Page 48 of Forbidden Prince
Tom, her almost fiancé of years ago? That breakup was the one that made her believe she should listen to her parents. She took a deep breath. "Tom, who you scaredoff?"
Her mother shook her head. "Tom was going to marry you because his investors wanted him settled. He didn't care about you, not really." Her shoulders slumped but she lifted her head. "And once he realized you were not an easy target hebolted."
"It wasn't like that." Renee lowered her arms and thought back. Tom had always said their relationship was just what he needed. A memory flashed in her mind. While he never mentioned investors, he'd been happy to introduce her to his board for no real reason. But did that mean he hadn’tcared?
Her mother wiped a tear from her eye. "It was exactly like that. Your father confronted his motives and he didn’t deny it. How do you know Marco isn't using you to please his mother? He must marry before he turns 30 or he's not allowed to see his family, everagain."
Because she knew Marco's story from the beginning and their relationship wasn't because of his mother, though Anna had offered her full support. Renee shook her head. If Tom had lied to her, Marco never had and that mattered. She held her stomach. "Yes, this isn't news to me and it's not why he's marryingme."
Her mother took a step back. "Why would a prince want to marry a country girl likeyou?"
Because she was worth her weight in gold and loved him too. She couldn't tell her mother that simple truth. It wouldn't be understood, so she shook her head. "If you truly loved me, Mom, then you'd say "why wouldn't he love me?" I'm not a bad person and I’ve always tried to be a gooddaughter."
Her mother’s head sank but she stayed near her. "A good daughter wouldlisten..."
No. "All I've done is listen, and I’ve almost let your negativity ruin my chance at happiness. I'm not going to let that happen, not now. I'm in love with Marco and we're getting marriedtomorrow."
Her mother massaged her forehead. "There is no need to rush. Your father and I want you to behappy."
Renee stood proudly. "Then accept my decision and stand up for me. Or get out of my way—Marco can send you home first thing in themorning."
"You’vechanged."
"I’ve grownstronger."
A news report aired on the TV from the next room where Renee talked about almost gettingkilled.
Her mom’s face went white and she covered her lips. "You were almost killedtoday..."
True. The image of the body that fell to the ground replayed in her mind. This wasn't what she ever wanted to see, ever. But it was Marco who had saved her and right now all she wanted was to bury her head on his shoulder and be with him. Renee stilled. "And you're causing me more stress than the guy who wanted to burn mealive."
Her mother swayed on her feet. "He wanted to dowhat?"
The unhappy memory of earlier where she was kidnapped and not as fast as her best friend to get away stung. If it wasn't for Marco… Butterflies fluttered in her stomach, but she clenched her hands to her sides. "Mom, Marco saved my life and I need you to be happy for me. Can you dothat?"
Her mother lowered her head, and her shoulders squished together while she went quiet. Renee turned toward the vanity and fixed her makeup as best shecould.
Her mom surprised her by putting a trembling hand on Renee’s shoulder. "All I want is your happiness,sweetheart."
Renee turned around and prayed this was the end of her parents’ interference. She stared into her mother's eyes. "Then help me prepare for my wedding and ensure Dad is ready to give meaway."
Tears welled and spilled over but she didn't care as she embraced her mom in a hug. Once the hug was over, she sat before the vanity mirror. Mascara streaked her cheeks. "I look like araccoon."
Her mother wiped a cotton ball in moisturizer and dabbed at the mess. "What do you want me todo?"
Right. Her mother needed to help. "First, talk to Dad and get him on the samepage."
Her mother nodded, clearly understanding. "Of course. Whatelse?"
Finally. She loved her parents and their support meant that she could be at peace. Renee thought about what else her mother might do and said, "Talk to Anna Camilla and make sure that stargazers are added to my bouquet. I forgot to mention itearlier."
She smiled, picked up a brush and helped Renee fix her hair. "They were always yourfavorite."
This moment was all she’d wanted, for years now. Renee held her stomach and decided to clear everything. "Yes..." She took a deep breath and continued, "Mom, why did you stop my prom date from takingme?"
As she stroked her hair, her mother simply said, "He was in a gang, dear. You might not have seen, and I was pretty sure you were oblivious, but he'd have broken your heart. We wanted to protectyou."
Hmm. Now that she thought about Winn, he might have been dangerous. The day they’d talked for the first time, he’d stopped her from walking in a park and she’d later found out another girl had been robbed. But either way, it wasn't up to her mother to interfere. "So, you broke it off before he could and didn't even tell mewhy."
