Page 13 of Misconducts & Temptation

"If I didn't show up, my father would disown me," I muttered, turning to the bartender and signaling for another drink.

"So?" He raised an eyebrow, clearly not understanding.

Scoffing, I tried to find the right words. I had no intention of attempting to explain the nuances of this to someone like Damien fucking Sinclaire. At the end of the day, I didn't give a shit about my father or my money, but my mother… She might be dead, but…

"Fuck it."

"Speaking of your father," Damien said, glancing over my shoulder. "He's heading this way. I'll see you around."

"Fuck you, fuckface," I muttered as Damien slithered away like the snake he was.

My father's imposing figure loomed closer, a man who commanded attention without uttering a single word. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a jawline sharp enough to cut glass and eyes that seemed to pierce through your soul. His hair was slicked back with not a strand out of place, the perfect image of control and authority.

"Keaton," he began, his voice low and filled with barely concealed disappointment. "What on earth are you wearing? You look like a circus clown."

"Nice to see you too, Dad," I replied dryly, taking a long sip of my drink.

"And you're late," he continued as if I hadn't spoken. "This is an important evening for our family, and you show up looking like this?"

I rolled my eyes. "I'm here now. Isn't that what matters?"

"No, Keaton," he snapped, lowering his voice so only I could hear. "What matters is that you present yourself in a manner befitting our family name. Your appearance reflects on all of us."

I felt the familiar weight of his expectations settle on my shoulders like an iron mantle. "Sure thing, Dad."

"And your behavior tonight," he added, his eyes narrowing. "I expect you to be on your best behavior. No more stunts like last time."

"Of course." My voice dripped with sarcasm that he either ignored or chose not to acknowledge.

"And remember," he said, leaning in closer, "you have a responsibility to this family."

His words hung heavy in the air between us as I stared into my drink. The same lecture I'd heard a thousand times before—about duty, responsibility, and upholding the family name.

But tonight? Tonight was going to be different.

"Now," my father said, his tone clipped. "Let's go. Lola has been waiting all night."

"You think I give a flying fuck?" I growled, reaching into my pocket and pulling out a cigarette. I lit it with deliberate slowness, savoring the rebellious act as I took a long drag and exhaled a plume of smoke into the air.

"Goddammit, Keaton," he muttered, eyes narrowing in anger and frustration.

"Well, come on," I said, sauntering toward the front with an exaggerated swagger. "Don't we have an announcement to make?"

The crowd parted as we made our way through, whispers following us like shadows. My father's face was a mask of barely controlled fury, his jaw clenched so tight I thought his teeth might shatter. But he kept his composure—image was everything to him.

I flicked ash from my cigarette onto the pristine marble floor as we approached the main stage where Lola stood, radiating smugness in her designer dress. She looked every bit the part of the perfect fiancée, poised and polished with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"Ladies and gentlemen," my father began, stepping up to the microphone with practiced ease. "Thank you all for being here tonight."

I took another drag from my cigarette, ignoring the disapproving glances from guests who clearly thought I was ruining their perfect evening.

"It is with great pleasure," he continued, "that we announce the engagement of my son, Keaton Douglas, to the lovely Lola Perez.”

There it was—the moment he'd been waiting for. The room erupted in polite applause as Lola stepped forward to join us. Her smile widened as she slipped her arm through mine, her grip like a vice.

I scowled back at her, tugging my arm from her grasp. I didn't want the bitch to touch me. I didn't know where she had been.

"Thank you all for your support," Lola said sweetly into the microphone. "Keaton and I are thrilled to share this special moment with you."

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