Chapter 3

I was still watching the registry office doors when my mother called.

"Diana, how's everything going today?"

Her voice was bright and cheerful.

"I started prepping ingredients at six this morning. The housekeeper offered to help but I wouldn't let her—I made Lucas's favorite grilled fish."

"Your cinnamon apple pie is already in the oven too, and your father prepared venison."

"Finish up quickly and come home for lunch."

I was silent for two seconds, trying to keep my voice normal.

"Mom, things aren't done here yet."

A pause on the other end.

She asked carefully:

"Did something come up with Lucas?"

My eyes stung.

Lucas's family was never a match for ours. Edward had been the original arrangement.

All these years, because I'd loved Lucas so recklessly, my mother had lowered herself again and again.

It only made his family think we were pushovers.

To make him treat me a little better, she was always this cautious—afraid that one wrong move would make him love me less.

Our family had my brother as heir. Father was strict with him and gave all his indulgence to me.

I made up my mind: I would never again let my parents lose face because of me.

"Mom, it's nothing serious. Just a scheduling issue with the appointment."

"If lunch is ready, go ahead and eat with Dad and my brother."

She paused for two seconds, then said with forced cheer:

"It's fine if you can't make it back."

"I can always cook again."

"If he wants to be with his friends, don't rush him—you don't want everyone feeling uncomfortable."

"If it's really taking too long, let Lucas go ahead with his friends. I can always make more food."

I heard my father's voice asking something in the background.

It was just bringing a boyfriend home for a meal, and still they wanted to give me the very best. Because they loved me, they loved the person I loved.

Lucas had appeared behind me at some point. He took the phone right out of my hand.

"It's Lucas."

"Diana's just throwing a little fit. It's nothing."

"We've got something going on here—probably can't make it for lunch. I'll definitely come with her next time."

My mother said yes immediately, repeatedly.

"No problem, no problem at all. Young people have their own circles."

"Do you have many friends there? Should I send some food over?"

Before she could finish, Lucas hung up impatiently.

If it weren't for me, someone from his minor family would never dare treat my mother that way.

Mark laughed loudly from behind.

"Your mom's really something, isn't she?"

"She'd do anything to marry her daughter off to Lucas."

"Why not just let Lucas inherit your family's estate—how embarrassing!"

Cindy couldn't take it anymore and pushed back quietly.

"Mark, that's enough. Diana's mom has always been good to everyone. Don't go too far."

Mark scoffed and pointed at me.

"Good to us? That's just so she can marry her daughter off to Lucas!"

"Some old woman calling to play the victim, all to sell off her daughter!"

I shot to my feet and slapped Mark hard across the face.

"Shut your mouth!"

"Who gave you permission to insult my mother? You think your family won't disappear from this city by tomorrow?"

Mark stood there stunned. Lucas grabbed him and pulled him back, his expression completely dark.

"Diana, are you done?"

"Over a few jokes, you're going to threaten my friend?"

He took a deep breath, reached over to smooth my crumpled collar, and softened his tone.

"Let's end it here today."

"Don't tell your mom about the cancelled appointment. Our family still has business to discuss with your brother. I'll go apologize in person another day—you don't want your mother worrying about you, do you?"

This entitled, patronizing attitude was nauseating.

His consideration was always built on burying my pain.

Every time his friends started something, I was the one who ended up apologizing.

But not once—not ever—had he made any of them genuinely apologize for what they'd done to me.

The last trace of warmth in my chest went cold.

My phone screen lit up.

Mom had sent a photo of her prep table, vegetables and garnishes arranged neatly.

Below it, one line:

"No rush. Mom will wait for you to come home and eat together."

I replied, expression hard:

"Don't worry. I'll be home on time with someone for lunch."