He’d take one look at me standing in his hospital room and call for security.
Defeated, I headed for the door. My fingers wrapped around the handle and pulled gently just as a whisper carried in the air.
“You have my word.”
I glanced back, expecting to find Tristan glaring at me. But he wasn’t.
And maybe I really was losing my mind.
Chapter 18
Arianne
“So... what did he say?” Nora whispered as we made our way back to our seats.
“Not here.” I smiled, trying to give the illusion of everything being fine.
Everything was not fine.
Nicco was here.
Or, at least, he had been.
I hoped he was far away now, out of the reach of my father’s and Mike Fascini’s men.
He shouldn’t have come.
Yet my heart was so relieved to see him standing there on that terrace.
“There you are.” Scott rose from his chair and pulled mine back slightly. “You almost missed the most important part of the night.” He smirked.
It was late and I was tired.
Tired of keeping up pretenses and putting on a smile.
All I wanted was to retire to my room, lock the door, and wash the games and fakeness off my skin. But first, Mike had to make his grand speech.
He was already on the stage, microphone in hand, a glass of champagne on the shaker table beside him. The servers were busy moving from table to table, replacing wine glasses with flutes, filling them with Dom Perignon for the toast.
Once we were all in our seats, Mike gave our table a nod and the room ushered into thick silence. “Some of you may be unaware but I have roots in Verona County. My family was here in the beginning and they will be here as we move into a new future. A prosperous future full of opportunity and growth. Together, with Capizola Holdings, Fascini and Associates will become a household name in the redevelopment of our great county. Get up here, Roberto.” He beckoned for my father to join him.
He kissed my mother on the cheek, the two of them sharing a long, lingering look.
What was I missing?
The pieces of the puzzle were right there in front of me, but I still couldn’t see them all.
My father climbed the steps to the stage and shook Mike’s hand.
“I invited you all here tonight,” he went on, “to celebrate the partnership between our two great families. But some of you may have noticed by now, that it isn’t the only thing we’re celebrating.” His eyes found mine, dark and full of wicked intent. “My son, Scott, has asked Arianne Capizola for her hand in marriage and she said yes.”
A low rumble of whispers trickled around the room. “This union will not only cement our business relationship, but it will unite our families. So I’d like you all to raise your glasses and toast the happy couple with me. To Scott and Arianne.”
The words reverberated through my skull as Scott slipped his arm around me and pulled me close. “You’re mine now, Principessa,” he breathed, his words sending a violent shiver skittering up my spine.
“Before we continue with the celebrations, I would just like to say to you, Arianne, we look forward to officially welcoming you to our family. I don’t know about Roberto, but I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Thanksgiving than watching our children take their vows. Now please, the night is still young, and the drinks are still flowing. I hope to see you all up on the dance floor before we say goodnight.”
Applause and cheers filled the room as the light dimmed. But I didn’t move.
I couldn’t.
Scott’s eyes drilled into the side of my face as Nora cussed under her breath.
Thanksgiving.
He’d said Thanksgiving.
That was only weeks away.
“You knew.” My gaze slid to Scott.
He wore an arrogant smirk. “I told you tonight was going to be special.”
I shoved my chair back with such force, it almost toppled over.
“Arianne, sweetheart?” The color drained from Mom’s face.
“I’m fine.” The band around my chest tightened, stealing the air from my lungs. “I just need to freshen up.”
I marched out of there with my head held high, nodding and smiling at the wave of congratulations offered from faceless guests.
I could barely breathe, let alone engage in conversation.
Thanksgiving.
“Arianne, wait up.” Nora caught up with me just as I stepped out into the hall, but I didn’t stop. “Wait, just wait.” She snagged my wrist and I conceded.
“Thanksgiving,” I hissed.
“They really know how to ruin a girl’s night, huh?”