Lured into Love (Blossom in Winter #2) - Melanie Martins Page 0,112

to protect him, and I see him so enraged, full of fury, that they trample toward Alex to do the same or even worse.

Oh God, they’re gonna fight! “Stop it!” I yell through my tears, stepping in front. “Dad, please,” I plead, trying to calm him down. “You guys are best friends. Stop it.”

But as I face the darkness in the eyes of my dad, my mom, and the two bodyguards surrounding them, I know there is no mercy to be found here. And unless we want this day to end in a tragic accident, it’s better if I just comply and leave.

“You don’t have to do this,” Alex mumbles, holding me by the arm.

Despite the difficulty of this moment and not knowing how long it will be until I’m able to see him again, I know this is the right thing to do. Alex can’t win against two armed bodyguards.

I look him in the eye, memorizing the last look we exchange as well as I can, then I run a hand over his cheek, and with the back of my fingers, I caress it, enjoying how soft his stubble is. Leaning toward his ear, I whisper, “I will wait for you. As long as it takes.”

Chapter 28

Petra Van Gatt

I never thought, not in a million years, that one day, Mom would be here on Park Avenue, sitting in our dining room beside my dad. I’d have never expected that she’d call me a slut either, and yet here we are. Yep, life can take some pretty unexpected turns.

Their faces are as frigid as the marble table standing between us. In fact, they haven’t said a word since we got here. Not even when I asked them why there is a jewelry box on the table. Nope; nothing. It feels like those meetings where the child did something wrong and has to see the school principal, knowing all too well that some sort of punishment will be inflicted.

As we all remain mute, digesting the chaotic scene that just happened at Alex’s condo, I can hear the swinging of the pendulum clock behind me.

Tick tock, tick tock…

But it’s not only the pendulum clock that is behind me, no. The two bodyguards that my parents assigned to me are also standing there. And yet I haven’t heard them breathing. Are they human?

Suddenly, I see Janine opening the door wide.

“My apologies for the delay.” Dr. Nel makes her way in. I notice she’s wearing her usual glasses and a fancy Hermès scarf around her neck, and is holding her briefcase.

After exchanging a few words with Mom, she sits beside my dad, who is now between those two witches.

Nel gives me her usual smile, but I don’t reciprocate.

“Shall we start?” Dad asks.

They nod at him in perfect sync.

“Petra.” I cross my arms at the sound of my name. “I know everything is my fault.” His fault? I furrow my brows in total confusion. “And I take full responsibility for that.” What is he talking about? What he did in the condo? “I should’ve never let you start this relationship in the first place. I should’ve protected you, and…”

“Bullshit!” I shout. “I’m not stupid! I know the only reason you had a change of heart is because Mom has got some dirt on you! Fuck off with your bullshit!”

Their jaws drop instantly—not sure if it’s because of my language or that I know the truth.

“Enough!” he barks as he punches the table. A few beats of silence ensue as Dad recovers his composure. “In the beginning, yes.” Ah, at least he admits it. “But after meeting and discussing your wellbeing with Dr. Nel, I understand how this relationship is not healthy for you.” I can’t help but huff at the crap I’m hearing.

“Your dad is right,” Dr. Nel adds. “You have Obsessive Love Disorder, Petra,” she announces. “This obsessive love you have for your godfather is very toxic and self-destructive. It will take time and a lot courage, but it can be cured. And I promise you, if you give it a try, it will work.”

“You can’t cure love, Dr. Nel,” I snap.

“You are sick, my poor child,” Mom chides. “Sick and totally obsessed with that man. This is over once and for all.” She taps her index finger on the table to mark her words.

Meanwhile, I keep shaking my head in total disbelief at the absurdities they are trying to feed me.

“Now…” Mom takes the jewelry box resting in the center of the table