Page 23 of Their Diamond Ring Ruse

That was a feeling she hadn’t had much of recently. She was still mourning her father, but instead of getting a chance to work through it, she was having to deal with the anger she harboured at him not fulfilling his promise. The abandonment she was trying to convince herself didn’t exist after her mother had left her to deal with her own grief and decided not to be around to help her children. The frustration of only having her brother to turn to now, when he didn’t care.

That was why this plan with Julian had to work.

She would be getting just as much out of this as he would. Maybe she wasn’t after a deal worth millions, but some things were worth more than money. If only her family would realise that.

It was at that moment that her phone rang. Lily snatched it off her desk, sneaking a quick glance at the name on the screen before answering.

‘Hi, Mom.’

Lily’s heart raced in her chest. She knew her mother would most likely be disappointed in her, but she reminded herself that her family had broken her trust, so she had nothing to apologise for.

‘Lily, is it true? You’re engaged?’

It was the first conversation they had had in weeks, and the first words her mother said weren’t full of concern for her daughter who had recently lost her father but rather about her engagement. It broke Lily’s heart, but she refused to let the hurt show.

‘It’s true,’ Lily said, injecting as much excitement as she could into her voice.

‘To Julian Ford? I didn’t even know you knew him! What about Lincoln? You’re meant to marry him.’

Lily could almost see the frown on her mother’s face.

‘Yes, to Julian. I was never going to marry Lincoln, Mom. Julian and I have been together for a while.’

‘So why haven’t I heard about this? Or met him?’

‘Because we had to keep it a secret while the Lincoln situation was supposed to be dealt with, but I couldn’t wait any longer. I want Julian. I’m his.’

‘Lily...’ her mother said sternly.

It wasn’t a tone she’d heard from her very often. Not when she and her mother had been close. But all that was lost now.

‘Your father went to a great deal of trouble to secure your marriage to Lincoln. He knew what was best and now that he’s gone—’ her mother’s voice broke on the word ‘—you should honour his wishes.’

‘No,’ Lily replied.

‘Lincoln can secure your future, and your brother’s future. What can Julian Ford offer you? Think of your family.’

‘Lincoln means nothing to my future. This is about Arum. Julian can give me everything I want.’

That was true. He was helping her take her life back. Putting her in control of her destiny.

‘Why can’t you be happy for me?’ Lily finished softly.

‘You have never mentioned this man before. The Harrisons are like family...’

Lily wanted to point out that she could never have spoken to her mother about Julian when all she’d wanted was blind obedience to her father. She bit back the words only because she knew her mother was blinded by grief and wanted them all to hold on to every part of Sam Shah.

‘You don’t know Lincoln like I do,’ Lily said evenly.

‘I can’t support this engagement, Lily. You belong with Lincoln. Honour your father.’

What about me? she almost asked.

‘Then don’t support it. None of you care about me anyway. Julian makes me happy and I’m going to be with him.’

Lily hung up on her mother. It took every bit of strength in her to do so.

She stared at the phone, willing herself not to cry. She couldn’t trust her family to be on her side. To protect her or support her.

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