Page 124 of The Fiancé Hoax

My heart sank. Nick didn't answer the question. This was really bad.

Nick began to coach Cooper on what to say. I knew Cooper was taking the news badly, but he remained calm and collected enough to listen attentively.

Nick also gave me some advice on what to say if I was questioned. When I was no longer needed, I excused myself.

Curling my hands into fists at my sides, I charged through the house. In the kitchen, I snatched my phone from the island and angrily punched my father's phone number.

It rang twice, then he answered.

“Hello, Felicity.”

“Why did you tell Ruth that Cooper and I were faking the engagement for his custody hearing?”

Dad paused, then spoke in a bewildered voice. “I—I didn't. I haven't told her anything.”

“Then why is she going to testify for Gen's attorney on Monday?”

After a silence, he spoke. “I have no idea, Felicity. But I assure you I said nothing to her. It’s news to me that she's planning to testify.”

I was so angry that his words barely sank in. “Did you talk to Drew, Gen's private investigator? Will you be testifying against us as well, Dad?”

“No, of course not.” He sounded genuine, but I wasn’t sure I could trust him. Right now, I just needed some sure footing. I was confused and scared.

“I'm honestly shocked that Ruth is being called to testify. I promise I didn't tell her anything.” He paused again. “Unless…”

“Unless what?”

“Unless she overheard me the other day,” Dad said sheepishly.

“When? What were you saying?”

“The day I found out you’re… pregnant, I might have had some angry outbursts back in my office.”

I narrowed my eyes, my anger building. “So you told her I was pregnant, too?”

“No, I didn't tell her anything directly,” Dad said. “But, I was probably ranting about it to myself in my office after seeing you. I was so furious about the whole thing. Maybe I was a little indiscreet.”

“Indiscreet? Really, Dad? You were ranting in your office about our engagement being fake? It's a wonder they haven't summoned half your staff.”

“I'm sorry, Felicity. I was upset. I don't really remember what I said. That day was a bit of a blur. But Ruth must have overheard something.”

I gripped the edge of the island and squeezed my eyes shut. “I can't believe this.”

“I'm telling the truth, Felicity. I meant it when I told Cooper I wouldn't say anything. Not to the judge, and not to Gen's attorney. I'm just as surprised as you are that Ruth would pull a stunt like this.”

I chewed on my bottom lip. I was angry, but he did sound sorry about it. I unclenched my fists and took a breath.

“Okay. I believe you, Dad. But why would Ruth do this to me? I know she and I were never close, but why does she want to screw me over? And why does she want to hurt two little girls who need their dad?”

“You know Ruth has always been a stickler for the rules. But honestly, she probably didn't intend for this to happen.”

I scoffed. “What else would her intentions be?”

“She probably said something without thinking it through. You know, I saw that Drew character lurking around the parking lot at my law firm last week. He must have cornered Ruth to question her. And she probably repeated something to Drew about the engagement being a farce. By saying too much, she got herself summoned to testify.”

I wrapped an arm around my waist, feeling nauseous again. “She might make us lose the case, Dad.”

“I really am sorry, Felicity. And I truly hope it doesn't come to that. I'll be in touch with Cooper to see if there's anything I can do.” He inhaled sharply. “This is why you never should’ve gotten mixed up in my colleague’s personal life.”

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