A Dangerous Engagement

Chapter 2 : Truth Be Told.. Or Not

CARA

"It's so nice for you to invite his here to meet... your friend," Fiona says. She smiles at me over her raised spoon before taking a sip of lobster bisque.

Armin Müller doesn't reply, doesn't even bother to look at his granddaughter.

No one speaks, everyone seemingly intent on their soup.

Hesitatingly, Fiona adds, "That's why you asked us here, isn't it?"

It's almost like she's afraid he had some other more unpleasant reason for calling his grandchildren here, I muse. I can't think what that could be. From way most of them tried to ignore my presence, I don't think they're thrilled to meet the woman who was now wearing their grandmother's heirloom engagement ring.

Then there's Marcus.

It took all my presence of mind to keep my composure when he walked into the dining hall. God damn it. Do all rich people just know one another? When I took this job, it never occurred to me that my brother-in-law's best friend could be related to my patient. I should have checked instead of just assuming I couldn't possibly know anyone in a family of trust fund kids.

To his credit, it took him only a full minute to get over his obvious shock at seeing me. I really shouldn't have worried he'd say anything because if I know anything about Marcus Ryan, it's that he won't contribute to the drama in any situation if he can help it.

Everyone is waiting for Armin to reply to Fiona's question. The elderly man merely grunts noncommittally as he butters his bread roll before taking a bite.

"It's good to see you looking so well, opi," Elijah says.

"Is that your professional opinion?" Armin says.

"Uhm, well..." He smiles awkwardly.

I turn to Armin and raise my eyebrows slightly. He sighs.

"Yes, I feel great, son," he says, his tone less gruff."

I catch Marcus staring at me. Scowling, almost. Probably having just caught the silent exchange between his grandfather and me. But a second later, the look passes and his expression turns chilly. My heartbeat quickens and a pit of cold forms in my stomach. For a moment I have a desperate need to tell him this is all a lie. Then I remind myself I have a job to do. And whatever Marcus thinks of me doesn't matter. Anything we may have had between us is over now.

Luckily for me, he seems to be fine with also forgetting whatever past we had. Armin and I planned for everything except a member of his family knowing who I really am. The disinterest look Marcus gives me might mean he would rather eat glass than admit we were once lovers.

"Sorry, I'm late, folks," says a tall, auburn-haired man as he walks into the room. An exasperated-looking butler follows behind him.

"Sevel!" Fiona exclaims. "What are you doing here?"

Armin takes one look at the man, then at the butler Alonzo behind him, who nods imperceptibly.

"It's all right, Armin, I took the test," Sevel says, raising his hands briefly as a gesture of reassurance. "I'm clean. Alonzo made sure of it before he let me in the house."

He makes his way to Fiona to kiss her cheek. "I moved my schedule around, honey. I can stay for the weekend." He offers Armin a handshake but the older man waves him off.

"No need for that, go take a seat," he says.

There's no room beside Fiona, whom I assume is is wife, or her daughter Sybil, so a maid set a plate for him at the other end of the table beside Travis and across Marcus's sister Bridget.