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“Was there any need? You’d eventually come back. And I didn’t see the point in stomping out your free spirit a day earlier than necessary.”
Tears dropped down my cheek as I stared at her. Gently and gracefully, she wiped them away. “It’s rare you and I can spend a moment alone like this.” Especially in his older age, my father had grown attached to being by my mother’s side. Tradition being only the women of the family were able to wedding dress shop. “I’d hoped to take this moment to offer you an early wedding gift.”
I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion as she pulled out a little white box. Slowly, I took it. Receiving presents from my parents wasn’t anything new but it was her tone and intent that prickled my skin, indicating this was something different. I opened the box, exposing a shiny gold credit card. “You know, my darling, one thing I’ve always been proud of is your ability to be free spirited and lift others and offer them courage when you don’t even realize you’re doing it.”
Tears continued to spill. “Why are you giving me this?”
My mother uncharacteristically and nonchalantly shrugged. “It’s attached to my allowance account. You’d be surprised how little I use it these days, one might consider there’s an endless stream of funds in there if you need it, wherever you may go… depending on whoever you choose. I’ve paid the accountant a handsome bonus to overlook any withdrawals you might make so it doesn’t alert your father.” She tapped my hand lightly. “Use it whenever you need.”
She went to stand but I grabbed her arm desperately. “Wait, are you telling me I don’t have to go through with this wedding?” I choked desperately.
She cupped my cheek. “I’m telling you to follow your heart, my darling. And don’t begrudge your father. He’s a stubborn man but he only wants the best for you. I’m sorry you ever felt so desperate as to run away from us. And this won’t make amends for that. But perhaps it’ll make your decision easier.”
She pressed a kiss to my cheek and whispered, “And for what it’s worth, I’ve never quite liked Frederick, he seems like a small fish in the pond, wouldn’t you say?” I choked back a small disbelieving laugh.
The wooden doors sprang open, almost smashing one of the nearby vases off its stand. It shook back and forth and Clover dove for it as Issobelle waltzed into the room and pointed a finger at me. “I’m still pissed at you!”
My mother almost choked at her language, but then she shook her head, pretending she didn’t hear it at all. “I’ll let the woman know we’ll buy this dress, since you made such a fine display in it. Do as you want. But choose wisely. And even if you make mistakes… I have a feeling you have those around you who can dig you out.” She eyed Clover and Issobelle up and down as if our conversation had never happened.
“And I don’t like that you’re marrying this douche!” Issobelle exclaimed.
“Issobelle, shh that’s Cassidy’s mother,” Clover reprimanded.
Issobelle stuttered for a moment. “Oh, shit sorry.” She curtsied awkwardly as my mother left the room, shaking her head.
I laughed, a weight easing off me, that chain feeling slightly lighter. I stared down at the card, never more grateful for any piece of plastic in my life. Not because of the things that it could buy me but because of the freedom and understanding my mother offered. To know that I was loved and not some bargaining chip. That deep down, they cared—genuinely. Even if they were rigid in their thinking and beliefs, my mother gave me a choice without consequence of disappointing my family or being completely disowned. Had I hated them, it might’ve not been so bad. But I still clung to them, unable to leave them behind, which is why I found myself standing in this hideous wedding dress.
I lunged for Issobelle, hugging her tightly.
“I’m still mad!” She stomped a foot. Clover laughed, walking around to hug us both.
“Cassidy, if I’m being honest… I hate that dress,” Clover admitted.
I laughed, tears streaming down my face. And despite the fact that my mother had gone up to purchase it, I said with a small smile, “I can’t stand it either.”
And slowly, I felt like the first piece was glued back together. A small glimmer of hope breaking through. My fairy tale might’ve not turn out how I’d imagined but at least I wasn’t being forced into marrying a frog anymore.
Chapter 36
Cassidy
I’d spent the afternoon with a very pissed off but able to tolerate me Issobelle, who did nothing but express how much of a mistake I’d been making since. I’d confessed to them everything that’s happened, including Eric and how badly I’d fucked it all up.
“I just fall for everyone, don’t I?” I laughed, almost hysterically so I didn’t cry again. I was so sick of crying.
Issobelle had been slam-dunking her straw into her chocolate milkshake as we walked through Manhattan and to my parents’ hotel building. My mother said she had errands to run, and she’d meet me there, giving me some well overdue girls’ time. “I’ve never seen you fall for anyone.” I looked at her confused.
“But I have a reputation for being a serial dater,” I laughed. At least I had up until four months ago.
“Serial dater and flings, Cassidy, but you’ve never declared your outright love for someone,” Clover conveyed. And it’d been the worst time to tell him. I’d been so selfish, as if that’d been a scapegoat to make it all okay. Because I loved him. And only in a matter of weeks. He must’ve thought I was a silly little girl.
I tried to laugh it off. “But it was such a short time we knew each other. And he’s so much older. Isn’t that crazy?”
Clover and Issobelle looked at each other. Issobelle shrugged. “Don’t look at me, I’m the furthest thing from the relationship type to offer you advice.”
Clover sighed, defeated. “Well look at Damon and me. That all happened pretty quickly and in an unconventional way.”
“Dating a billionaire male escort is definitely unconventional,” Issobelle interrupted.
