Page 19 of Temptation and Tyranny

I never spoke about my father. Most people assumed he must have died along with my mom, and I had never bothered to correct them. I used my mother’s surname, the name I shared with my grandparents, who raised me after the man standing in front of me fell short.

“And miss an opportunity to support such a worthy cause?” He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “You look lovely, my dear. Your mother would be proud.”

The mention of my mother sent a pang through my chest. “Thank you,” I managed to say, but I could feel my teeth grind together as barely controlled rage rippled through me.

“And who is your charming friend?” he asked,turning his attention to Joanna.

“Joanna Chen,” she introduced herself, extending her hand. “I work with Allegra at the clinic.”

“Ah, yes,” my father said, shaking her hand. “Allegra’s...career choice. Still enjoying playing nurse, are we?”

I felt my cheeks flush with even more anger. “I’m a physical therapist, Father. I help people recover from injuries and improve their quality of life. It’s not ‘playing.’”

He waved a dismissive hand. “Of course, of course. Still, I can’t help but think your talents could be better utilized elsewhere. The family business, perhaps?”

“We both know that’s never going to happen,” I said firmly.

An uncomfortable silence fell between us. Joanna shifted nervously beside me, clearly sensing the tension but not understanding its source.

Finally, my father spoke again. “Well, I suppose I should mingle. It was...good to see you, Allegra. Miss Chen, a pleasure.” With a nod, he turned and blended back into the crowd, disappearing into a sea of tuxedos.

I let out a shaky breath, trying not to give into the tears I felt pooling in the corners of my eyes.

“Al,” Joanna said quietly, “I had no idea your father was—is…” she trailed off, clearly not understanding this new development, before checking in on me, as she always did. “Are you okay?”

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak just yet. We made our way to our booth, and I quickly busied myself arranging our pamphlets and display materials, grateful for something to do with my hands. I tried tocalm my breathing, but I kept glancing around, as if waiting for my father to suddenly ambush me.

However, as the room began to fill with additional guests, I found myself relaxing slightly. This was familiar territory—talking about my work, explaining the benefits of physical therapy, offering advice. Physical therapy was truly my passion, and the opportunity to share my work filled me with purpose. I got so caught up in a conversation with an elderly gentleman about the importance of maintaining mobility that I almost didn’t notice Jo’s gasp of surprise.

I looked up, curious about what had caused her reaction, and partly terrified that my father had come back over.

But it was another man who claimed my attention.

Cooper Moreau had just entered the ballroom, looking impossibly handsome in a perfectly tailored tuxedo. But it wasn’t his appearance that had caused a hush over the ballroom. It was the woman on his arm—a striking brunette with a radiant smile. Even from across the room, I could see the gentle way Cooper guided her, his hand resting on her lower back.

As they moved farther into the room, I caught a glimpse of her profile and felt my breath catch in my throat. She was pregnant, maybe three or four months along, her flowing black gown doing little to hide the soft swell of her belly. The light caught something on her left hand, and I realized it was an enormous pink diamond ring.

I felt an unexpected pang in my chest, followed by a wave of shock. Cooper was married? Or engaged? And about to become a father? The thoughts hit melike a physical blow, rapid in succession. Why hadn’t he mentioned it during our sessions? And why did it bother me so much? I felt my face go red, and a pounding seemed to radiate in my ears. For a second, I thought I was having a stroke.

I blinked quickly, trying to steady my thinking. Of course, Cooper had a wife or fiancée, a family on the way. Why wouldn’t he? He was successful, judging by his car, and attractive; charming when he wanted to be. And I was...what? His physical therapist. Practically below his notice. Basically, an employee. Nothing more.

I watched as Cooper leaned in close to whisper something in the woman’s ear, making her laugh. They looked so comfortable together. I tried to look away but couldn’t.

“Al?” Joanna’s voice barely registered through my intense observation of the radiant couple. “Are you okay? You look like you’re about to pass out.”

I forced a smile, finally dragging my gaze from Cooper and his apparent fiancée. “I’m fine,” I lied. “Just surprised to see Mr. Moreau here. I didn’t expect it.”

Joanna frowned. “He wasn’t on the list, or I would have told you. He must be a guest. Several wealthier clients bought tables to fill, he’s probably here on someone else’s invite.”

I nodded, then turned back to our booth, trying to focus on the task at hand. But as hard as I tried, I just couldn’t shake the feeling that this night had just become far more complicated than I could have ever imagined. And why did the sight of Cooper with his beautiful, pregnant fiancée make me feel so...disappointed?

Chapter Seven

Cooper

I scanned the crowded ballroom, half-listening to Ashlynn’s excited chatter about the decor, the music, the guests...she prattled on and on, and it was only out of respect for Steele that I pretended to listen. Ashlynn was a nice girl, and I was glad she made Steele happy, but I couldn’t fathom his deep and utter devotion to her. I chalked it up to how their relationship started—she was his prisoner, forbidden fruit he longed to sample, and that intoxication must have contributed to his feelings for her.

My eyes roamed over the crowd of guests, glamorous in their gowns and tuxedos, when I did a double-take.

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