Page 46 of Secrets of the Wicked Viscount (The Shadows 2)

Chapter 12

Oliviaangrilystompedawayfrom Jarvis and toward her room in the family wing. This day was getting better and better.

He was leaving! The cad. And without a word to her.

“Olive, stop!” He reached for her and grabbed her by the arm.

“You are leaving!” Olivia accused as she turned sharply on Jarvis.

“Yes, but—”

“And you weren’t going to say anything to me?” Olivia shook her head in disbelief.

“I was, but—”

“When?” she cried. “Perhaps this morning when we spent half an hour talking in the garden? While I was stupidly expressing how happy I was that you were right beside me during this blasted house party!”

“I didn’t think it was the right time.”

“When would be the right time?” Olivia’s eyes filled with tears, but she blinked them away, refusing to cry.

Jarvis ran his fingers through his hair. “I do not know. But you seemed upset, and I didn’t want to pile another issue onto you.”

“So you decided to lie.”

“Omission is not the same as a lie.”

“Ugh!” Olivia stomped her foot, unable to properly express her frustration. “You promised to accompany me to this house party,” she finally said with a whimper.

“I did.”

“You promised to be with me every step of the way while I tried to charm Bradshaw.”

“I did.”

“And now you’re breaking the promise.”

“I am,” he said quietly.

Olivia’s eyes watered, and her chest hurt. “Of course, because there’s always something more important than me, isn’t there?”

Jarvis just kept silent.

“Then go. I shan’t hold you any longer.”

Olivia wiped her cheek and stomped past Jarvis and out of the family wing.

She rushed past the library but then retraced her steps as she saw her friends Annalise and Lavinia sitting inside. She took a few deep breaths to calm herself. She fanned her face to cool her cheeks and then slowly entered.

Olivia stood uncertainly by the door, shuffling her feet.

“Livvie, there you are,” Annalise exclaimed as she saw her. “Come, join us.”

Olivia’s heart lightened. She walked into the library and sat on the chair next to her friends.

Annalise eyed her wearily. “You seem upset.”

Olivia just shrugged. “It’s unimportant.” Then she turned to Lavinia. “Have you been here all day?”

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