Page 113 of Promises in the Dark

“What’s on your mind?”

I glance up at him. “Do you find it odd there’s been no retaliation from the Vasilievs?”

He shrugs. “I’m sure they’re aware we’re the ones responsible for blowing up their warehouse.” He taps his desk. “Did I expect to hear from them by now about it? Yes. But we’re ready for them. There’s not much more we can do besides trying to remain one step ahead of them.”

I nod as my gaze shifts to the door. “We’d better get back out there, or Mom will come searching for us.”

“Yeah.” Vin stands, adjusting his tie. “I’m sure Clara is wondering where her favorite uncle is.”

I grin, rolling my eyes. “You’re all her favorite.”

“Yeah. Yeah.” He clasps my shoulder as he walks by and winks. “Just like Mom doesn’t have a favorite.”

Chapter twenty-seven

Charlotte

Alex takes the seat beside mine, inching his chair closer. He seems deep in thought, his mind miles away as he takes the bottle of wine from the server and uncorks it.

“Everything okay?” I ask, discreetly resting my hand on his thigh.

He nods, pouring us each a glass. “It will be.”

Clink. Clink. Clink.

We all look over to Cecilia, who rises from her seat, holding her crystal glass. She smiles warmly as she looks upon each of us.

“Being a mother is the greatest gift I could have ever received. One I don’t take for granted.” Her gaze shimmers with unshed tears. “Having you five as my children has been a true blessing. And it’s something I hope you each are lucky enough to experience someday.” My throat tightens as tears burn behind my eyes. I blink furiously, trying to hold them back. Her eyes find Alex, softening. “I thought being a mother was the most important role I would ever play, but…” She sets her glass down and walks over to Madeleine, lifting a smiling Clara into her arms and hugging her against her chest. “I’ve been fortunate to discover that being a grandmother is even more rewarding.” Her attention sweeps across the room. “So, thank you for spending all of these years filling my heart with so much love.”

My chest tightens, my heart aching with a familiar heaviness.

All because I’m broken.

Always such a disappointment.

You’re an embarrassment.

You only have one job as my wife, and you can’t even do that.

You’re a pathetic excuse for a woman.

Garrett’s cruel words echo back and forth in my head, taunting me on an endless loop. My fingers wring together on my lap, my body begging me to run out of here.

But I refuse to make a scene.

A tear rolls down my cheek, and I quickly wipe it away before anyone can see.

On cue, the staff enters the room, rolling silver carts our way. They set a plate before each person and lift the covers to reveal the first course. Throughout the evening, I drag my fork over each dish, making an effort to appear to enjoy the food, but I have no trace of an appetite.

“Is there something else you’d rather eat?” Alex asks me quietly.

I shake my head. “No, everything is delicious.” I force a smile, and I know he sees past it.

Please don’t ask me if I’m okay, or I’ll unravel in front of everyone.

He studies me a moment longer, but instead of asking me the question I know is sitting on his tongue, he thankfully doesn’t say a word.

Vin enters the room. “Clara is out for the night.”