Page 96 of A Forgotten Promise

“What is this?” Celeste turns the phone to her.

My heart pounds in my temple as I pull out my phone and open my feed. My most recent post is a photo of Corm kissing my hair.

It’s a fake candid shot in his kitchen, and we look like a real fucking couple. Based on my clothes, I recognize it from the magazine photoshoot.

And while I recognize the origin of the shot, I don’t understand how it ended up in my feed.

Fucking Betsy. Have they hacked my account? My stomach churns. I fist my hand and read the caption.

“I don’t want you to feel lonely ever again. Let’s be real together.” That’s what Corm said to me, and I can’t be happier to share the big news with you: We eloped.

Three red hearts follow the short caption.

“Motherfucker,” I bite out.

A woman in a sharp suit regards me, scrunching her nose, and steps to the farthest corner of the elevator. The mirror in the back gives me pause.

I rushed to the Merged offices from Cora’s. I should have probably dressed up for this battle, but it was fury driving me here.

The door opens on my floor, and I step out. Roxy waits for me.

“Saar, wow, I love your take on casual. Corm is in a meeting.”

She has her dreadlocks in a high bun on top of her head. Wearing a black pencil skirt combined with a black T-shirt with a leather jacket, she looks like the rebel she is. Dressing up while saying fuck-you to the dress code.

“I love your style too.” I smile.

“Do you plan to wait for him? Maybe I can find a boardroom for you.”

I’m not sure if she wants to remove me from the reception area to avoid altercation, or to save everyone else from seeing me looking like I… well, like I spent my morning sitting on the floor of an animal shelter.

I need to play this smart. He’s always been a step ahead of me. “Actually, Roxy, is Cal here?”

“Yes, you can wait in his office.” She perks up. “Follow me.”

People turn their heads as I walk through the swanky offices. I wonder how I smell, because Coco peed on me, and I forgot about it while I sat with Rolfie. Okay, I should have gotten changed, because these clothes are crippling my authority. Goddammit.

“Your sis is here.” Roxie doesn’t bother to knock and practically pushes me inside Cal’s office before she closes the door.

Cal looks up from his computer. “What’s wrong?” He stands up, rushing to me.

“Nothing is wrong,” I lie. I don’t want him to problem-solve my way out of this.

He kisses me on both cheeks. “Why do you look and smell like you fell into a dumpster?”

“I spent the morning at an animal shelter,” I bite out.

“You’re volunteering? That’s great.” He gestures to a sofa in the corner. “What’s up? I have a meeting in ten minutes.”

Instead of sitting, I walk to the wall of windows. “You have a nice view.”

“I know.” A tinge of impatience laces his tone.

“I need you to get me on the list at The Velvet Room.” Only once I blurt out my request do I feel strong enough to face him.

I swallow a chuckle when I meet his gaze. I don’t think I’ve ever seen my brother shocked. He studies me for a moment, and then he laughs. “Are you out of your mind?”

“You used to be a member. Why is it okay for you and not for me?” I fold my arms over my chest.

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