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I notice Lil studying me, and I shake my head with a reassuring smile, wanting her to feel at ease—worry is the last thing I want for her. But it’s hard to maintain, knowing all too well what this conversation is likely going to be about.

After Gemma and Lil go off picking up Mary to fly back to college, I make my way to Dad’s study.

What can I say to convince him that Lil is different? That she’s not like the rest of the Edmunds family?

I knock.

“Come in,” Dad calls, and I walk in.

He sits behind his large oak desk, his expression unreadable. “It’s about time. Sit down.”

I flop into one of the chairs across from him. “Dad, I—”

He holds up a hand. “We already talked about the Edmunds girl, but you don’t seem to listen.”

“She’s not like the rest of them,” I say. “You don’t even know her.”

“I don’t need to know her. She’s an Edmunds. That’s all that matters.”

“Why? What if she makes me happy?”

“Happy? Please. You’re too young to understand what that means. Getting involved with her will only create trouble.”

My nostrils flare. “That’s not fair, and you know it.”

“I won’t have you mixed up with them. Don’t you remember what happened?”

“I don’t care!” I rise to my feet. “Lil makes me happy. That’s all that should matter to you.”

“Sit down.” His gaze is hard.

I remain standing, glaring at him.

“You’re too stubborn for your own good. I’m only trying to protect you, but you never listen.”

“Because you need to let go of the past.”

“As long as the Edmunds are around, I will never let go,” he says coldly. “Now end this foolishness before it destroys you and this family.”

“Why can’t you trust my judgment for once?” I ask quietly.

He shakes his head again, weariness etched into the lines of his face. “You’re too blinded by your affection for that girl to see reason. Marc Edmunds will use your attachment to his niece against us. He’s always resented us, and now he has the perfect weapon.”

“She would never do anything like that. She—”

“Because of back then? Wake up. You’ve known her for what, a few months? I’ve dealt with Marc Edmunds for over thirty years. Do not question my judgment on this.”

I have to clench my fists to keep from lashing out. “Just stop,” I say hoarsely. “Why do you still hate them? Because she didn’t choose you? Do you even love mom?”

“Watch your tongue.” His eyes flash with anger. But he visibly reins in his temper, expression hardening into a mask. “You will end things with her today. No arguments. Do you understand?”

I stand there seething, my jaw clenched so tight it aches. How can he be so fucking blind? So stuck in the past that he can’t see what’s right in front of him?

I want to scream, to throw something, to make him understand. But I know it’s pointless. He’s made up his mind, and nothing I say will change it.

Fuck, I can’t end things with Lil. Not after everything we’ve been through. Not after I’ve finally found someone who makes me feel alive, who sees past all the bullshit and likes me for me.

He wants me to give that up?

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