34. Mary
Chapter 34
Mary
Idiot! Why did I think telling him I love him would change anything? How can I show him that it’s true?
He didn’t even look happy about it.
I don’t care about Chris anymore. I never really did. It was part of some elaborate fantasy world where I could pretend I mattered to somebody.
Like I matter to Connor.
I miss him.
The front door swings open before I reach it, revealing my mother dressed in one of her designer suits. She stands rigidly, arms crossed over her chest, lips pursed. Her eyes travel over my oversized sweater and the jeans, which have become hopelessly faded from countless wash cycles.
It’s comfy, and it’s rare to find such good-fitting jeans, so I’m not going to give it up.
“Mary,” she says. “Your attire leaves much to be desired.”
The ‘desired’ would be to dress according to society’s standards—conservative skirts paired with crisp blouses and elegant heels. But those clothes make me feel suffocated, hemmed in by expectations that bear little resemblance to who I really am. And to be honest, I just don’t care today.
“Hi, Mom,” I walk past her.
“You could have at least straightened your hair.”
Did she set up another date? What’s it gonna be this time? A surgeon?
“We’re just family, right?” I ask.
“Certainly not. We have a guest today.”
Maybe a pilot? That one would have at least some good stories to tell.
“I really don’t need another attempt to match me with somebody. I’m perfectly capable of finding my own partners.”
“Yes, and how has that been working for you so far?” she asks.
Touché, Mom. “I—”
“I think Mary looks lovely.”
“C-Connor?” I whirl to face him as he steps into the foyer, my father close behind him. “What are you doing here?”
Connor looks handsome in his well-tailored suit and his hair tousled in that stylish but unstudied way. After everything that’s happened, I didn’t expect to see him again so soon.
His eyes meet mine, warm and playful, and for a moment, I forget all the complications. I just want to go over and kiss him.
“Your father invited him,” my mother says .
Of course.
Connor steps forward and takes my hand, bringing it to his lips. “It’s wonderful to see you again.”
My cheeks burn. “Yes. Likewise.”
“Connor, make yourself at home,” my father says.
“I plan to do just that.” He’s still focused on me.
“Is Ella here yet?” I withdraw my hand and take a step back.
“She’ll be along soon with Trent,” my mother says.
“Let’s give them some space.” My father takes my mother by the hand and drags her into the next room.
As soon as they’re out of sight, Connor turns his attention to me. “Did you miss me?”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I wanted it to be a surprise and—”
The doorbell rings, and my mother rushes in, opening the door.
“Ella, darling!” My mother gushes, embracing her. “And Trent, how wonderful to see you both.”
I glance over to see Ella and her asshole boyfriend enter.
“Hi everyone.” Ella loops her arm through Trent's, smiling at him… almost too big. Too forced?
I plaster on a fake smile of my own as I step forward. “Hi guys, so nice to see you.”
Trent’s beady little eyes scan me up and down, no doubt finding me lacking. He should join a club with my mother .
“Mary, always a pleasure.” He reaches out to shake my hand with his clammy paw and I fight the impulse to wipe it off on my jeans.
“Good to see you, sis.” Ella gives me an awkward one-armed hug. There are dark circles under her eyes that even her heavy makeup can’t quite conceal.
“You okay?” I ask.
“What should be wrong?” Trent asks.
“Nothing.” Ella laughs, a bit too high-pitched. “All good.”
An awkward silence descends. I glance at Connor, who is watching the interaction with an inscrutable look on his face.
“Oh, let me introduce you both to Connor. He’s a cybersecurity consultant working with Dad’s company.” I gesture to Connor, who extends his hand to Trent.
Trent grips it, his knuckles turning white. “Trent Carson. I’m sure you’ve heard of my father’s real estate empire.”
Some kind of pissing contest? Typical.
Connor’s smile is razor-sharp. “Can’t say that I have.”
I barely suppress a snort. Take that, trust-fund-baby.
Ella’s gaze darts between them, her smile faltering. She tugs on Trent’s arm. “I’m sure he’s heard of it. But let’s not talk business tonight, honey. This is family time.”
Family time, right. More like another opportunity for Mom to remind me of my ticking biological clock and lack of a ring on my finger.
I turn to Connor, lowering my voice. “I’m so sorry about this.”
His eyes meet mine, a glimmer of amusement and something else I can’t quite decipher. He leans in, his breath warm against my ear. “Relax, Blue. I can handle a little family drama.”
“Where’s father?” Ella asks our mother.
“In the dining room. Why don’t we continue this discussion there?” Mother walks out, gesturing us to follow.
As we file into the lavish space, I catch Ella’s eye. She gives me a small, almost imperceptible nod—a silent plea for understanding. My heart sinks. Something is clearly bothering her, but with Trent at her side, I can’t get to her.
Connor pulls out my chair for me and takes the spot beside me.
The maids bring silver platters of roast chicken, vegetables, and mashed potatoes.
My mother’s gaze lingers on Connor, her lips pursed. No man my mother didn’t select is ever good enough. If only she knew the truth.
Connor, for his part, appears perfectly at ease. Ella picks at her food, her smile too tight. Trent’s eyes narrow as he joins my mother in scrutinizing Connor. Dad beams, oblivious, the only one genuinely pleased to have us all together.
“So, Connor,” my mother begins, “Tell us about yourself. What is it you do again?”
“I’m a cybersecurity consultant,” Connor says. “I’m working with Richard to evaluate his company’s cybersecurity.”
“Interesting,” my mother says, though her tone implies the opposite. “And where did you and Mary meet? ”
Before Connor can respond, my father jumps in enthusiastically. “At the office, of course! Connor’s been doing great work for me. Didn’t I already tell you about him? Sharp, successful man.”
Doesn’t he realize he’s only encouraging my mother’s interrogation?
My mother’s voice drips with faux sweetness. “I can’t seem to remember. I’m sorry.” She turns her attention to Trent. “And Trent, how are you doing?”
I spear a carrot with more force than necessary. Only an hour left to endure this torture. At least Connor is here. Having him by my side makes it marginally more bearable.
Trent grins, clearly enjoying the spotlight. “Things are going well. The firm just closed a huge deal for a luxury condo complex downtown. It was all over the news. I led the negotiations for that one.”
He glances at Ella as if expecting praise, but she just nods politely.
“It’s going to completely transform that neighborhood,” Trent continues. “Bringing in young professionals really raises property values. We got the zoning laws changed and everything.”
My mother beams. “How wonderful! It sounds like your career is really taking off.”
“Oh, absolutely,” Trent says, slicing into his chicken. “I was just made junior partner, youngest ever at the firm. I’m on the fast track now. ”
Ella shifts in her seat.
I stab another carrot, barely listening as Trent drones on.
“It’s going to be huge,” he says. “We’re talking luxury condos, high-end retail, gym and spa areas. And with my connections, I’ve got dibs on the penthouse suite.”
Mom and Dad nod along, hanging on his every word. I glance at Ella, but she’s studying her plate, her smile fading.
“Of course, it means I’ll be busier than ever.” Trent places a hand on Ella’s shoulder. “But that’s why I’m so happy Ella is focusing more on supporting me these days. An actress’s schedule can be so unpredictable, you know? It’s better for everyone if she’s available when I need her.”
Ella opens her mouth as if to protest, but Trent barrels on, oblivious. “Plus, let’s be real, acting is such an unstable career. She’s lucky to have me to take care of her.”
I grip my fork tighter, rage simmering in my veins. How dare he dismiss Ella’s passion like that? Acting is her dream, her life. She’s worked so hard for every role, every scrap of recognition.
Ella tries again to interject. “Actually, I—”
But Trent cuts her off with a wave of his hand. “Babe, I’m talking. Anyway, as I was saying...”
Connor nudges me, raising an eyebrow, clearly sharing my disgust. At least someone else sees through Trent’s bullshit.
As Trent pontificates on the merits of some new golf club he’s joined, I study my sister. The sparkle in her eyes has dimmed, her shoulders hunched. This isn’t the vibrant, driven Ella I know. Trent is suffocating her, bit by bit .
“Well, that’s certainly impressive,” my mother says. “Though I must say, I’m surprised you two are… How should I put this…” She pauses, pretending to search for the right words while glowering at Ella. “Waiting to make it official.”
My sister’s face goes pale. “You mean get married?”
“Soon, hopefully.” Trent reaches over and gives Ella’s hand an awkward pat. “I just asked her yesterday. It was very spontaneous.”
“Congratulations.” My mother claps her hands.
“Where is the ring, then?” I ask.
Trent flashes a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. “Oh, it’s being adjusted. You know how it is with these custom pieces. Takes time to get it just right.”
Ella fidgets with her fingers.
Trent chuckles, patting his stomach. “Plus, we had to resize it a second time. Someone’s been indulging lately, if you know what I mean.” He winks at Ella, who shrinks further into her seat.
I clench my jaw so hard my teeth ache. How dare—
“No,” Ella says quietly.
Trent stops mid-sentence, his brow furrowing. “What was that, babe?”
“Nothing. If you excuse me for a second, I need to go to the bathroom.” Ella stands up and leaves the room.
“I’ll be right back.” Trent follows her out.
My mother taps on my shoulder. “So that means I only have one daughter left to marry off. ”
“I’m perfectly happy with my career, Mother,” I say, keeping my voice level. “I don’t need a man to complete me.”
She sighs, shaking her head. “You say that now, but what about in a few years? When all your friends are married with children, and you’re still alone?”
I open my mouth to argue, but my father cuts in. “If Mary is happy, then I’m happy too. She’s a smart, capable woman. In fact…” He turns to me. “I’ve been thinking, Mary. We should take the necessary precautions for you to take over the firm soon.”
I blink, stunned. Did I hear him right? Me, take over the family business?
“What?” my mother sputters. “Richard, you can’t be serious.”
But my father just smiles, ignoring her. “I think she’d be great at it. She’s already doing an amazing job in her current role. With a little more training and experience, she could easily step into my shoes.”
All these years, I’ve been so focused on proving myself, on carving out my own path. I never even considered the possibility of taking over for my father because I thought he would never let me. I thought they would marry me to some businessman, who then took over, and I was left to play housewife. But now, hearing him say it… something clicks into place.
This is what I want. This is what I’ve been working toward all along, even if I didn’t realize it. The late nights, the extra projects, the constant need to be better, do more. It was all leading here.
A grin spreads across my face. “I’d love that, Dad.”
“Great, then it’s settled.”
My mother huffs, clearly unhappy.
But for once, I don’t care. Let her disapprove. Let her cling to her outdated notions of what a woman should be. I know who I am and what I’m capable of. And apparently, so does my father.
“Mary, dear, you really should follow Ella’s example. She’s found herself a successful man who can provide for her,” my mother says.
Can’t she see how miserable Trent makes her? How much I worked for my father wanting me to take over the firm?
I glance over at Connor. Would he support me, or would he want me to be the doting wife? If he even would want to be a couple. Because after last time, I don’t know what we are. If he doesn’t, that means we’re—
“Actually, Victoria, Mary and I have an announcement to make.” Connor takes my hand, intertwining our fingers. “We’re engaged, and I would like nothing more than to support her in whatever she wants.”