Lured into Love (Blossom in Winter #2) - Melanie Martins Page 0,159

I don’t even want to do this. Louise’s gaze lands on me with real genuine empathy, and she slowly takes my hand between hers. “I know you are going through a lot. It’s alright, don’t be afraid.” I’m left speechless, totally gaping at her words. How does she know that? Then she gently turns my hand over, looking at my palm. “Mmm, I see money and love are in abundance…” Her voice soothes me, and I give her a warm smile in return. “But deep troubles with family and acceptance.” Well, that couldn’t be more true. And I wonder how she come to that conclusion? Her smile then quietly vanishes, and her face turns into something more sinister and gloomy.

“Is there something wrong?” I ask immediately.

“Um…” And I can tell she’s not comfortable telling me the truth in front of all these people. All of a sudden, though, Louise just stands up, excuses herself, and silently walks away. Everyone starts whispering among themselves as we all remain in shock at her behavior. I hate to be the center of attention, and right now, with all these women staring at me and wondering what I have done to make Auntie Louise leave, it feels like I’m living my worst nightmare. And although I didn’t want her to start reading my palm, now I can’t help but wonder what she saw and why she left. I decide to follow her as she crosses the living room, then the entryway, all the way outside to the parking area.

“Ma’am, please,” I plead, before running in her direction.

But Louise doesn’t react; instead, she keeps walking toward her car, ignoring me.

Speeding up my pace, I get close enough to reach her shoulder, and say once more, “Ma’am, please.” As she turns around, her face is stern, yet laced with torment that petrifies me. “Please,” I plead. “Tell me the truth.” Then I extend my right hand once more, showing her my palm lines. Her eyes dart down for a second, observing them briefly, before looking up at me. “What do you see?”

After a beat of silence, she finally exhales a loud rush of air and says, “I only see death and misery, Miss.” My heart stops at the sound of her voice, and my eyes widen in shock. “I wish I could tell you otherwise. I’m sorry.”

She turns again, taking her car keys out of her purse, but I have more to ask. “Why? I… I don’t understand. I had an accident earlier this year, but I survived.”

Her head lowers for a moment, and while I can only see her back, I know her eyes are closed. I remain still, patiently observing her. Louise looks over her shoulder and mutters, “This relationship…” She pauses, shaking her head. “It won’t end well. Now, I must go. Good night.”

Her words were said with so much conviction that I remain baffled and barely breathing.

I hear the sound of her car engine, but I don’t dare look at her and wave goodbye.

Returning inside the house, I’m left with not only a wave of shock, but also a big mental mess. This woman doesn’t even know me, yet she said the same thing as the one who spoke to my mom. Then I wonder why Mona insisted so much for me to meet her. Was it just in good faith? Or did she know what Louise would tell me?

“Hey, I was looking for you.” But I don’t even look at Alex coming in. “Are you alright?” he asks, rubbing my arm in a failed attempt to soothe me.

“Yeah, I was just speaking to Louise.” I force myself to put on a smile and brush that incident from my mind.

“What did she tell you?”

“Oh, nothing that matters. Don’t worry about it.” My ears perk up, recognizing one of my favorite songs now playing. I put on a joyful expression, and, grasping his hand, I try to lead him to the outdoor terrace, where everyone is dancing to “Sway” by Michael Bublé. “Shall we? I love this song.”

“Petra…” But Alex doesn’t even move; instead, he just pulls me closer to him. “What did she tell you?” he repeats, this time a bit slower.

Lost in his blue eyes, I contemplate if I should tell him the truth or not. Since lying again doesn’t feel like a good option, I say, “Well…” Then I clear my throat as I think of the best words to say it. “She said as long as we remain together,