Page 57 of Bittersweet Legacy

“I’ve watched all the reruns of all the CSIs, I'm basically an expert.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle at her comment – leave it to her to make me laugh in the midst of a heartfelt moment. I kept repeating it but this girl really was a godsend.

“As far as your friends and your uncle are concerned, we’ll figure something out.”

“Do you want me to leave?” I asked, unsure how I felt about that.

“If it’s what you want, yes. You’re clearly not enjoying this life and I'm not even sure I want to stay after graduation either, you know. I don’t think these people are made for me. So why would I want you to be stuck here? It isn’t fair.”

“Thank you.”

Anytime.”

“Just tell me when, so I can be ready but I know it won’t be ‘adieu’. It will just be for a while and one day we’ll meet again.” She jerked her head towards the phone. “I bought another burner for me; I saved the number in yours. Just promise to text me every once in a while when you’re gone, please. Just to make sure you’re OK.”

“Of course, I swear.” I held the phone to my chest as if it was a lifeline. I would forever be thankful to Tay for this. It was a way to communicate with Luke… Ben – it was a way out.

Chapter 13

I wasn’t sure why I was so nervous to attend my own engagement party – it wasn’t like it changed anything.

The commitment had already been made a couple of weeks ago and my father had made it clear there was no turning back, and yet somehow I couldn’t help the butterflies in my stomach. It was apprehension and maybe something else, something I was a bit fearful to acknowledge.

I stared at myself in the mirror and at the ethereal gown I was wearing, it was such a pale pink it looked almost white. It was gossamer tulle adorned with velvet appliqué flowers and puffed, padded shoulders, balanced by the slender waist which flattered my curves but also made me look innocent. This dress, coupled with very discreet makeup, rosy lips and my hair gathered in a messy bun with a few loose strands framing my face, clearly nailed the virginal, innocent look that was the only value of a fiancée.

“Everybody is here,” my stepmother informed me, popping her head into my bedroom. “Are you ready?”

I sighed, turning toward her. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”

She gave me a sad smile, cocking her head to the side. “I know it doesn’t look like the best right now, but it doesn't have to be all bad, you know. Caleb is still young; he can still become a decent husband.”

I nodded, and it was clear that neither of us believed her words.

“We need to go now, your father’s waiting for you at the top of the stairs and he’s not a very patient man.

I snorted at this. “Yeah, don’t I know it.”

She extended her hand to me and squeezed it for support. It was funny how my first impression of her as a housewife barbie, shallow and selfish, had been so wrong. She was a kind woman stuck in this life just as my mother has been. I never would have thought she would become a source of comfort, and yet she was.

My father smiled approvingly when I joined him by the stairs.

“Esmeralda, you look even better than I could have hoped.” He extended his arm, which I took with my best fake smile plastered on my face.

Caleb and Archie were waiting at the bottom of the stairs, both dressed in impeccably tailored tuxedos.

I met Caleb’s eyes and I couldn’t see the usual hate in them, his mask had slipped even if for a few minutes and I could see confusion and awe in his eyes – it was gone almost as soon as I saw it but it had been enough to give me just a sliver of hope that even if my escape plan didn’t work, I might not be as miserable as I had first feared.

My smile turned genuine as I kept my eyes on him but, as if my logic wanted to fight any potential of blooming feelings, the images of the birthday flashed back in my head and I tensed, my smile slipping from my face.

Caleb frowned at my sudden change of mood, but I turned my head and looked away toward the reception.

“Esmeralda,” Caleb bowed at the waist. “You look absolutely stunning.”

I bowed my head slightly, matching his fakeness. “Thank you, Caleb.”

My brother rolled his eyes, and this caused my lips to tip up. We were more alike than he knew himself.

My father led me to the reception room, followed closely by Caleb and Archie. I was unsure of what a socialite engagement announcement really was like, but it all seemed very formal.

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