Heart of Redemption (Hearts #2)

17. Margo

Chapter 17

Margo

“ M argo.” I heard someone groan.

Ring, ring, ring!

“Margo!” Someone screamed as my eyes squinted open, harsh light from a cell phone blurred my vision.

I looked up to see Verina and Juliette cuddled together as I laid on the cold floor next to Verina’s bed. My phone had been the one disrupting their beauty sleep, as well as mine.

I slowly crawled outside her bedroom, to answer my phone which had my Father’s caller ID.

“Hello?” I groaned as his loud voice erupted from the phone’s speaker.

“Maggie Raine Hamilton. Where the hell have you been?!” He shrieked as I moved the phone away from my ear.

“Why do you care?” I whisper as he paused.

“You are still our daughter.” He replied as I rolled my eyes.

I waddled around to Verina’s kitchen to grab a bottle of water, only to catch a small glimpse of a flashlight on her balcony, which quickly disappeared.

“I thought that, that label had been revoked the moment I chose love over you two.” I remarked.

“You don’t know what being in love feels like.” He muttered as I shook my head.

“You’re wrong.” I blanched.

I heard footsteps from the outside porch as I turned my head nothing appeared through the window.

Verina’s house was fully secured, and I had no doubt that something would happen to the Mayor’s estate.

“Maggie, I’ve gotten word that you and Liam are now separated, so was betraying us worth it for love or was it a stupid mistake.”

My eyes closed in annoyance, “You asked someone to spy on me, haven’t you.” I snarled as he laughed.

“I will do anything to know what you are up to Maggie, so please stop being stubborn and come home.”

I took a breath.

My parents were right. I was wrong. It was as simple as that; I mis profiled Liam and I underestimated him. He might’ve been lying the entire time, or he might have not.

But at the end of the day, we were done. What was the point of fighting my parents, fighting the offer of having a roof over my head and not having to walk to school every morning.

I had nothing to lose, so why fight the arranged marriage?

Why fight something that could not only help me but help my parents as well?

I pulled my phone closer to my face, “What exactly are you offering me father?” I sighed as he took another pause.

“Your mother and I want you home, you will live under our roof, we will have a family dinner with the Grimaldi’s. Your engagement will be finalized soon. And you won’t fight it.”

I swallowed. My eyes started to water at the thought of my loss of freedom. Maybe that’s why I’ve been fighting them. That’s why I’ve been fighting it.

But never in my life will I ever betray my parents because of a boy again. I promise myself that.

“Okay.” I said quietly as I could practically feel their happiness at me obeying their orders.

Before they could say anything else, I hung up on them. I turned around to see Xavier, walk in slowly through the balcony door.

“Ahem.” I coughed out as he flinched at the sight of me.

“Margo!” He addressed with a guilty smile as I rolled my eyes.

“Xavier Du Pont, why are you only getting home at this time?” I folded my arms in front of me as he walked closer giving me a kiss on the cheek.

“Well, if you must ask, Michelle and I were out partying with some kids from Columbia University, I even met a guy on the football team.” He winked as I tried to look uninterested.

“Xavier, it is dangerous to be out late, and could you even imagine if your parents found out, or worst, if Verina found out you were late because of some guy you just met.” I lectured as he pulled out his phone.

“It is not even that late Margo.” He defended as I huffed out.

“You know I care about you, but you and Michell need to be safer. There are a lot of creeps hanging around the outskirts of Columbia, and may I remind you. You have to stay out of trouble for your father’s sake.” I pointed at him as he continued to listen.

“I know what you’re going to say Margo.” He cut me off and I shut my mouth before he continued, “You have to watch what you do because of your father’s upcoming election.” He mocked.

I stayed quiet.

“It’s worse enough that the mayor has a gay son, Margo. I know he seems like he’s fine with it but deep down I know he wished for the son that he could’ve taught football to, not one that dates a football player.” He took a seat on the island countertop.

“My family is so damn perfect, and I’m just a weighing disappointment. Verina is the golden child, she is the one they pay attention to, the one they are proud of, every step of the way, she gets the guys, gets the fame, everything.” He looked at me in a sad manor.

“I know it sounds awful, but sometimes I wish and pray for the day she messes up, her downfall, where for a second our parents might think of me first. But that’s a long shot anyways.” He laughed off as my lips thinned.

What could I even say to make the situation better?

“I know, I’m probably the last person that you think would relate to you, because in the past you’ve made it clear that we couldn’t have been more different. But can I tell you something?” I whispered as he leaned closer to me.

He was ready to dive deep into the lore I was about to drop on to him.

“Well for starters, I know you and Liam hooked up.” He voiced as my eyes widened.

“What? How?” My face practically fell to the ground as he chuckled at the color that left my face.

“Margo, be for real right now. You two spent more than a few hours in one of Maya’s rooms. Now of course no one really knew if you guys actually hooked up, but you reacting like that just confirmed all my suspicions.” He winked at me as he took a sip from the water, I had poured on a glass for myself.

“To be honest with you, I saw it coming. You guys just seemed compatible, you both like to play around, the partying, the mind games you would use on men, you’ve met your match. Lastly, I think it’s hilarious that if you two started dating, Adrianna and Grayson would have to spend time together.” He smirked.

I knew Xavier had a fat crush on Grayson Prince, everyone kind of did. Well except for me, I was more into dark features, as much as I disliked Liam, I hated myself for being attracted to him.

But Xavier was right, Adrianna and Grayson hanging out would’ve been a funny thought or idea. Maybe in another planet, or another life things would’ve worked out between Liam and I.

Maybe if we were still in Greece, we would still be together. But like I said to him, we weren’t in Greece anymore, we’re in our real lives.

It was time to move on.

“Yeah, I thought so too.” I questioned as he gave a dirty look.

“Did he fuck up already?!” Xavier looked shocked as I nodded.

“I walked in on him with two girls on his lap yesterday.” I elucidated further, “But earlier that day he acted like he didn’t know who I was and also embarrassed me.” I continued.

Xavier’s face looked mortified as he flinched away, “I think I might have to reevaluate why I’m gay.” He laughed as I joined in.

“Yeah, men are such characters aren’t they?”