18. Michaela #2
Once I was done oversharing, Keira declared I needed to work on my tan before my wedding day. I rushed to the guesthouse to change into my bathing suit, and I’m about to run out the door, when my phone rings.
I look at the screen and accept the video call.
“Hey ladybug, how did it go this morning?”
“You look even more exhausted than you did this morning, Daddy,” I say instead of answering his question. The fatigue lining his features is so pronounced.
“Phoenix’s expert called to talk about the fire, and then the police called because they had more questions. It’s been a stressful morning.”
“Oh, gosh, Daddy, you’re dealing with a lot,” I say. “I’m sorry I’m not there to lighten your load.”
“We’ve talked about that at length, Michaela. Your only job is to get to the altar,” he says. “I’ll deal with the rest.”
A bitter laugh rumbles up from deep inside me. “Got it. Let’s get down to business, then.”
My father gives me a warning look, but I ignore him. I understand the urgency, but I resent how he makes me feel like I’m a commodity.
“You’ll be glad to know Phoenix and I ironed out all the important matters. Now, it’s a question of meeting with the lawyer Rhys found me.”
My father lets out an audible exhale. “Keira’s boyfriend was able to find someone to look over the prenup?”
“Yes. The lawyer will go over the prenup, the contract, and any other legalese before giving her blessing.”
“Since Phoenix won’t be footing the bill, will you be able to negotiate a payment plan of some sort?” There’s no mistaking the worry in his voice.
“Rhys wanted to pay for it in full, but I refused. He’ll front me the money and I’ll repay him back over time.”
“Okay,” Daddy says.
Silence stretches between us.
“Phoenix is a good man, Mikki.”
I grind my teeth together. “How would you know, Daddy? He’s just a business deal to you and a dossier an investigator collected.”
He stares straight into my eyes. “Phoenix is solid. He’ll be good to you, ladybug. In my heart, I knew he was the right choice.”
That sounded kind of cryptic.
I hold his gaze. “At least he’s not a monster.”
“I deserve that,” my father says on the heel of a small laugh devoid of any humor. “You have no idea how guilty I feel about putting you through this, but––”
“I’m the only way out of this cluster fuck of a mess.”
He glares at me.
I cock a defiant eyebrow.
“When is the wedding?” Daddy moves right along.
“This Sunday.”
His eyes widen. “That’s fast.”
“I thought that’s what you wanted.”
“I thought it would be a few weeks. Not a few days.”
“Phoenix doesn’t see any point in stretching things out.”
“I’m sure he knows what he’s doing.”
“Phoenix’s executive assistant will make travel arrangements for you and Uncle Ian. He’ll hire a private jet for the two of you.”
“That’s generous of him,” my father says with a touch of humility.
“It’s going to be a private affair at his father’s mansion.”
Daddy nods. “It’s a good idea to keep it intimate.”
“Yes, the less people—” A crippling thought enters my mind as a pang of pain stabs at my heart. I place a hand against my chest and fold over a little.
“What is it, ladybug?”
I pinch my lips and lift my hand to cover my mouth as emotions bubble up.
A tear trickles down my cheek.
Then another.
And another.
“Did Phoenix do something to you? Did he force himself on you? That’s not part of the deal. He gave me his word he would treat you with respect.” Anger colors my father’s voice.
“No.” I wipe away my tears. “So far, he’s been a gentleman.” I inhale a shaky breath. “It just hit me.”
“What just hit you?” Daddy’s voice rises.
“I’ve known since the day Mom passed away, she wouldn’t be at my wedding, and I know this is a fake wedding—” I sniffle. “Still, it’s a hard pill to swallow not having her there.”
My father’s eyes close for a beat. When he opens them, they’re glassy.
We stare at each other in silence, overcome with emotions.
His gaze flinches as he blinks away tears.
“Oh, ladybug, you just broke me,” he says, his voice trembling.
“I’ve been single-mindedly pushing my mission forward.
Securing the Villiers Grand’s future became top priority—my only priority.
I was so afraid I had fucked up your heritage, so ashamed I had let the woman I loved with every part of me down, I didn’t even stop to think about Mom not being here and how that would affect you.
” He takes in a long, deep breath. “I’m so sorry, ladybug. ”
The sincerity in his gaze—and voice—touches my core.
Now we’re both crying.
“One thing I know about my beautiful wife is she’ll be watching over her baby girl,” Daddy says in between tears.
In that simple statement, it’s as if Thana was never part of our lives.
I nod in response because my heart is too heavy to speak.
“Charlize will be all decked out, with her nails done, her makeup expertly applied, and her long silver hair dyed brown and styled—coiffed, like she used to say.” He offers a sad smile.
“She’ll be wearing a fancy dress and an elegant fascinator as a nod to her British roots.
You know she’ll be holding a glass of champagne, looking down from heaven above, giving God the play-by-play.
” He pauses. “She might not physically be with you on Sunday, but she’ll be right here.
” He taps two fingers against his heart.
Now, he’s the one to break me.
I bawl like a child.