Chapter 35
Chapter Thirty-Five
Hope
Upstairs, I'd been sure Charlie was going to tell me how our life together came to an end. I'd been so sure that I’d rushed him downstairs to the party. My friends were around, so I could avoid the end of everything until we admitted our lies publicly, which should probably be after the wedding.
I would seriously hate anyone who tried to selfishly take the spotlight from the bride and groom, so I had a day. I probably needed to run that by Charlie.
The second we stepped onto the terrace overlooking the Pacific as far as the eye could see, with his family and my friends all scattered around, I breathed easier. We were safe here.
His parents came over to us, and Charlie said, “Maman, Pedar.”
We hugged, and it was like nothing had happened when we were surrounded with great people. I picked up a champagne flute and gazed behind me. Then my entire body froze on the spot. I couldn’t breathe as I met the blue eyes of my ex-boyfriend, who was clearly determined to destroy me.
I whispered to Charlie, “Patterson’s here.”
“What are you talking about?”
I pointed at the glass door to the hotel. “He’s in the lobby.”
“I will send security. I’m sure his reservation can be cancelled fast.” Charlie held me closer. “Let’s not worry about him.”
My heart thumped. Other than me, there was no reason why he would be here.
And humiliating me was clearly worth spending all that money to get here.
I tried to breathe, though it was shallow as I asked, “Why would he be in Hawaii? We flew thousands of miles away, and the deadline isn’t quite here, unless he means to change that too. ”
Charlie directed me to the balcony. “The event is private, so I need you to relax, Hope, and look around. We’re surrounded by family, and I’m one of twelve brothers. A guy would be pretty stupid when he was that outnumbered.”
I wasn’t sure I could move. I swallowed then took his hand. “I’m not a Norouzi, though, and they’ll hate me soon enough.”
“No.”
I swung my full attention to Charlie.
He smiled at everyone as he said, “Because tonight’s party is our engagement party, which was why we flew out early.”
I rocked. This wasn’t good. Now I would be humiliated publicly. Heat rushed to my face. “Oh. Charlie, I should have let you talk upstairs about what you thought might happen.”
He rubbed the back of his head. “That wasn’t what I wanted to talk about.”
We walked toward his family, who’d gathered near a sign with our names on it. My friends cheered as I asked, “Then what?”
His father came over and hugged me. “Congratulations to you both. We’re so excited you’re joining our family, Hope.”
He tapped Charlie on the back as I said, “Thank you so much, sir.”
Kir hugged me. “And I’m happy we’re starting a business together.”
He also hugged Charlie, and I said, “Me too. Thank you, Kir.”
We continued to hug everyone on his family and my friends.
Every warm smile meant I needed to face one more person with a lie.
Kir and Jeff stayed close and looked at me as they discussed something on their phone.
I tensed but focused on the next guest coming to me.
As the line was close to being over, Patterson stood in front of me.
I had no idea how he'd come in. I lost my ability to move. “Oh God.”
Charlie crossed his arms and stood like he would protect me.
His other brothers looked like they would back him up. I couldn’t see, but Patterson’s voice was clear as he said, “Hello, everyone. I just thought before you celebrate, you might want to listen to this.” Then it was my voice in the air. “Charlie, you have yourself a six-month fiancée…”
Tears washed down my face. They'd all heard everything now. I had no idea why he would do this now. He’d clearly decided against the blackmail, unless he knew we weren’t paying already. Who knew what else of mine he'd bugged?
I heard Miley shout, “Brad, we’re so suing you.”
I made a beeline to a staircase toward the beach. Everyone now knew I was a liar.