Page 114 of Lush

The hum of voices and laughter beyond the door seemed to grow louder, a reminder of the hundreds of eyes waiting for me downstairs.

“But one thing I do know”—Noelle tilted her head, studying me—“is that Reese looks at you like you’re the only thing that matters. He always has.”

I glanced back out the window. The terrace stretched endlessly, and somewhere down there, Reese was waiting.

“I told him I love him.”

She gasped. “What?”

“I know I shouldn’t have. I came back home just get throughthis?—”

Noelle leaned forward. “You love him again. Isn’t that enough? Or are you really still doing this for the inheritance and planning to leave again?”

“Yes, Ilovehim. But I still want my gallery and my inheritance.”

“Why can’t you have both?”

“You know how Mama works. Even after I marry Reese, she could find a way to twist things, to delay the inheritance, to make me jump through hoops I haven’t even seen yet. Loving Reese doesn’t protect me from her games.”

Noelle’s expression darkened. “That’s bullshit, Laurene. Outsmart her! You’re still making excuses because you love him.”

I flinched. “Don’t.”

“Lu, you’ve changed. You’re not alone in Paris anymore. Haven’t you learned from these last six years?” Noelle shot back.

I turned away.

“Power isn’t enough.Love is.Or maybe youareyour mother.”

I recoiled at her words. “I’m nothing like her.”

“You’re making decisions out of fear, out of obligation, just like her. The difference is, Laurene, youknowbetter. You’ve seenwhat that kind of life does to people. Let the old you that had to surviverest.Return to the Lu we love. No sabotaging your mother. No revenge. Be better.”

I swallowed hard.

“Money fades, businesses crumble, but love? The kind you and Reese have? That’s something people spend their whole lives looking for. Some of us can’t be with the one we want. Don’t throw him away.”

I blinked, a tear slipping down my cheek, and the door to the bridal suite swung open, and Mama stepped in.

“Am I interrupting something?”

“No, Ms. King. I’m actually gonna join Serena and Gigi down by the terrace.” Noelle released my hand, giving me a sharp look, and left, leaving me alone.

“How do you feel?”

That made me scoff.

Noelle was right. No more cold feet. This time, I was going to fight for what I wanted.

“This wedding is exactly what we need. King Enterprises has just secured a deal with Devereux International. All thanks to you. Did you get the information I need on Dante? I would like to end him sooner than later. At least so he can see other companies are practically begging for our partnership again. We may even bring back the investment company if you would like?—”

“No.”

Mama blinked, and frowned. “You had one job.”

“I don’t care about any of that.” I cut her off. “I don’t care about your damn deal or King Enterprises.”

If I was marrying Reese, it had to be done my way.

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