Page 22 of You're To Blame 2

“Go to sleep like everyone else on the jet. The time change will suck later. I figured if I slept now, maybe I wouldn’t be so tired when we arrived.”

I heard my dad whistle-snore three rows back like he did whenever he was exhausted. A single fluid low light bulb ran around the wall of the jet, providing minimal light while we slept.

I snuggled into the plush tan leather seat, pulling the blanket up to my neck.

“Are you ok?”

I hated to make eye contact. At that moment I saw the man I loved. Those blue eyes that stole my heart. Those curly dark locks I missed running my fingers through. And that broad chest that served as my haven.

“Yeah, you’re right. I’ll go to sleep.”

Did I sense Mason wasn’t thrilled to follow through with his grandfather’s deal? What did it matter? He’d clearly do anything he wanted. Didn’t matter if his true love sat in the audience watching him tie the knot with his obsession. Maybe the guilt of betraying his brother was weighing on his heart. If so good.

The twins darted down the hall. “Emma and Carson, hold on,” Nina yelled, scurrying behind them. Mason said he needed to find his grandfather. My heart lurched in my chest just thinking about that evil old man. What kind of person would harbor a child for years behind the parents’ backs? Brian and my dad said they werelooking for the bar. The maid staff and seamstress whisked mom, Melissa, and me into an oversized bedroom on the second floor. I tried swallowing past the huge lump in my throat. All I wanted to do was ransack every room until I found Tate. Peeking out of the window at the lush green landscape, I clutched my arm.Get a grip, Chelsea. You have to hold it together. Don’t let them win. You will be reunited with Tate.I squeezed my eyes shut.You just have to believe.

His belongings have to be here somewhere. The moment I have time alone I’d uncover his clothes. To inhales his scent would bring me solace.

“Chelsea, Chelsea.” Mom gripped my arms, staring at me eyes wide. “What’s going on? Talk to me now.”

“I’m fine, Mom.” No smile followed to reassure her I was ok. Not sure how I’d sleep knowing Tate, and me were under the same roof.

“Chelsea, if you aren’t ready to get married say the word and I will call it off.”

Melissa stepped over, stroking my hair. “Tate, will understand, if you cannot follow through.”

The tears streamed down my face. “I need to sit down and catch my breath.” They helped me over to the bed. Mom and Melissa wrapped their arms around me.

“Melissa and I are here if you want to talk.”

I shook my head. “There isn’t another man I ever envisioned myself marrying.” Until, Mason hijacked me, forcing me into an arranged marriage.

“Time to try on my wedding dress.”

They sat back and smiled.

“All right,” Mom stated.

A few minutes later, I stared at my reflection in the tall mirror. My fingers lingered over the embroidered white A train skirt.

“You look stunning, honey.”

“Thanks, Mom.” I admired the off the shoulder dress.

“I am famished. Is it lunchtime yet?”

Melissa glanced at her watch. “Chelsea, I will call the kitchen and have the chef whip up lunch for us.”

“Great.” I smiled.

“We should freshen up. We’ll meet you downstairs.”

The seamstress helped me climb out of the dress.

“Ok, Mom.”

The second I was alone, I ventured out on a private tour of the fortress.

Why would someone need so many bedrooms? I sauntered next door and peeked left to right, before entering. I turned the knob and scooted inside. My heart raced as I opened and closed every drawer. On myhands and knees, I glimpsed under the bed. I left nothing to chance. The walk-in closet was the last place I checked for anything Tate may have brought on the trip.I won’t give up. If I had to search the other wing, I’d wait until after the party. I sat on the bed closest to the door in the fifth bedroom. “Ugh,” I groaned.

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