Total pages in book: 158
Estimated words: 156392 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 782(@200wpm)___ 626(@250wpm)___ 521(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 156392 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 782(@200wpm)___ 626(@250wpm)___ 521(@300wpm)
The whole week, I indulged in overspending, pumping charities with Eli’s money to cleanse his satanic soul, and practicing my cello harder than when I used to prepare for a competition.
After my last performance, I was called again to play for a nonprofit event that I think I aced. This time, there were no flowers, but there was a text.
Tin Man
Heard you’re playing tonight.
Me
To what do I owe this honor? Do you finally realize that I exist?
Good luck.
You’re the one who’ll need luck when I get my hands on you.
What will you do? When you get your hands on me, I mean.
Oh, nothing much. Claw your eyes out, for starters.
Not a strong incentive to invite me to put myself in your vicinity.
That’s because you’re a coward, dear husband. You can’t handle me, so you run away as far as you can. Why don’t you divorce me and spare us both the hassle?
The D-word is not going to happen so you might as well remove it from your vocabulary. And it’s not that I can’t handle you. It’s the other way around.
You were the one who left, not the other way around.
?
??????
Better not agitate you before a performance.
I hate you.
*thumbs-up emoji*
If you don’t come back by tomorrow, I’m moving out.
So I did do well with that performance, mainly because I was fired up and so pissed off, I took the allegro up a notch. I was brave enough to invite both my parents and parents-in-law. A decision rather foolish in hindsight, considering Papa can’t stand Uncle Aiden.
I’m glad I booked a private room at a members-only Asian restaurant so at least the rest of the guests won’t call the police on us.
While I sit between Mama and Aunt Elsa—both women elegant in stunning cocktail dresses and chic hairstyles, Papa and Uncle Aiden, who are facing us, are more concerned with glaring at each other instead of consuming their food.
Papa is wearing an impeccable tuxedo with a white tie. His lean and muscular frame still fills the jacket and the room with a charismatic aura. Uncle Aiden, on the other hand, is clad in a tailored suit and a cocky smirk that I swear he passed down to his less likable son.
While Uncle Aiden has a ruthless reputation in the world, he’s always been a doting uncle when it comes to me. Probably because Aunt Elsa takes her godmother role very seriously just like Aunt Kim, Cecy’s mum, takes hers when it comes to the headache, Ari.
Seeing the atmosphere tonight, I could’ve used my sister’s presence. But, apparently, she had a ‘very important secret mission,’ which is probably following Remi around like a puppy. Or more like a grim reaper if we’re being honest.
But then again, I’m the one with a social-butterfly reputation. Surely, I can handle this.
With a smile, I refill both their glasses of wine. “So how are things lately, Papa?”
“They were fantastic until I met this eyesore presence. Why is he here again, pPrincess?”
“Because I’m her father-in-law,” Uncle Aiden answers with a mocking edge. “And you’re just livid that little Ava married into the King household. She even has our last name now. Must be sad to be you.”
“A reality that can be rectified.”
“But it won’t.”
“We’ll see about that.”
“Cole…” Mama says with the exasperation of someone who’s dealt with this a thousand times. “It’s Ava’s night.”
“Yes, Aiden,” Aunt Elsa supplies. “You promised to play nice.”
“I’m anything but nice, sweetheart. And this prick deserves everything but nice.”
“I’m going to knock your teeth out,” my father threatens.
“Papa, please,” I plead. “Can’t we enjoy dinner as a family?”
“Since when is Aiden your family?”
“Let me see…since she has our last name?”
Papa glares at him and he smirks.
“Admit it and cut your losses, Cole.”
“Ignore them.” Aunt Elsa pats my hand and places a dumpling on my plate. “I’m so proud of you, honey. You looked so bright on the stage.”
“Yes. You looked like a shining star, baby. I’m so happy you decided to follow your passion again.” Mama strokes my shoulder.
I smile. “Aw, thanks.”
“I’m sorry Eli couldn’t make it,” Aunt Elsa says in a sympathetic note.
My smile falters, but I refuse to let him ruin this for me, so I shrug. “You know him. Money and investment are more important to him than anything else. I don’t mind.”
“Well, I do. I’ll have a talk with his father, who’s been overworking him lately.”
“Pretty sure he’s overworking himself.”
“If you need me to talk some sense into him, I’m only a phone call away.”
I contemplate her offer. Aunt Elsa is the perfect weapon to use against her son since he respects and cares for his mum a great deal.
“I’ll take you up on that offer if needed,” I say with a sly smile.
We dig into our food as Mum and Aunt Elsa work their diplomacies with their husbands who seem hell-bent on leaving the restaurant with black eyes and bruised ribs.