Chapter Seventy Two
Ryan’s POV
I shrugged off my coat, shoulders stiff from the strain it took not to hit Damien throughout dinner, and handed it to my father’s butler at the front door. With each step towards the living room, the knot in my stomach tightened. I’d kept my father waiting long enough–it was time to bite the bullet.
“Uncle Ry–Ry!” Molly jumped off the sofa to barrel into me
My eyes scanned the room as I ruffled her hair. A cartoon played in the background, Molly’s coloring book was on the coffee table, and the perfectly fluffed throw ctishion on my father’s favorite armchair was untouched.
“Mols, where’s grandpa?” I asked when she released my legs.
“In his study.” She pointed down the hall, then scrunched her brows in confusion. “Why did you lie to Auntie Celeste that the driver was grandpa?”
In my apprehension about my father’s anger, I’d forgotten about that near slip.
I smiled as I spoke. “That wasn’t a lie, it was a game, silly.”
“A game?” she asked innocently.
“We were playing make–believe that Mr. Cruz was grandpa.” I chucked lightheartedly. “It’s a lot of fun, so don’t spoil the game by telling Auntie Celeste the truth.”
Her little cherubic face tilted up as she blinked at me for several heartbeats.
“That’s a weird game, but if you and Auntie Celeste like it, then I won’t ruin it.” She said finally.
The lies were piling up, and I felt like I was Satan himself, deceiving such a sweet angel.
Molly perked up. “Mommy! You came home early!”
I turned to see Vivian, my sister–in–law, approaching weary eyed in a fitted blazer.
“I couldn’t bear to be away from you any longer, bunny.” She said, gracefully crouching so Molly could hop into her arms.
“Where’s Daddy?” Molly asked, looking around.
Vivian released her daughter with a bone tired sigh and stood.
“Your father is working overtime tonight.” She stroked Molly’s hair and turned to me. “Steven went straight to the office the moment our jet landed. He’s busy recruiting designers to help with our new line of products, but even if he gets the extra help, I doubt we’ll see much of him until the launch.”
My niece pouted and murmured resentfully. “Daddy was overseas for so long and he didn’t even come say hello with Mommy. Doesn’t he miss me?”
Seeing Molly so heartbroken made me furious at my brother. Steven was always father’s favorite golden boy, excelling at school, sports, and now business.
But all at the expense of his family.
Vivian pursed her lips sympathetically. “Oh, bunny, don’t be upset. Your father is just busy because of the launch. I’m sure he’ll make it up to you when things settle down at work.”
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Chapter Seventy Two
***** 25 BONUS
My eyes narrowed at the boldfaced lie–things never “settle” at Crown Luxe. My father and brother were always pushing the company to greater heights.
“It’s okay, Mommy.” Molly said with a small smile. “If I’m bored or lonely, Auntie Celeste said I can visit her studio to play with her and my new friend, Bonnie.”
Vivian’s eyebrows arched.
“And who are Auntie Celeste and Bonnie?” She asked.
Molly’s face brightened. “Auntie Celeste is Uncle Ry–Ry’s boss, but Bonnie thinks they’re dating.”
I felt heat rise to my cheeks as my sister–in–law shot me a scandalous smile,
“So Ryan, I went away on a business trip and you got yourself a girlfriend?” She teased playfully.
“We’re not dating!” I said a little too hastily. “We’re just colleagues and good
Vivian glanced conspiratorially at her daughter.
“You must have seen them together, sweetheart, so tell me is Uncle Ryan lying?”
Molly’s face scrunched up in reflection. “Auntie Celeste said they were friends like me and Bonnie, but I think Uncle Ry–Ry is in lo-”
I interrupted her with a nervous chuckle. “See? Nothing’s going on between us.”
My sister–in–law folded her arms. “Somehow I’m not convinced.”
“Celeste is a divorced single mother who’s built a career as a renowned jewelry designer by sheer determination and dedication in a matter of months.” I said, a smile tugging at my lips. “I respect and admire her for it, that’s all.”
Molly nodded. “Auntie Celeste is the best jewelry designer ever! See my earrings.”
Vivian squinted her eyes at them in admiration.
“These are simple, yet elegant. How come I haven’t heard of her?”
“Does Rosemary ring any bells?” I asked, flashing a smile as I boasted about my boss.
“No way.” Her eyes widened, then she smacked my arm angrily. “Why haven’t you brought her over to Crown Luxe yet? A collaboration with Rosemary is a guaranteed success.”
I clenched my fists as my smile fell.
“My father’s archaic prejudices have prevented that.” I said, voice light despite the injustice. “He’s throwing away this opportunity because he suspects there’s more to our relationship than meets the eye.”
Vivian’s face softened. “Are his suspicions entirely unfounded?”
My chest was a storm of emotions, and I was tired of keeping them contained.
“No.” I said, voice strained, and it felt like a weight off my shoulders. “I’ve always felt ambivalent about Celeste. Her strength, warmth, loyalty, and talent have always attracted me–even when we were kids–but things are much more complicated now.”
“Why? Because she’s a divorcee with a child?” Vivian asked pointedly. “What’s that in the face of love?”
My pulse jumped, and I stammered. “I never said I was in love with Celeste.”
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Chapter Seventy Two
Vivian patted my cheek. “You didn’t have to, Ryan–it’s written all over your face.”
