Madison Hart fights to keep her engagement to billionaire Jace Harrison, who questions her investment. The world of fame surrounding her intensifies. Jace's ex girlfriends test Maddy, so does his family. A spotlight of negativity is on her, yet ever...
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I hate when someone tells me not to worry! I want to say this aloud, but I'd rather not start an argument. My head and chest hurt. So, I don't have it in me to bicker. I nod. "I need aspirin."
"Come out and mingle, don't hide. Your mom will have a heart attack. Let's keep to the schedule, it'll ease your mind."
"I'm not sure about the wedding..."
"Either if you say no...you'll still be on the radar. These people won't care."
These people? What does he mean? Is there more than one person after me??My thoughts make my head pound harder. I focus on getting out of the room rather than trying to figure out what he means. "I'll be out in a bit."
"Alright." Dad opens the door.
I expect to see Lil and Mom, but they're gone. Did they not listen at the door? I would have. I shower and wash my face. My eyes are so red. The bags under them are shocking. I apply concealer and foundation to hide the darkness and then use eye drops. I choose a jogger set from the walk-in closet. It's an oversized look, I don't mind the hanging fabric. It's comfortable. I tie my hair into a pony and take a big huff before exiting the room.
I go to the kitchen for aspirin and soda. Strawberry Sprite. I drink and swallow the medicine.
"Oh, you're up?" Lil comes to sit at the bar.
"Yeah...sorry, I needed a moment."
"I'm glad you're better."
I join her, choosing the bar stool beside hers. "I need help," I speak hushedly.
"With what?"
It's better to tell her than my mom. Dad wasn't joking, she'd get worked up and hysterical. A heart attack is a possibility. "I don't think I can go through with the wedding."
Lil inhales sharply. "Oh, no! Why?"
"It's...complicated. There's just a lot more to Jace than I thought."
"I'm lost...what exactly is it?" Her honey eyes bounce between mine.
"Jace told me before that there were people out to harm him. He said it was business related."
"I heard about that online. It's no secret that he's a target."
"His family was almost killed." The sight of the knife flickers in my eyes. I sense my skin losing blood circulation. A numb sensation rushes my veins.
"Maddy? Are you sick?" She reaches to hold my hand. "You're freezing!" Lil rubs her palms against mine for warmth.
"I'm scared..." My eyes flood.
"You'll be okay, Jace's family is still alive. He has the same protection as the president. I doubt any of us are in trouble."
