Page 78 of Nothing Breaks Like A Heart

"Why don't we step inside?" Andrew suggested. "I'd like to chat with you for a minute."

Bennett shrugged. "Sure. Why not?"

Andrew and Bennett moved into the living room, with neither of them saying a word to me. As they disappeared, I felt even more awkward and clutched my champagne glass like it was a life vest. This party was for Victor's friends. I was only here because some people apparently wanted to meet the wedding couple, but I had no idea how to act or what to say. I was relieved when Paula moved toward me. At least I knew her a little.

"Lauren, you look beautiful tonight," she said.

"Thank you. So do you." I wasn't lying. Paula looked stunning in a dress that probably cost thousands of dollars and showed off her thin but busty figure in the best possible way. While her weary eyes and somewhat wrinkled hands showed her age, everything else appeared to have been nipped and tucked to make her look younger.

Paula took a sip of her champagne, then said, "Where is your handsome husband?"

"He's talking to Bennett."

"That's good. Maybe it will slow down Bennett's drinking. I don't know what's gotten into him tonight. He seems very agitated about something." Paula sighed. "It's probably Victor's unwillingness to listen to any of Bennett's ideas. Apparently, he brought him some project that your Andrew is developing, and Victor thought he was overstepping." She shook her head in frustration. "The two of them have always clashed. They're a huge disappointment to each other, and I'm caught in the middle. I sometimes wish that Bennett would do something else, start his own business, and I think he wants to, but then he has this intense desire to impress his father, too."

I didn't know what to say. It almost felt like she was talking to herself.

She suddenly started, as if realizing she had said too much. "My apologies. I'm sure you're not interested in our family dynamics."

"Families can be complicated," I said, even though I hadn't really experienced that myself. With my mom and me, there really hadn't been that many complications. We'd led a very simple life. Of course, having less money also made things simpler.

"Yes," Paula agreed. "Complicated is a good word. How are you and Andrew feeling now that you're officially married?"

"It's been a difficult few days."

"He was very worried about you when you fell off the yacht. We all were. Thank goodness you survived."

"I was lucky."

"Not as lucky as Andrew's friend," she muttered, taking another sip of her champagne. "That was an unfortunate incident. I liked her designs more than I thought I would. I underestimated her talent. I regret that. It's a shame she won't have the opportunity to bring them to life."

"It's tragic," I agreed, trying to think of how I could steer this awkward conversation in a better direction. "This is a beautiful party. Andrew and I feel very grateful to be included."

She tilted her head to the right, giving me a considering look. "What do you think of this life you're getting to experience? Is this party your dream?"

"I've never aspired to anything this grand. It's way out of my league."

"And yet you're here, drinking expensive champagne, meeting rich and well-connected people who can help you and Andrew with your careers."

"Only because of your generosity. You and Victor have been so kind to include us in everything."

"Well, that's not kindness, dear…that's business. Victor has been selling your story and now his friends want to meet the couple living out the romantic fantasy." She paused. "You should find your groom before someone suspects you're not as happy as you're pretending to be." She gave me a knowing smile. "I know what a fake smile looks like, Lauren. You need to get better at it, especially if you want to move in these circles."

"I think I will go find Andrew," I said. "Thank you again for inviting me."

"Well, every girl should have at least one trip to the ball."

As Paula left, I couldn't help thinking that was the second reference to Cinderella I'd heard tonight, and both from members of the Carrington family. I didn't get the feeling they were nearly as excited by the whole romantic wedding fantasy campaign as Victor was. It didn't matter. It was almost over.

As I entered the house, I ran into Ethan.

"Hi," I said, feeling a little breathless as our gazes met. I'd always felt nervous around him, but lately, the nerves seemed to come from a different place. We'd gotten closer than I'd expected, and he'd become one of the few people on the island I felt I could trust.

"You look beautiful, Lauren," he murmured, a gleam in his eyes I hadn't seen before.

Or maybe I hadn't wanted to see.Because I was married, I reminded myself. Clearing my throat, I said, "Thanks. Why are you here tonight?"

"Victor will open his gallery to his guests shortly."

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