Chapter 8
Mom brought in a breakfast tray and caught me staring at my phone, confusion crossing
her face.
“What’s wrong? Something bothering you?”
shook my head and left Sophia’s messages unanswered. Her words rang hollow, and I had no interest in maintaining any connection to my past.
After the wedding, I’d get a new number. I barely had any contacts anyway, so changing
number wouldn’t affect much, but it would save me from endless drama.
my
Just as I took a bite of my bagel, the doorbell rang. Mom muttered under her breath as she. went to answer it. “Who could it be at this hour? Isaac just texted that he hasn’t left home
yet.”
She returned moments later with a coffee cup. “Did someone order delivery?” She glanced at the name on the order, her brows knitting together.
“Baby El? Ellie, there’s a coffee here for you. I’ll set it aside – though you really should have the fresh coffee Sarah made for you.”
Mom placed the coffee in front of me before leaving the room. My heart began racing as I dug my nails into my palm.
I hadn’t ordered anything; my delivery orders never used my name. “Baby El” was a nickname Nathan had used years ago when trying to cheer me up with surprise deliveries. But he hadn’t used it in ages.
Did he know I was back in Boston? But how did he get this address?
Shaking my head, I tried not to overthink it. I picked up the cup to examine it, and my suspicions grew stronger.
The order was exactly how I always took my coffee light roast, oat milk, no sugar. I took a sip, the familiar taste spreading across my tongue.
Cugne
Tears welled up in my eyes, and the makeup artist gasped, quickly grabbing a tissue
“Miss, please try not to cry! We just finished your hate makeup–it smudger
Mom rushed in at the commotion, trying desperately to comfort me. “Ellie, what’s wrong? Having doubts about the wedding? If you don’t want to go through with it, that’s okay–we won’t force you. Your father thinks Isaac is a good match, but our family business is doing fine; we don’t need this merger. If you’re not sure, then don’t do it, sweetie. Please don’t
Not wanting to worry my family, I fought back my emotions and let the makeup artist continue her work.
“Mom, don’t worry. I’m just emotional about leaving you and Dad, but I’m fine.”
Seeing that I had calmed down, Mom finally relaxed. “You had me worried! Don’t stress about it. I’ve already talked with the Hayes family. After the wedding, you’ll stay with us for a while, and you two can get to know each other properly. Once you’re comfortable, then you can think about moving in together.”
She hovered anxiously, unwilling to leave me alone with the makeup artist until the look was complete. Finally, Isaac arrived to pick me up. This was our first meeting, yet something about him felt strangely familiar. He carried himself with quiet confidence, completely different from the arrogant heir I’d imagined. Dad’s judgment had clearly surpassed my own.
We rode in comfortable silence to the venue. Upon arrival, he stepped out first and, surprising everyone present, lifted me carefully from the car.
Startled, I instinctively wrapped my arms around his neck. The subtle smile playing at the corners of his lips made my heart skip a beat.
Chapter 9
