An Improper Ever After(18)

That pulls me out of my shock. "That can't be right, or you'd be married to the Dalai Lama."

She snaps her clutch shut and faces me. "You think you're so clever?" Hateful condescension twists her face. "Yeah, I guess you do. So you know Elliot doesn't need to stay married to you to get what he wants, right? He just needs to be married."

Her triumphant viciousness leaves me dazed. As my brain kicks in again, I gape at her. How does she know this? Elizabeth swore that only her brothers, father and stepmother know the truth behind my fake marriage to Elliot. I haven't known her for long, but I'm certain she isn't the type to lie. 

"Surprised?" Annabelle flutters her eyelashes at me. "You shouldn't be. Everyone knows."

My throat constricts for a moment, but I manage to say in an even voice, "Everyone?"

"Everyone who counts." She gives me a smarmy, used-car salesman smile.

I rally myself. I'd rather bite my tongue until it bleeds than let her see how she's upset my equilibrium. "So you can count. I was wondering. Well, at least I'll be going home with a hot, young husband tonight."

"You'll never satisfy a man like Elliot."

"Apparently you didn't either. Which is why he passed you off to his father."

Her eyes flash. "Elliot enjoys slumming, but at the end of the day, a man wants a lady by his side."

"A lady who hasn't married his father, surely."

"Always so naïve. If that were true, we wouldn't have been fucking in a closet after the ceremony." She smirks. "What? You didn't know? Oh yes, it's true. He's always wanted me." She strokes her chest, breathing shallowly as though she's turned on by the memory. "He's just too stubborn to admit it to himself. He's always been stubborn."

To hide how shaken and sickened I am by the revelation, I start drying my hands.

"Give it up and leave him," she continues. "I don't want to have to hurt you or your sister, but"-she shrugs-"you've led such an interesting life. I would hate to release all those little nuggets, but I will … one by one if you're too dense to understand what I mean."

Fury sears my cheeks, and I itch to slap her. "Don't you threaten me."

"And why wouldn't I? Who you gonna tell?" Annabelle leans closer until our noses are almost touching. "Elliot?" she whispers. "He'll never believe you."

My misery is nearly complete because I know she's right. He won't even listen to my explanation about Mr. Grayson. Why would he believe anything I say about Annabelle Underhill?

After a long moment she pulls back. "That's what I thought. Well, cheer up. It's not like there's no way out of the situation. All you have to do is divorce him. No … big … deal."

She leaves. I brace my hands against the edge of the vanity and try to drag in air through my mouth. My head throbs like Annabelle's just slammed the back of my skull against the wall, and my stomach roils.

If Annabelle Underhill follows through on her threats, I'm screwed. Nonny will never forgive me, and Elliot will grow even colder and more distant.

Why did I ever think I would have a fresh new start? Fresh starts are for the lucky few. I'm not that fortunate.





Chapter Seven



Elliot

Where is Belle? She's been gone for too long. She isn't in the dining hall, and I remember how pale and withdrawn she was earlier.

I walk toward the ladies' room and spot Ryder, who's in a black tux that fits him perfectly. Despite the fact that we're half-brothers, we look nothing alike. I often joke that I'm the handsomer guy. In reality, he is one disgustingly good-looking bastard. He takes after his mother-the almost-black hair and arresting blue eyes combined with a face that people gush over in breathless wonder. Underneath the pretty mask is a decent brain as well. He's monetized his appearance quite effectively, much to our father's fury.





 

 
A small throng of people has gathered around him-can't be helped, since he's the biggest thing in Hollywood right now. The moment he spots me, he extricates himself and walks over. "Didn't know you were planning to attend," he says.

"Me? What about you? You hate these things."

"I'm trying to make a few appearances with Paige."

I nod. He doesn't have to explain further. He's trying to put on a good show for Paige's sake. There are still those who think she "stole" Ryder from more deserving women. What they don't know is that nobody "steals" Ryder unless he wants to be stolen. His relationship with Paige started out much like mine-a simple contract. But he is crazy about his wife now, and they're expecting a baby together. He would've never impregnated her if he wasn't thinking forever.