Page 291 of The Heart You Kept

“Four weeks?” I squeak. “Umm…. That’s not happening, Philippe.”

“Oh.” Philippe’s face falls, worried that he has spoken out of turn. “My mistake, I must have misunderstood Mr. Prescott.”

“No, you probably didn’t.” I shrug as I stare out the window. “You know how he is; Edward wants everything yesterday.”

“He does,” he agrees.

Poor fool has no idea…. Nobody can organize a wedding in four weeks.

Not even him.

Ten minutes later we pull in beside my store and park the car. “I’m just going to race and get a coffee next door; do you want one?” I ask them.

“No, thanks.”

“See you inside.”

“Okay.”

I climb out of the car and with my purse over my shoulder I walk around the corner and run smack-dab into someone. “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry.” I glance up to see a familiar face.

“Pascal.”

“Hi.” His eyes drop to my hand as it holds my bag strap that’s over my body.

Fuck.

“What are you doing here?” I try to discreetly put my hand behind my back. “Have you got the day off?”

“What’s on your finger?” he asks, seemingly annoyed as he shoves his hands into his suit pockets.

“Oh, just a costume ring,” I stammer. “I have to get going.”

His eyes search mine and guilt runs through me.

Fuck.

“Actually, Pascal…. This is probably a good thing that I ran into you because I want you to hear it from me anyway. Edward and I got engaged last week.”

A frown flashes across his face as he processes my words.

“I know it seems sudden, but⁠—”

“It does.” He cuts me off. “You know he’s using you.”

“Pascal.”

“You think it’s a coincidence that suddenly in a few weeks he wants to be a respectable husband when he’s been nothing but a player for years? You can’t be this stupid, Alora.”

“Pascal….” I sigh. “Don’t be like that.”

“Like what? A realist?”

I roll my eyes, annoyed. “Can’t you just be happy for me?”

“No.” His eyes hold mine. “So… knowing Prescott the way that I do, my guess is that he’s involved in some sort of scandal that’s about to break and he needs a cover to hide behind. What better disguise than being happily married.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR