Page 92 of Pucking Secret

Grace grins. “That’s what we’re here for.”

I laugh despite myself, but even if Grace and Skyler are convinced that Owen and I can live happily ever after, I don’t think I can get past this. Not this time.

Owen kept me in the dark about something huge… just like he did before disappearing to Canada when we were younger. This feels like history is repeating itself… and why should I believe Elise? I don’t know her. She could just be making excuses for him.

I was wrong to think things had really changed. He showed me who he really was in that awful letter he wrote when we were younger, and maybe my mom is right for once. Maybe I’ve just been fooling myself that he’s different now. I can’t keep doing this with him. I can’t keep letting him run circles around me, or Millie. My chest aches, knowing it’ll be difficult for her when I tell her we can’t see Owen anymore, but better to do it now than years from now when it’ll really break her heart.

As Skyler and Grace continue to chat as if they’ve solved all the world’s problems, I sit with my smile frozen in place, acting as if I’m not completely falling apart inside.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE: FAMILY TIES

OWEN

The Vancouver estateis as imposing and soulless as ever. It’s all sharp edges and gleaming surfaces, the kind of place built to impress rather than to live in. The long driveway is lined with perfectly trimmed hedges, so precise they look almost artificial. The sprawling front lawn is more manicured than a golf course. Gerald always did like things pristine — no room for imperfection, no room for anything real. Can’t say I miss being around him all the time.

The house itself is massive, a monolith of glass and steel perched on the hillside. The floor-to-ceiling windows reflect the surrounding evergreens and the glittering waters of the inlet, making the house look like it’s both a part of the landscape and entirely above it. This place has always been a monument to Gerald’s ego, not a home. It’s meant to show off his power. His money. His influence. That’s the thing about Gerald. He’s more concerned about how he’s perceived than actually making a home.

Well, that’s just fine. I’m done being part of this bullshit.

Taking a deep breath, I step out of the car, the cool air biting against my skin. The plan is simple: Talk to my mom first,without Gerald around. Get her on my side before I face him. If I can even call it a plan. It feels more like a desperate gamble.

When I walk inside, the scent of polished wood and lilies greets me, as always. My mom’s voice calls from the sitting room, startling me. I thought I’d have to find her — not that she’d be right there as I entered.

“Owen? Is that you?”

It takes me a second to respond. “Yeah, Mom. It’s me.”

She appears in the doorway, her face lighting up with a bright smile. She’s dressed in a Chanel pantsuit with pearls around her neck and her graying hair pinned up into a chignon. Even though she’s just spending time at home, she’s dressed to the nines, always having to look her best for Gerald.

“What are you doing here? Is everything okay? When you called...” She trails off, her tone hesitant. “Is this about the engagement?”

I take a deep breath and nod. “Among other things. We need to talk.”

Her worry deepens as she gestures for me to follow her into the sitting room. Once we’re seated, I take a moment to gather my thoughts.

“Mom,” I start, my voice firm, “I need to be completely honest and upfront with you.”

Her brow furrows, but she doesn’t interrupt.

“I’m done with this family,” I say, my chest tightening with every word. “I’m done with Gerald.”

Her lips part slightly, but no words come out. I press on.

“I love you,” I say, my voice softening. “I’ve always wanted to protect you, to make sure you were happy, but Gerald has taken so much from me. My home, the woman I love, and … and …” I take a deep breath. “And he’s taken seven years with my daughter, Mom.”

Her eyes widen. She leans forward. “What do you mean,daughter?You have a daughter? Are you telling me I have a granddaughter?”

I nod, smiling softly as I think of my little girl. Digging my phone out of my pocket, I pull up the picture of Millie and me at her skating performance, and show it to Mom.

“Her name is Melissa Ann, but she goes by Millie. She’s six years old. Stacey discovered she was pregnant at the same time we moved to Canada, and she tried to tell me back then but…. Gerald found out first. He lied, and hid things to make sure I never knew about my daughter. I just found out. I just met her. And only because by some miracle, I ended up signed with the Night Hawks, the same team Stacey works for.”

My mom gasps, her hand flying to her mouth. “Owen...”

“I’ve been a coward,” I admit, my voice breaking, my vision blurring slightly with tears. “I went along with his demands for too many years now, but I’m done. I’m not letting him control me anymore. I’m not letting him keep me from my daughter or Stacey, and I won’t let him use Millie as his pawn. He’s not going to force her to be his heir like he tried to force me to be his son.”

Tears well up in her eyes, as well, and she reaches out to take my hand. “Owen, I had no idea. I didn’t know. If I’d known — ”

“It’s not your fault,” I cut her off gently. “But I need you to understand that I can’t do this anymore. I’m walking away from all of it. Gerald, the Weston name, the expectations. All of it.”

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