Chapter 0141

“Oh,” I say, frowning and feeling guilty all of a sudden. “I didn’t mean to — I’m sorry —*

“Romulus,” Tristin calls, and I look up at her, still standing stern by the door. Romulus lets go of me and runs to her. I follow

closely behind.

Tristin gives me a steady stare as I climb the steps to her house, her expression unchanging when I attempt an awkward smile.

“He’s mad at you,” she informs me, stern, as I approach her. I don’t have to think very hard to figure out that “he” means my

father, not little Romey here. “You watch what you say — or you'll make hell for all of us, even when you leave.”

“Oh,” I say, red creeping into my cheeks. “I'm sorry — I never meant — “

“No,” she responds, narrowing her eyes a little at me before turning to open her door. “I don’t suppose you do think about how

any of your antics affect us. Not at all.”

I open my mouth to protest but then shut it as I follow Tristin into the house. Because it’s right — I haven’t thought about it. Not at

all. But then again, it's not really my fault that my father treats her poorly. I sigh, feeling a headache start at the back of my head

as I follow Tristin and Romulus into the sitting room. This is a level of family drama I never signed up for.

My father starts in on me the moment I step into the room.

“What the hell do you think you’re toying with, girl,” he demands, glaring at me as Tristin and Romulus make their way to the

couch. Romulus goes a little pale as he looks at his dad and then back at me with wide eyes.

I sigh and look down at my feet. “Can you please tell me what you mean?”

“You know precisely what I mean,” he snaps. “Ending the engagement that I negotiated for you at birth? Messing around with

that boy — Ivan — behind my back?” Alden slams his hand on the arm of his chair, making me jump as my eyes snap up to his.

“Isn't that what you wanted?” I ask, a little scared as I spread my hands wide. “I mean — you introduced me to Ivan — you wanted

me to end the engagement -”

“No, you foolish child,” my father counters, angry. “I wanted to end that engagement for you, on my terms. I wanted to negotiate

a relationship with Ivan, or use it to leverage other connections. Instead, you’re out there making ridiculous decisions — waving

your cat all over town —*