Page 13 of Broken Destiny

I inhaled and closed my eyes.

Nyah’s face appeared instantly in my mind.

“Did you try a new perfume?” I asked quietly.

“Yes. Do you like it?” she replied, watching my reflection in the mirror. “It’s Montblanc Lady Emblem.” She tilted her head. “I don’t think it suits me. It’s too soft for my liking, don’t you think?”

Nyah’s perfume.

I nodded slowly, trying to keep my expression neutral while heat spread through my body. “Let’s go,” I said, clearing my throat as I reached for my keys. “We’re going to be late.”

Arriving at the Myers’house, I noticed everyone from both sides of the family was already present. The driveway was packed with cars,their windshields dusted with snow, the house glowing warmly against the winter afternoon like a postcard scene.

Stepping inside, I was greeted by the rich scent of pine and cinnamon. Garlands draped along the staircase banister, twinkling lights wrapped around every railing, and a towering Christmas tree stood proudly in the living room, its branches heavy with ornaments, ribbons, and shimmering gold and red baubles. The soft glow of candles flickered on every surface, filling the house with warmth.

“Hi, Dad!” I called out, entering the family room and embracing him. “Merry Christmas!”

“Merry Christmas, Caleb!” my mother chimed from behind him. “You finally made it.”

I leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Merry Christmas, Mom. You look beautiful.”

“Well, someone has to keep this family presentable,” she replied lightly, smoothing an invisible crease from her dress before studying me with a critical eye. “How was the drive? The roads weren’t too busy, I hope?”

“Not too bad. A little traffic near downtown, but nothing unexpected.”

“Took you some time to get here,” she remarked, raising a perfectly shaped eyebrow.

“Sorry, I was busy,” I replied, the lie rolling off my tongue with practiced ease.

My father gave a small chuckle and clapped me once on the shoulder. “Work can wait on Christmas, son. Tonight is about family.”

Before I could respond, Richard Myers approached with his wife, Grace, both of them smiling warmly.

“Caleb, there you are,” Richard said, extending his hand before pulling me into a friendly embrace. “We were just talking about you.”

Grace nodded, smiling widely. “Tatiana has been counting down the days. She keeps saying she wants everything to be perfect.”

My mother smiled. “She and I have been going back and forthabout flowers all week. I didn’t realize there were so many shades of white.”

Grace laughed. “Oh, there are. Trust me, I learned that lesson very quickly.”

My father lifted his glass, chuckling. “All I know is that the bills keep getting bigger.”

Richard exchanged a knowing look with my father, cackling. “That sounds familiar. Randall and I have already agreed to stay out of the way and let the ladies run the show.”

My father nodded. “Exactly. We just show up when we’re told and pretend we understand what’s going on.”

They all laughed.

I forced a polite grin, playing my part, but inside, a jittery tension stirred in my stomach, twisting into a tight knot.

My mother turned to me again, her eyes softening. “Have you had anything to eat yet, Caleb? There’s plenty of food in the dining room.”

“Not yet,” I replied, reaching for the glass of whisky from the tray the server carried. “Thank you,” I said to him before turning back to my mother. “I’ll grab something in a bit.”

I took a slow sip, letting the burn slide down my throat as the conversation continued around me about wedding details, decorations, and guest lists.

I didn’t want to talk about the wedding.