Chapter 3
The next day, when I checked out, Vance was actually waiting in the lobby.
“Turns out, Sky got into some chocolate,” he said, voice softer than usual. “I told Faye someone else will handle Sky’s food from now on. You’re in your third trimester–you shouldn’t be running around.“[]
He observed my face like he was waiting for something.
He got nothing.
I didn’t throw myself into his arms like I used to, all weepy with gratitude. I just gave a calm nod.]
Wasn’t planning on doing it anyway.[]
I used to care about every damn person in the Lyon family, even that dog. But all I got in return was straight–up contempt and arrogance.
The Lyon staff weren’t exactly subtle about being fake–friendly–they made me, with my bad morning sickness, clean up the dog’s crap. I threw up for three days straight, couldn’t keep anything down.
Ain’t making that dumb mistake again.
When I pushed open the door, the racket of a pool party hit me. Seeing Vance walk in with me, Faye’s eyes flashed with jealousy. But quick as a blink, she plastered on a smile and waved:]
“Elise, I’m sorry I jumped to conclusions about Sky. I threw this pool party just for you to make it up.“[]
“Thanks. Have a good time,” I said, then turned to leave:
The crowd let out disappointed boos. Vance grabbed my arm.
“Honey, everyone’s waiting for you.”
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I looked at him like he was nuts. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to go–he’d never bothered to take me to stuff like this before. Once, I was so sick of being left out, I forced my way into a game of Truth or Dare with them.
Faye’s friends all ganged up on me, making me do embarrassing crap. Since I couldn’t drink while pregnant, they told me to get on all fours and bark like a dog. I looked at Vance for help, but he just said: “Pregnancy must’ve addled your brain. If you’re playing, you gotta take the punishment.”
I was forced to the floor, covered in red wine, turned into a damn joke. After that, I wanted no part of their “games.”
But this time, Vance was dead set on me joining in. He made me put on a maternity swimsuit Faye picked out. When I dropped the towel, the whole place erupted in laughter.
I looked down- it was a frog onesie with a big fake belly. Someone in the crowd yelled: “Look at her getting mad! Her belly’s bouncing–she really looks like a toad now!“]
Through the laughter, Vance’s face turned stormy. Probably thought I was embarrassing him. I turned to leave, but Faye’s eyes welled up with tears.
“Elise, is there anything I can do that you’ll like? You look down on me ‘cause I’m the Lyon’s adopted kid, always trying to push me out…”
Vance came over and whispered: “You both came from humble roots–try to understand Faye…“[]
I just wanted to laugh looking at Vance, always trying to keep the peace. Faye’s clothes cost thousands, her jewelry is worth six figures.
How could she compare herself to me, a farm girl?[]
If she really knew how brutal small–town gossip can be-
She’d know how the town councilman pressured my dad to force me to abort the baby- a kid without a dad. My mom fasted for three days and nights, kneeling, begging them to leave me alone.
Vance didn’t get it, and I wasn’t gonna explain anymore.
When I climbed out of the pool, my head was spinning. The towel under my feet-[]
It was the heirloom quilt my grandma spent over 700 nights hand–stitching before she died! Now it was covered in mud and dirt, someone had wiped their feet on it, complaining: “This raggedy thing is so faded, it’s dirtying my feet!“]
When I touched the crooked stitches, I started shaking, tears welling up. In her last six months, Grandma’s eyes were too bad to see clearly. She couldn’t tell the thread colors apart, but she kept at it.]]
The last thing she said to me was:
I always hoped you’d have a wedding, but I know you’re going through a rough time. If I can’t be there, let this quilt carry my blessings…“[]
4–Way Wedding? No Way! I Wed Billionaire Childhood Pal
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Chapter 3
When people around me heard the story, their faces fell. Someone mumbled: “That’s messed up.“]
Vance turned to look at me on instinct. But when he saw the tears in my eyes, he just froze.
