Chapter 16 #2
He leans forward, elbows propped on his knees, fingers threaded together.
“Here’s what I propose. We explore options.
No pressure, no timeline, just possibilities.
Further education, where you can study around Isla’s needs, entry level apprenticeships at one of our companies, so you can try out a multitude of things and see what grabs you.
Estate management, event planning, or some kind of creative work.
Writing, art, music, crafts. You could set up an online shop and work at your own pace. Perhaps volunteer.”
I press my hands to my face. My mind is spinning. “That’s too many options. I don’t know how to choose.”
“You don’t have to choose; you just have to try.
Maybe none of these suggestions will be the right one for you.
All I’m saying is it’s okay to take the time to figure out the right path.
One that will fulfill you, make you happy.
Between now and the wedding, try to take note of things that interest you.
Jot them down, then we can revisit them once you’re ready. ”
The wedding. When I agreed to marry Tobias the wedding itself seemed abstract. Him actually mentioning it has brought it front and center.
“Talking of the wedding, I came here to show you this.” He takes out his phone, taps on the screen a couple of times, then passes it to me. “Our wedding announcement. It’ll go out in a couple of days.”
I look down at the screen and begin to read.
At the start of last month, my son Tobias was shot during an altercation at his private members’ club.
In a night of terrible tragedy, the eldest son of MP Preston La Salle was also shot and sadly died at the scene.
As you can imagine, this has been an extremely difficult time for us and for the La Salles.
But what could have remained a story of violence and loss has instead become one of hope, healing, and resilience.
While recovering from the terrible events of January 4th, my son and Marcus's widow Rebecca have grown close, and I am thrilled to announce that, on March 10th, they will marry in a private ceremony at Oakleigh Chapel.
Their bond was forged under the most difficult of circumstances, but together, they are determined to provide Rebecca's young daughter Isla with a safe, stable, and loving home.
Unlike previous De Vil weddings, this will be an intimate affair involving family members only.
Together, we stand firmly behind Rebecca and Tobias.
We ask that the press and public alike respect their privacy as they move forward as a family unit, not as victims of tragedy, but as a solid partnership built on courage, strength, and respect.
Charles De Vil.
“It’s really happening,” I murmur after reaching the end. “We’re getting married in just over two weeks.”
“We are. But listen, if at any time, right up to the wedding vows, you change your mind, you can tell me. I really want this to work for my own personal reasons, but you have to want it, too.”
“I want to feel safe,” I whisper.
“This is the place. My family and I will keep you and Isla safe. You can have a wonderful life here, Rebecca. We’ve already built a friendship. I think we can deepen that over the coming months and years, and possibly have a happier marriage than those who marry for love.”
I agree. I married for love, and look what that got me? A life of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Love isn’t worth the price it demands. I like Tobias. I enjoy his company, and Isla is growing fonder of him by the day.
“I won’t change my mind. This is the right thing for me and for Isla. For you, too, it seems.” One day, I hope I can earn his trust and he’ll come out to me. I would love to be that person for him, to give him support and a shoulder to lean on.
“It is.”
“Then, it’s settled.” I heave a sigh. “If only deciding what I want to do with my life was as easy.”
“Give it time.” He rises to his feet.
Isla clambers off the floor and wraps her arms around his legs.
My heart squeezes tightly. “I don’t think she wants you to go.”
He swoops down and picks her up, settling her on his hip. “I don’t want to go, either. Unfortunately, I have a meeting I can’t get out of.”
She pats his face with her hand, grinning. If Tobias’s answering smile gets any bigger, his face will split in two.
“She doesn’t make it easy to leave.”
“Yeah, it’s her superpower. She flashes those dimples, and everyone melts.”
Marcus never melted. He’d only get irritated with her. I keep that painful memory to myself and get up, taking her from him. “Tobias needs to go to work, Isla.” I hope one day, I have to tear myself away from her to work, too.
“Remember what I said. Try to notice the things you like and don’t like, and if you want to shadow anyone on the estate, let me know and I’ll arrange it.”
“Thank you. For this and for, well, everything.”
“It’s me who should be thanking you, Rebecca. You’ve given me a ready-made family. I’ll never be able to repay you.”
Once he’s gone, I curl up on the couch and sit there for a long time, with Isla snuggled into my side. I can’t remember the last time I did something simply because it made me happy.
Maybe, just maybe, it’s time to start figuring that out.