I bite my tongue. I want to protest, but that would be

I encounter in this household. I try to find the go

lowing my recent breakup. I don't have to love her, since our union

ng her will nip my rakish lifestyle in the bud, as my home training won'

asks, seemingly unawa

ypical conduct – acting like I'm not there. I only speak when I'm told to speak.

ught me to be the perfect dinner comp

nd she's made that fact obvious s

with his mother. They perceive my presence as a th

ury I enjoy here, but fighting over the inheritance of a man who wouldn't have soug

l I saw was her back as she walked away. She never returned. I have no idea if she's

background makes her deem me unfit to eat off

eyes set on me. I was wearing my worn-out school clothes, which

xpression. Still, I put on a cheerful facade. Despite the jabs,

ness. However, that's a half-truth. I hide my hurt deep down, where they

tson Pierce,

achlan inquires, drawi

the name, but it doe

him?" Beatrice demands, looking baffled. She casts a pointed glance in my d

as nothing to do with suitability or compatibility." Dad waves one

," when he observes Dad's skepticism. He can't fool Dad; I'm sure the old man has eyes on us everywhere we go, keep

g so hard. It's no secret that he's the eventual

rarchy doesn't mean he's setting his sights on me over Lachlan, the so

nce to me. I'm the good-for-nothing, long-lost son of the Mendes family, who o

words, not cold, but indifferent. I never feel comfortable under his scrut

other. Your marriage plans will

to him, asking, "

reak eye contact. His eyes look hollow, fille

ge held?" I ask, speaking as though

month'

y."

's what you do best," Dad says, gesturing dismissively in my

r Lachlan's snicker across the table. I ignor

g a halfhearted goodnight to everyone. I don't g

*

I tell him about my upcoming nuptials

ar before he does, given my attitude toward

s the

looked her up online. Her photos showed a poised woman with piercing green eyes and raven-black hair, her smile radiant and co

of her," Ray says

what he knows. "Any insight into

u know how it is with medical students, especially one with her leve

conversation around us create a cozy atmosphere, but my mind is elsewhere. "I bet she's an arrogant, narcissi

nces, broth

rried to Hermione Watson will be a nightmar

A sonorous female voice echoes behin

me squarely. Our tables are placed side by side, although the seating arrange

e as recognition sparks. I'm staring at Hermione Watson Pierc

g her even more breathtaking. I close my mouth, work my jaw

oice as silky as a siren's. It lures me in, and I drink in i

e? I take my comment back. I earnestly look forward to a mar

her until Ray clears his throat. He looks questioningly at me,

" Ray

ove," I whisper, dreamily conjuring Hermion