen, praying for a miracle. Praying that I heard everything wrong. “We don’t need their money, Owen. I don’t care about some fancy house.”

He grasps my arms, his eyes wild. “It’s atonof money, Darlin. So much more than you can imagine.”

I yank my arms away, not believing what I’m hearing. “That’s it, then? It’s all about the money. Not what’s best for us, or our child, but what’s best foryouand your wallet. Got it.”

“I told you I hadn’t decided, that I had to give it some thought.”

“Owen,youdidn’t tell me anything. Once again, I find out from a third party. My opinion doesn’t matter. I see that now. It never did.”

“It’s all that matters, Tally. I’ll go call off the deal right now.”

I shake my head, throwing up my hands. “You’ve already made your decision. I’m sure it’s a ton of money, and youweregoing to marry a billionaire. You have a certain lifestyle planned, and my meager earnings don’t fit that profile. But what good is a pile of cash if our child never sees his father? What kind of marriage will we have if you spend all your time with your ex-fiancée? You know that won’t work, Owen.”

“Tally.”

“It won’t work.” Then it hits me. He knew about the deal and yet proposed that same night. “Why did you ask me to marry you?”

His jaw slackens at my pointed question. “Because I love you, Tally. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

“You won’t everbethere, remember? Your darling Charlotte saw fit to that, and you fell for it—hook, line and sinker. You’re a fool, Owen Stevens, but don’t feel so bad. I’m a far bigger fool, because I believed in you.”

“Tell me what to do, Darlin. Tell me what you want, and I’ll do it.”

I shrug, wiping my face with the back of my hand. “You should already know. All I’ve ever wanted is you.”

His eyes are glassy, mirroring my own. “Then stop running, Tally. For once, trust me enough to give me a chance.”

“You’re all out of chances, Owen.”

I whirl on the ball of my foot, scrambling to the closest exit. I stumble down the hallway, desperate for air, for peace. Neither of which is coming.

I want to go back in there and rail against Owen and his pack of lies. I want to smack the smirk off of Charlotte’s model perfect face.

I do neither. Instead, I get my keys from the valet and leave. If it’s peace I’m looking for, I won’t find it there.

* * *

Has anyone ever mentioned how difficult it is to hop a fence in an evening gown? While pregnant?

Thankfully, my dress is another thrift store find, because now it’s headed for the rag bag.

I use the light from my phone to walk amongst the headstones. I had to turn off my cellular service, because I’ve been barraged nonstop by Owen and Ken, both desperate to know my whereabouts.

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