Total pages in book: 136
Estimated words: 137131 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 686(@200wpm)___ 549(@250wpm)___ 457(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 137131 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 686(@200wpm)___ 549(@250wpm)___ 457(@300wpm)
Since Dad pushed me into Senator Corban’s office as an intern right after college and that stupid Geopolitics degree I never wanted.
Since they organized it and I just went along with it for a couple years because I longed for Dad’s approval, and if dating Holden—or pretend dating him—was what it took, I was prepared to do it.
I was ready to put my personal life on the line for someone else’s career. Pathetic.
“It’s always business with Holden,” I say. “He dated me because he had to, because it was the logical step before we could get engaged, and he always put in the bare minimum.”
Dad makes a noise of irritation. “Marriage isn’t about romance, Wynne. How long do you think that lasts, anyway? A good marriage needs a strong foundation, based on practicality and mutual benefit.”
Any questions I had about whether my parents ever loved each other are answered in one fell swoop. My heart pinches.
“Holden behaved like he was entitled to me, Dad.” I know I sound angry. It’s all coming out now, every last scoop of hurt he served up over the years.
“Your union was a hope of ours for a long time.”
“That doesn’t mean he could come and go as he pleased. It doesn’t mean he doesn’t have to try. Is it so hard to buy me flowers or take me out to a nice orchard with bees? I don’t need expensive presents. I just want him to want to be with me.”
“What are you saying? Of course he wants to be with you.” Dad’s voice is reasonable now. “I wish you could hear yourself. You’re not thinking clearly.”
“No, Dad. I’m thinking perfectly clear for the first time in my life. Ever since you told me he was going to propose and you just expected me to say yes.”
Why did I say yes?
Why did I go along with any of it when it made me so heartsick?
“He’s a forgiving young man,” Dad says. “I know this mess has been horribly embarrassing for him as well, but I know he’ll be able to move past it if you come back. Just think about it, Winnie. Merging our families means all the resources and opportunities you could ever want for yourself and your future children—”
Children?
Children?
I laugh hysterically, cutting him off.
“Kids? With him? You’ve got to be kidding.” There’s no way I could have so much as a puppy with that man—literally, too, seeing as Holden is allergic to, like, anything with fur.
How I went this long thinking I could survive with Prince Anti-Charming feels mind-boggling. Totally insane.
“I’m not doing it,” I say loudly, in case he hasn’t gotten the message. “Marrying Holden—no way. I can’t. I won’t.”
“So what now? You’re throwing your whole life away to run off to Kansas City and do what, exactly?”
I swallow thickly.
That’s a valid question, but at least for the next month, my life is sorted. “I have… things.”
“Things,” he spits back. “I see.”
“I do! I found a place that needs a beekeeper—”
“Are you serious?” He barks out a brutal laugh that chills my spine before his voice turns glacial. “You’re an adult and you can make your own decisions. I can’t stop that. However, that doesn’t mean we’ll stand by and support you while you trash your entire life. Especially when you throw away every opportunity we’ve ever given you.”
“Dad—”
“No, Wynne. Your feelings may matter to you, but they won’t change my mind. I also won’t have you relying on us to bankroll your mistakes,” he says, his voice hard. “Consider your trust gone.”
My stomach drops through the floor.
Holy shit.
Holy shit!
The trust is what I’ve relied on to pay for everything. It’s mine, and it has been mine since my eighteenth birthday. I haven’t been expecting to live off of it forever without working, no, but it was a steady backup. A reliable money cushion.
Having a trust fund is a special privilege I’m very well aware of, yes, so I want to make the most of it, to use it to pursue something that matters.
But now if it’s gone—
At least I still have my grandparents’ trust. It’s not as big, but it’ll give me a month here. I can use that time to figure out my plans.
Get a new job somewhere. Start fresh.
“To be clear, that includes your grandmother’s trust, too,” Dad says. “Until you come back home, you’re not getting another cent from us.”
“Dad.” My voice cracks with panic.
Here come the hot, furious tears.
“Did you think I’d fund your reckless daydreams indefinitely? If you want to do this, you’ll do it alone.”
Tears sting my eyes.
I’m not relying on my dad to bail me out.
I’m relying on my money. It’s always been mine, to do whatever I choose.
“You can’t,” I whisper.
“Can’t I?” He softens his tone, placating me. “Come home, and you won’t have to worry about this anymore.”