Page 130 of Adoration: Isn't What It Seems (Love Isn't What It Seems 2)

“You are running.” Alexander’s father's accusing tone couldn’t be mistaken for anything else.

“I am not!” I couldn’t watch these men, a constant reminder of my husband, day in and day out.

Didn’t these men know we got married to ensure Brandon wasn’t taken away from me? Alexander should’ve really started filling his family in. It wasn’t my job to tell them we started this as a business arrangement for me to keep Brandon. Of course, he lied about his grandfather being ill. Still didn't make sense, any of it.

“Listen, Alexander and I didn’t exactly start this marriage the normal way,” I tried to explain delicately. “He should really be the one explaining all this to you not me.”

I never guessed he’d become everything I wanted and needed. He was the one for me; he would forever be the one for me.

“Livy, I know what my grandson did,” his grandfather announced. “He wouldn’t have gone to such lengths for just anyone. It is not an excuse but you can’t run away. You can’t run away from him.”

I thought back to the doctor’s results that would tie me to Alexander forever. “I’m not running away but I can’t work here anymore.”

“Yes, you are running away,” Alexander’s father replied calmly, reminding me so much of his oldest son.

I stood up, having had just about enough. I felt exhausted, lack of sleep making me cranky.

“Listen,” I started, pushing my slightly trembling hands through my hair. “I really love you all… I mean, I like you. I really do. But I have to figure out what to do and what is best for Brandon and -”

“You are using Brandon as a scapegoat not to deal with Alexander,” Maxim accused annoyingly.

“I am not!” Why did it seem like I kept defending myself. “Think whatever you like. This is my life! Either way, I am leaving.”

I turned around and walked away from them. God help me. I didn’t want to walk away from them. They were the last connection to Alexander, but it was necessary for me to get over him.

“Livy, wait,” Maxim's voice caught up to me. I kept going, really not in the mood to debate with him. “Livy, come on. Don’t be mad.”

Abruptly stopping, he almost ran into me. “I’m not mad, Maxim,” I whined. “I’m exhausted and cranky. That’s what I am. I am barely sleeping. I just can’t stay around anymore. I need to leave.”

“Well you and Alexander have something in common for sure,” he teased. “You are both cranky.”

My eyes snapped to him. It was the first time anyone had mentioned him since the night I learned my mom killed my dad. I waited, hoping for crumbs of information about my husband even if it was supposed to be a temporary arrangement.

“Why do you think I am avoiding Caldwell Enterprise,” he commented dryly. “Even Janet started calling in sick all the time. He’s been a bear since you left.”

Why?I wanted to ask.Did he miss me? Maybe he felt a fraction of what I felt?

But the words remained sealed behind my lips. Staring, I wondered why I didn’t fall in love with this man in front of me. We were so much more compatible than his brother and I. Alexander and I were like fire and ice, or was it fire and fuel. It was an all consuming flame that I couldn't put out. Why wasn’t this inferno burning out?

“Don’t you hate me?” I asked suddenly, it had been bothering me since the night of the reception.

“Why would I hate you?” he truly looked shocked.

“Your father had been accused of the murder my mom committed. He spent time in prison while waiting for his trial. He neglected his sons because of my mom. My list could go on.”

His look was pensive. I truly couldn’t understand why Maxim continued to be so friendly and nice.

“You had nothing to do with any of that,” he finally spoke. “They made their decision and we suffered the outcome of their choices. We didn’t cause anything. Your mother was a good person. So is my father. They just had some shitty luck. I think they suffered and paid enough for all that crap.” He paused, his eyes searching my face. “Livy, you are a good person. I liked you from the moment we met. You have a spark and you are my sister now. I will forever care about you.”

“But -”

“There is no but. And Alexander is more bearable when he has you so you get an added bonus for that too.”

I scoffed at that. I couldn’t believe he was more bearable when I was around. If anything, I probably irritated him more.

“I don’t understand him,” I muttered.

“Or maybe you are not letting yourself understand him,” Maxim contradicted my statement.

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