Page 39 of Don't Make Me Beg
I blow out a breath as I swipe open my messages and slowly begin to take it all in.
Dad
Please tell me the rumor I heard this morning isn’t true.
Why aren’t you answering your phone? Call me back ASAP!
What the hell were you thinking!?
Do you have any idea of the shit storm I’m dealing with right now? Of all the people to choose from, you really had to pick the convicted criminal?
I’m disgusted with you. I hope this little defiant act of yours was worth it, because I doubt Jimmy’s going to want anything to do with you now.
Mom
After everything we’ve done for you. I can’t believe you’d pull something like this.
I hope you at least had the decency not to consummate this sham of a marriage… There are some things that simply cannot be undone.
Jimmy
Cheating whore
I knew that good girl shit was all an act.
I wince as I place the phone back down. It’s not that I was expecting congratulations or anything, but it’s even worse than I thought.
I guess I never realized just how fickle their love for me really was. I never had the courage to stand up to them before now. Nothing like finding out that the people who are supposed to love you the most can so easily flip that switch.
I blow out a sigh, burying my face in my hands as I try to process this mess I’ve gotten myself into, keenly aware of the giant diamond ring on my finger. I hate that I love it so much. It’s simple with a large oval stone set on a thin gold band. It’s exactly what I would’ve chosen myself—nothing like the white gold princess cut engagement ring Jimmy gave me.
Is it a coincidence? Or did Luka actually remember?
I scoff at that ridiculous question, remembering Jett was in charge of picking up the rings. Of course, Luka didn’t remember. Hell, if he had, he’d have probably gone in the opposite direction just to make sure I didn’t confuse his favor for anything more than it is. A favor.
That I should’ve known he’d cash in the first chance he got.
Of course he wants me to paint a mural in the middle of town. As if that’s what I need to be doing with my time right now. Not to mention, my parents are going to freak when word gets back to them about that.
All those years spent preparing me for law school—to follow in my father’s footsteps and fulfill the Sinclair family’s legacy—were wasted to pursue street art.
If finding out Luka and I eloped doesn’t give my father a heart attack, seeing me painting a mural in the middle of town surely will.
Maybe that should make me happy, but unlike what my parents may think, I’m not trying to upset them… Not entirely, anyway.
All I want—all I’ve ever wanted—is for them to see me for who I really am and want me to do whatever makes me happy.
What I didn’t realize is that, apparently, happiness is a scarce resource. There’s only so much to go around. Is it selfish of me to want that? Even if it means I’m hurting them?
I feel my phone buzz in my hand with another text. This time it’s from Luka.
Luka
I had to run out to help Roman with something, so I’ll be out most of the day.
I’ve been informed that we’re expected at my parents’ house tonight for family dinner. Be ready by 6.
Great. If that’s not just the most impeccable timing. As if I wasn’t freaking out enough on my own, now I have to face Luka’s family, whom I haven’t seen since graduation night.
