-APOLLO
“Why do you always get upset when I ask about that family?” my mother inquires,
Damn.
83%
I was letting my emotions show too much. I just didn’t want her prying into my step–sister’s life. The moment she discovered the truth about Lana, everything would spiral out of control for me. I had to prevent that from happening, but I was clearly not doing a great job.
She was gradually piecing together that I was trying to protect someone in that family. If I didn’t stop this now, she would eventually figure out that Lana was the woman she’d heard me talking to during that conversation she wouldn’t stop pestering me about.
My mother did everything she could to persuade me to stay with her instead of moving in with my father. However, I made it clear that I wanted to be with him. When she pressed for reasons, I fabricated a huge lie about preferring the academy in this town. It took a lot for her to believe me even though it was a lie.
The truth was, I chose to stay with my father because it brought me closer to Lana. Even though I knew a relationship was impossible, I still wanted to be near her, to keep an eye on her. To be as close to her as possible. And after that first fucking kiss… I inwardly groan. Now was not the time to think about that. I was entering dangerous territories with that thought.
“That girl,” she says suddenly as if reading my mind. “Your step–sister. She was quite rude to me while I was there. No manners at all, just like her mother. I am having a hard time believing that you truly want to live there.”
My hand tightens into a fist at her words. I couldn’t let my annoyance show. I had to act indifferent about Lana.
“Why are you telling me this?” I ask her.
She gives me a frown, “I always talk to you about your father’s new wife, the one I find so unpleasant. This isn’t any different from the countless times I’ve complained about her. I’m simply pointing out that her daughter is just as bad.”
My jaw clenches.
Stay calm. Don’t give anything away.
“I don’t want you spending too much time with that girl,” she adds. “She’s not a good influence. Keep your distance as much as you can, even though you’ll be living in the same house.”
I shrug, “I hardly hang out with her.” This was true. I’d like to spend more time with my mate, but I had consciously kept my distance, knowing we could never have a future together.
She pauses, turning to me with a suspicious expression, “What’s with that tone?” she asks. “Is there something you want to tell me?”
It was tough to pretend that this conversation wasn’t bothering me. But I knew that if I defended Lana, my mother would immediately pick up on my feelings for her. If she figured that out, there would be more visits, and I was sure Jada would be dragged along.
“No,” I say dryly, masking my emotions. “I’m just tired.”
She frowns, “Tired? Or just bored because I’m keeping you away from those pointless parties you love to go to?”
I swing open the door to my hotel room, and she steps inside. “Honestly, how can I be bored when you’re here?”
Her mood shifts completely, and she hugs me/“Oh, my son, you have no idea how much joy you bring to my life.”
That was a close call. Keeping Lana a secret from my mother had been incredibly challenging. Now that they had met, I could see my mother was already starting to have her doubts about her. I needed to do my best to convince her that nothing was going on between Lana and me.
1/2
¥83%
(+38)
Chapter 32
“So?” she says, settling into one of the couches. “What do you think of Jada–your future wife?”
The truth was, I had zero feelings for Jada. How could I when I had someone as extraordinary as Lana as my mate? No one in the world could ever compare to her.
I knew my mother would try to choose someone she thought was perfect for me, and while I appreciated her effort, I was certain that I would never want to marry someone like Jada.
“She’s okay,” I reply, struggling to suppress my disinterest. It was tough to hide my true feelings.
Her expression darkens as she crosses her arms in disappointment.
“How can you describe someone as wonderful as Jada with just ‘okay‘?” she asks, genuinely concerned. “What’s wrong with her? She comes from a wealthy, respectable family that has instilled strong values in her. She doesn’t throw herself around like those girls you like to mess around with. She’s quiet and shy, loves reading, riding horses, playing the violin–among many other great qualities. She reminds me a lot of myself, so I don’t see why you’re not fond of her.”
I run a hand down my face, “I barely know her mother. I’ve been hearing about her for years, knowing you already set up my marriage long before I even thought about getting married. Excuse me if I’m a little overwhelmed by all this.”
She sighs deeply, “I understand that marriage is a monumental step. That’s why I’ve been giving you a chance to meet other women and have your fun while you’re young. However, the person you marry needs to be someone I can trust to carry on my legacy. Jada’s family has already agreed to pass everything down to you once you marry her. Our families coming together will only make us more prosperous. She is the best choice for you, believe me.”
I remain silent.
The best choice would be the woman who could make me happy–the woman I truly want.
“As you know, I will only choose the best for you.” She informs me. “Jada is the right woman for you, son. The only correct choice really.”
C
2/2
