Page 164 of Forbidden Forget-Me-Not

Thirty million euros at least, I estimated silently, possibly more, with the land and the sea at its edge. This was not a temporary, peaceful escape. It was a statement.

We rolled to a stop beneath a covered entryway, supported by thick columns. Staff waited in quiet formation on the front steps.

“Do you live here?”

The estate appeared as if it could fit two hundred people easily and still feel empty.

“Most of the year. I divide my time between here and two other homes.”

“I bet. And which one houses your mistresses? Or are they kept separate?”

He didn’t flinch.

“They will never cross your path.”

“I see. Well, at least you’re honest about being unfaithful. Better than most, I suppose.”

He glanced at the ring I was rubbing between my fingers.

“I don’t think either of us is faithful.”

I dropped it inside my sweatshirt and turned to face him.

“Here’s the difference. It doesn’t matter if I want to marry you. The moment I do, I’ll remain true to the vows we make. Men like you are only loyal to one thing.”

“Oh, and what is that?”

Opening the car door, I exited before looking back at him.

“Your bank account.”

On my way up the front stairs, I paused to speak to the staff. They seemed shocked I had even acknowledged them.

Julian stepped up beside me, his arm circled my waist. I tensed, but he didn’t care.

“I thought you’d appreciate the beauty and privacy of this location for the wedding.”

“I definitely appreciate knowing where the exits are,” I said, almost letting a smirk show on my face.

“Kaylani,” Father snarled.

I hadn’t even realized he had come along and was standing behind us until now.

“It’s fine, Dimitri.” Julian brushed a strand of my hair off my shoulder, and I shot a glare at his hand. “I admire her fire. Means she will give me strong children.”

I shivered unable to stop myself. His eyes held something cruel that made the cold pool in my gut. Dangerous. That was the only word that came to mind. Then his expression softened, replaced by a flash of charm.

“Of course you do,” I drawled, under my breath.

“Everyone, this is Kaylani, soon to be the lady of the house.”

I tried to hide the revulsion I felt but sensed that I had failed spectacularly.

“Please make sure that all her needs or desires are met.”

Julian dismissed the staff and led us into the mansion.

The ceilings soared, swallowing sound and throwing it back as echoes. Cream walls. Marble floors. Dark wood beams. Art, worth more than most people’s homes, hung from every available space. Fresh flowers in expensive vases lined the hallways, their scent rich and overwhelming.