Page 65 of The Reluctant Wife

Arthur resumes his seat in the armchair twin to my father’s.

A log crackles in the fire. The silence stretches. I sense Ryot’s perusal from across the room where he’s standing next to Gavin. His stance makes it clear that he’s watching Gavin. I have a feeling he wishes Gavin would try to escape so he'd have a chance to bury his fist in Gavin’s face. To be honest, I'd like that a little too much myself.

Ryot’s made sure to put himself between Gavin and me, and while I’m sure Gavin won’t try anything, I’m thankful for that.

The longer my father doesn’t speak or meet my gaze, the more my stomach ties itself up in knots. My nerves are so stretched, I’m sure they’re going to snap. It’s clear my father is not happy.I’ve disappointed him. I’ve compromised the future of my country.My shoulders droop.

“I know this is not what you want to hear.” I look away, then back at him. “I know how much you were relying on the money coming in from Gavin and his family. But how can I go through with this marriage when I know he’s not the one for me?” I plead.

My father finally looks at me. His jaw is tense. There’s also resolution in his gaze, like he’s made a decision. My pulse rate goes into overdrive.If he asks me to marry Gavin anyway and sacrifice my future for the betterment of Verenza, will I do it? Especially knowing I’ll never feel the way I did with Ryot with anyone else?I can't help myself; I glance at Ryot.

He, too, must read my father’s expression, for his jaw hardens. He takes a step in my direction, but Arthur shakes his head. Ryot glares at his grandfather. Then, in direct contradiction of his grandfather's order, Ryot walks over to stand next to me.

Arthur’s eyes gleam in a pleased expression. How strange.

As for me? I’m glad to have Ryot near me. But also, I don’t want to make this entire situation worse. Before I can say anything, my father places his glass on the accent table. There’s a look of such anger on his face that I flinch.

Then he glares at Gavin. "Get out.”

Relief fills me. The tension gripping me drains away, and I sway. Ryot instantly grips my shoulder and steadies me. He doesn’t remove his hand, and I don’t pull away either.

Gavin’s features turn hard. He looks older than his years. Or perhaps, he looks more like himself. I realize now that the innocent boy persona he likes to wear is an act and this is the real him.

"If I walk out the door so do the millions my father was going to invest in Verenza.”

“Out.” My father points to the door. “Is that clear enough for you?"

Gavin seems taken aback for a few seconds, then he turns to me with an ugly look on his face. ”You, are going to pay for this, you whore.”

My father draws in a sharp breath. But it’s Ryot who closes the distance between them and grabs Gavin by his collar, hauling him up until he's barely touching the floor with the tips of his Italian loafers.

“Apologize. Right now,” Ryot growls.

Gavin’s features grow purple; he makes a choking sound.

“What was that?” Ryot glares at him.

“S-sorry,” Gavin stutters.

Ryot throws him out of the room. Tyler, who’s on guard near the door, shuts the door after him.

Ryot walks over to me. “Sorry about that.”

I shake my head. “He’s at fault, not you.” I am so glad my father supported my decision. But below the relief is this gnawing worry. I’m conscious of what this means for Verenza’s future too. I walk over to my father, and when he opens his arms, I walk into them.

It’s a testament to how upset he is that for the first time in a very long time, he hugs me. I hug him back tightly. When he finally releases me, I step back.

"Thanks, Papa," I murmur.

"I’m glad you’re okay." He kisses my forehead. Then, straightens and nods in Ryot’s direction. "Thank you for taking care of her."

Ryot, who’s been watching the entire scene unfold with a stony face, bends his head in a half-bow. His eyes are hard, and his jaw is set. He seems angry.

Silence descends, broken only by the crackling of the fire. The firelight bounces off the rows of books which line one of the walls of the study.

The wall on the opposite side features a partially shredded painting by a famous British graffiti artist. It used to feature a girl with a balloon, until famously, when it was auctioned, the artist caused the bottom half of the painting to disintegrate. It only increased the value of the artwork exponentially. I had no idea Arthur was the owner.

He strokes his chin from his position in the armchair. He also notices my interest in the painting. His lips quirk. "Imelda, my girlfriend, loves the original street version painted by the artist, all of which have either deteriorated or been removed."

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