Page 54 of Forbidden Vows

“Speaking of surprises, this is for you,” Anton places a blue velvet box on the table between us.

I open it to reveal a gorgeous diamond and pearl necklace. It will look great with at least three of my cocktail dresses, which only serves to remind me that Anton pays attention. He doesn’t just have good taste, he’s got a working set of eyes, too. But I still feel like I’m being bought.

“Don’t you like it?” he asks.

“It’s beautiful.”

“You don’t seem that happy about it.”

“I’d be happier if I could get out of this house more often,” I bluntly reply. “While I fully understand the threat level, how much longer do I have to be cooped up in this place? Lunch and dinner out on the terrace don’t count.”

Anton gives me a long, hard look. “Where is this coming from? Because I know we’re not about to have the same conversation all over again.”

“I feel like you’re trying to buy me, Anton, to make up for the situation. If we’re going to build a marriage together, it’s not going to be with diamonds and pearls.”

He sits back, a muscle ticking angrily in his jaw. “I can’t lavish you with presents?”

“What’s the point if I can’t wear them anywhere?” I level my gaze at him.

He sighs, trying and failing to hide his exasperation. “Eileen—”

“You know what, you don’t have to say anything,” I cut him off. “I’m tired. I’m going to go lie down for a bit. Enjoy the cocoa. I’ll see you at lunch.”

With that, I get up from the table and leave the kitchen, Anton staring after me, dumbfounded.

Chapter 19

Eileen

As the days go by, there seems to be a sea of eggshells stretching between Anton and me. I know I can be my own worst enemy sometimes. It’s something I need to work on, but Anton needs to give a little, too.

“I should’ve leaned into my morning sickness so I could skip all this,” I mumble into my glass, causing Laura to giggle.

“You’re going to go stir crazy in that room. Might as well enjoy an opportunity to socialize,” she says. “Granted, not being able to drink alcohol might make the whole affair a tad gruesome, but I think you need this.”

“Far be it from me to contradict you.”

“Besides, you’re gorgeous in this shade of green. I’m glad I got you to come out of your room tonight.”

I can’t help but smile.

The dress is a beautiful emerald green, creating the perfect contrast with my red hair. It brings out my eyes, too, and I’m wearing the diamond and pearl necklace that Anton got me. Thesame necklace that caused me to say some rather unpleasant things. Things I feel bad about now.

“It hugs your figure in all the right places,” Laura adds with an encouraging smile.

“Thank you.”

Anton smiles appreciatively at me from across the room. He doesn’t need to say anything. He clearly loves the way I look tonight.

“He can’t take his eyes off you,” Laura whispers, following my gaze. “He can never take his eyes off you, Eileen.”

I chuckle. “I’m guessing you heard about the last argument we had.”

“Would you even call it an argument?”

“It sure as hell wasn’t a lovers’ quarrel. That would require actual love in the relationship.”

Laura rolls her eyes, swapping her empty champagne glass with a full one from the waiter walking by with a loaded tray. There are about a hundred people present here tonight. There’s a live band playing music by the terrace windows, and the ballroom looks beautiful—the chairs are dressed in satin chair covers, sprawling springtime floral arrangements, and candles on every table.

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