The Blackmail Bride

Chapter 42

No Jace in this chapter too. Sorry.

Volunteer

It was quite a lot to take in.

If the goal in mind was to bond with me, my in-law throwing out that kind of information wasn't going to make me feel closer to her. The revelation about Jace and Claire's past...

"I'm not very sure why you're telling me this," I finally said.

Rosalie leaned in close, "About what? Claire?"

Carefully arranging my expression, I courteously asked, "I got married in similar instances. Are you..." added hesitation, "warning me against harming Jace?"

The surprise as her eyes rounded wasn't faked. She probably thought my question to be too direct. And as if finding humor in my words, she smiled, "Why? Do you plan on harming my son?"

I immediately shook my head. I really didn't. The nonverbal answer obviously satisfied my mother-in-law.

But what I failed to mention was that my family, on the other hand, was an entirely different story. My grandmother's face came to mind.

"You may have guessed by now, but I and Michael have no say with what Jace does. Just as I'm not allowed in my own son's house, it's the same with his life choices.

Marrying you is one of those choices."

There was a look of curiosity on that face as she took me in, "I can only guess what the fascination is about. But since his early teens, the wedding is the first thing Jace had asked me for help with. How could I say no? And got I watched my son apologize to your mother properly too. Jace rarely admits to his mistakes."

With the smile Rosalie Black was giving me as she divulged that information, I recalled the extravagant island venue and the hired cruise ship on top of all the preparations. The Blacks had insisted on paying for everything. I wondered how they really thought of the wedding bill they shouldered.

I remembered that incident she was referring to. It was that time Jace vetoed that blood red dress that I didn't like.

But with that memory, something he said to me that time came back.

"You are going to marry into my family, Isla. Think of Nero Hotels. Or your beloved Prestigio. When this marriage happens, that kind of weak behavior is not acceptable. Are you always going to give in to everyone the way you do to your mom? The pressure would crush you."

And that time I had replied, "I will deliver when the need arises."

Then here I was in this current ordeal.

So how was it that I wasn't bringing up the issue I had so wanted to bring up since the engagement party? I wasn't delivering as I had so proudly aired. He was right, the pressure was crushing me.

"You're on the quieter side, I see. I never thought Jace preferred quiet women."

My face flushed as I gave her an embarrassed smile. I spaced out and was having an internal monologue with my mother-in-law talking to me.

"That makes it a bit harder for me to decipher if I like you," Rosalie added jokingly, "But I do like Amelia so that should be a good sign."

The mention of my mother made me sit straight.

"Mom?" I hid my doubtfulness.

Rosalie leaned back thoughtfully.

"Yes," she grinned at me, "Your mom is a perfect hostess, very intelligent in many topics, always charming and composed. I could never maintain myself the way she does during functions. I'd seen men seek her out for business advice... and as I understand, she's not even active in your hotel."