Page 49 of Forever Fake

I study the invitation closely. Fuck me. We’re flying to Miami then taking a yacht to a private island near Puerto Rico. That’s going to be at least five days stuck on a ship with my family. Hell on earth. Then another couple of days on the island. A full week. Kill me now.

I’d rather sleep on a bed of broken glass than make this trip. But Yve isn’t giving me a choice. If I refuse, who knows what kind of shit she’ll pull. Plus, I need to be there, don’t I? I’m not leaving Liam alone for a week with our step-monster. AndLexa… I need to figure out what’s going on with her. Does she want to marry Franklin? Doubtful.

Gin will have to endure all of this too. It’s the perfect opportunity to introduce her to my family, but I won’t let her walk onto that boat unprepared. It’s time my fiancée learns all about my fucked up family and the type of drama that’s bound to unfold.

CHAPTER 22

Ginevra

“Let’s get down to business.” Arianna flips open her laptop, fingers poised over the keyboard. “Where do you want to get married? Finding the venue is often the most difficult part of planning any wedding, especially on short notice. Do you want to stay in the city or is there somewhere else in the world you envision getting married?”

She’s treating this like it’s a real wedding, which warms my insides and sends butterflies through my stomach.

I think about her question. Staying in New York would be easier for everyone, but… that also means my ex could get to me. I don’t know what he’ll do when he finds out I’m getting married. My guess is that he won’t like it, he might even try to interfere.

“I want to get married in Europe.” An ocean between me and Oliver might be enough distance.

“Let’s have a look…” Arianna types on her computer as Sophia, Ravenna, and I lean in. “We have Belmond Hotel Caruso in Ravello, Italy.”

The enormous white castle by the sea is absolutely stunning, but I shake my head. I’m not sure what I’m looking for, but I’ll know it when I see it.

“How about Châteaux Vaux-le-Vicomte in France. This garden inspired the ones at Versailles.” It’s beyond beautiful, and luxurious, but again I shake my head and Arianna moves on. “The Savoy Hotel in London?”

The venue has an old world charm that draws me in instantly. Deep wood paneling, beautiful wallpaper, and a cozy yet rich quality to it that I adore.

“That’s… it! That’s the place.” I glance at Arianna. “Do you think we can get in? It’s the end of May already. August is only a couple months away.”

“I’ll have to call them and find out. But you’re right, it will take a miracle. Did you like any of the other venues as a backup plan?”

“I could go with the one in Italy. That castle’s gorgeous.” But my fingers are crossed for London.

“I’ll put them both on the list. I think you’re going for old world vibes so I’ll keep searching and see what else I find.”

Grinning wide, I hug Arianna. “You’re the best sister ever!”

“Hey, what about me?” Sophia playfully smacks my shoulder.

“Second best?” I laugh at her fake pout.

“Ladies.” Blake’s standing in the doorway to the sitting room. My breath hitches at the way his frame fills the space, and he looks good enough to eat in that navy blue suit. He’s so damn attractive that it’s not fair. “May I have a word with you, Ginevra?”

My stupid heart skips a beat every time he says my name, even though I’m not over being mad at him for calling me a liar. Or how he dragged me in front of my entire family and announced our engagement, when I specifically told him I wasn’t ready. Though I should have expected that. Blake Baron is not a patient man. When he says he’s going to do something—like announce our upcoming nuptials at my sister’s wedding—you better believe it. Lesson learned.

So far, the aftermath has turned out just fine. If anything, forcing my hand has brought me closer to my sisters and cousin. So I don’t really have any complaints.

“Sure.” I follow him out of the room. “What’s up?”

His jaw muscles work, he’s annoyed, but I swear I haven’t done anything wrong recently. “My sister Lexa is getting married in two weeks. Our presence is mandatory. We’ll be gone for about six days.”

“Oh. Where are we going?”

“To hell.”

“Um…” I nibble on my bottom lip, confused. Surely he doesn’t mean that literally, does he?

“To the West Indies. By yacht. We’ll be trapped on a boat, then on an island, with my family for days on end. I’m not sure how to prepare you for such an experience, but I’ll do my best.” He lifts his hand to sweep a strand of my hair behind my ear and I step back, breaking the contact.

I don’t like how Blake thinks he can do and say whatever he likes without consequence. His lack of respect for me…hurts. I wish there was a way to show him that I’m more than just a puppet for him to use as he sees fit. I have feelings too.

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