Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 53880 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 216(@250wpm)___ 180(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53880 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 216(@250wpm)___ 180(@300wpm)
“Cora,” Nick says as he leans in and kisses each side of her cheek. “I haven’t seen you all night. I was starting to think you decided on not coming.”
Cora’s eyes are locked with mine. Mine are locked with hers. There is a silent communication between us. She’s preparing her defense. She’s going to pull the “who are you going to believe, me or her?” card. But she’s scared. I can see the flicker of fear in her eyes. I can see it in the way her lips purse together and the way her breathing is shallow, her veined neck more obvious as she brings the cigarette to her mouth.
“I couldn’t miss your unbirthday party,” she says. “I know how important Wonderland is to you, and I wouldn’t miss it for the world. You’re the most important person to me in my life.”
Yes, I’m listening. I hear what she’s not saying. It’s a hidden plea. It’s her way of telling me just how close Cora and Nick are. And I know this. I see the way Nick is with Cora. I see the way his eyes soften, and his smile nearly melts his face. She’s like a mother to him. I know this, which is why I haven’t said a single word about how she set up the kidnapping in Italy. I know what it feels like to feel betrayed by a mother. I know how painful it is to be let down by someone you love and by someone you believed to love you. I know what it feels like when your world shatters because the people close to you aren’t trustworthy. Betrayal is the worst pain in the world, and I wouldn’t wish that feeling on Nick. He’s been through enough pain in his life. What good would come from me telling Nick of Cora’s betrayal? Yes, I may feel better. Vengeance feels damn good. But will Nick feel good? Will Nick be happy I told him? All I would do is destroy a long relationship between the two. And from what I know of Nick, Cora is one of the few people in his life that he actually loves, if not the only one.
“Lyriope,” she says on exhale as smoke circles around her face. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“There was an open invite to all Morellis,” I say, trying to hide the venom in my voice. I want to lash out and bite the woman, poisoning her with my hate, but I somehow compose myself.
“And I’m so glad she did,” Nick says as he puts his arm around my shoulders and kisses my forehead.
I don’t know if he did the action on purpose as a way of showing Cora how Nick feels, or if it was a simple and innocent act. Regardless of his intentions, Cora’s eyes watch every move he makes toward me. She’s studying. She’s scrutinizing. And I believe she’s concluding that if she and I go to war… I may just win. I do know that Nick may never forgive her for the betrayal. He doesn’t seem like a man that would handle being lied to well.
Cora locks eyes with me, and I see them soften. I see them almost plead. “I hope you’re settling well at the Morelli mansion,” she says the words without even blinking.
I nod. “I am.”
“You’ve been through a lot.”
“I have.”
“Well, if there is anything I can do to help in the transition,” she offers. “I know I haven’t offered that before and I apologize. I’m sorry. Any friend of Nick should be a friend of mine. I hope you can accept my apology.”
It’s hidden. It’s cloaked. But she’s saying sorry.
Nick laughs. “Cora doesn’t like anyone or is willing to help a soul.” He laughs. “Except me. So take that as a compliment.”
I nod, my eyes still locked with hers. “I should really get Sasha and head back.” I look up at Nick and lean forward so I can kiss his cheek goodbye. “It was a wonderful Wonderland.”
As I approach Sasha so we can leave, I can almost feel the burn of Cora’s eyes on my back. Will I seek revenge? No. I know many would. Many would want to see her pay. And though she may be an awful terrible person to many, she isn’t to Nick. She loves him. She was there for him after his parents’ death. She’s all the family he has. No matter what I feel about this woman, I will never take her away from Nick. My vengeance is not stronger than my love for him.
I’m going to forgive Cora. Not to her face, however. I’ll never say the words. She doesn’t deserve that. In fact, her wondering if and when I’m going to tell Nick will torture her. The unknown of what my plan could be is a far worse punishment than me flat-out revealing what she did. Only I will know what I will and will not say to Nick. And deep down in my soul, I’m going to forgive and walk away. I need to do it for Nick.