Chapter 36
Chapter Thirty-Six
Callum
Raymond’s words hit me like a punch to the gut.
“He’s called for a referendum?” I ask, just in case I’ve misheard.
“Yes, he’s called for a referendum.” The glare Raymond shoots me could put Medusa out of a job.
I glance at my grandmother.
Her expression is stoic, a portrait of resilience, but her chin is trembling.
This is the worst-case scenario. This is the iceberg she’s been tirelessly steering us away from.
She has spent the last forty years of her life serving the people of Britain.
And my boyfriend has just suggested that all of that should come to an end.
“They tried to be a republic for eleven years,” I say through numb lips. “There was the Commonwealth of England from 1649 to 1660. It fell apart, and they welcomed the restoration of the monarchy when King Charles II returned from exile.”
“I don’t think an American giving the British public a history lesson is what we need right now,” Raymond snaps. His scowl deepens as he stares at me. “Is Oliver Hartwell going to leak details about your relationship with him to the press?”
I blink. “What? Of course not.”
“I think you have to consider whether his whole relationship with you was part of his desire to further his political ambitions.”
“He would never do that,” I say, but the words feel hollow, swallowed by the dread pooling in my gut as I look around the room, realizing that the polished oak table, the intricate friezes, the soft glow of the antique lamps—everything I’ve taken for granted—could suddenly disappear.
How can I insist I know what Oliver will do? I never thought he’d call a referendum either, especially without talking to me.
I can’t believe he’s done it.
The feeling of betrayal carves out a place deep and dark inside of me.
“If the monarchy’s abolished, he becomes the president. Are you sure your boyfriend doesn’t have presidential aspirations? That part of his motives for doing this isn’t to become president?” Raymond asks.
At Raymond’s harsh words, all my insecurities come roaring back.
I once thought Cliff was my friend, and look how that turned out.
But as soon as the thought swells in my mind, rational thought punctures it.
There’s absolutely no way Oliver could have faked this between us.
And okay, while I’ve sometimes questioned how the most amazing man on the planet loves me, all I have to do is think of the way he touches me, the way he’s so vulnerable with me, the way he looks at me when we’re alone together.
Even the best actor in history couldn’t fake that.
But knowing Oliver loves me is one thing. Does he love me more than his job? If he loves me as much as I love him, would he have called a referendum without discussing it with me first?
I bite the inside of my cheek.
“We need to decide on the investiture in light of the government’s call for a referendum,” Raymond says. “Is it worth igniting public backlash at this perilous time?”
My eyes shoot to the portrait of one of my ancestors hanging on the wall, watching our present-day drama unfold with centuries-old smugness.
“I think we proceed as normal. To cancel it now will send the wrong message. Besides, it’s a good chance to show the British public exactly what they will lose if they abolish the monarchy,” Clive says.
My grandmother raises her chin. “I agree with Clive.” She looks at me. “And Callum’s relationship with Oliver Hartwell must stay between us. Not even Nicholas and Amelia can know.”
The weight of everything presses down on me, and my chest feels like it’s been stomped upon.
I’ve been so na?ve. So caught up in falling in love for the first time, so caught up in Oliver, that I failed to see the bigger picture.
This is so much larger than just two people in love.
Oliver’s actions today show he understands that.
And my failure to realize that could be my family’s downfall.