CHAPTER 6

~Cillian

If looks could kill, I’d already be six feet under the ground. This was the first time a woman had ever looked at me with such disdain.

I mean, they’d always have this hint of admiration in their eyes or at least fear, probably because I had been to jail and they believed I was capable of harming people.

Miss Lawson, however, was quite different. She wore every ounce of annoyance openly, almost proudly.

She left my hand hanging in the air, not even trying to pretend she was interested in touching me as she sized me up and looked me in the eyes with pure disgust, as if my whole face was an eyesore and she was repulsed by it.

Of course, I knew she was provoked because of last night with Monica. I couldn’t care less, though, and honestly, I couldn’t help it either. Something crazy inside of me was intrigued by the fierce look in those hazel eyes.

“I’ll get going now, Mr. Greg.”

She flashed a small smile at Papa and sent me a daggered glare before turning on her heels, her silk dress swishing around her knees as she stormed off.

The corner of my mouth curved into a smirk as I slipped my hand back into my pocket, watching her leave for a moment too long.

Papa shifted my attention away from her as he turned to me with a questioning look on his face.

“I didn’t do anything.” I denied immediately.

“Of course, you didn’t.” He let out a sharp scoff, eyes like daggers. “Your dirty reputation will always precede you.”

“Thank you so much, Papa.”

I said warmly even as a muscle twitched in my jaw.

His expression darkened further at my response, disappointment practically radiating off him.

For someone who couldn’t even introduce me as his son, not that I cared anyway, I had learned not to expect too much from him.

He scoffed and went back inside the church, and I just shrugged my shoulders, unbothered, as I turned to look in the direction Miss Lawson had taken.

I didn’t see her. Maybe I would have if my phone hadn’t rung the next second, shifting my focus.

I reached for my phone in my pocket and mentally sighed as I saw it was Monica calling. She called three more times before I finally swiped green, believing it was something important.

“What is it?”

I asked in a bored tone.

“Please come to the car park.” She let out a breathy sob, her voice shaking. “I have something important to tell you.”

My brows pulled together as she abruptly ended the call. Standing there, I hesitated for a moment.

What kind of brother would I be if I let my little brother’s bride pass out on her wedding day? Monica sounded like she was about to faint.

With that thought in mind, I began moving toward the parking area, the chatter from guests growing distant behind me.

Luxury cars neatly lined the large parking lot with security guards stationed at designated spots. As I walked through the space between two cars, my gaze caught a black Rolls-Royce with the license plate customized as ‘Bride to Be.’

“How ironic,” I snorted.

Monica had obviously seen me approaching from inside as the door opened immediately I neared the car.

Monica sat stiffly, looking more terrified than excited for someone about to become a bride in less than an hour.

Closing the door, I asked, “What is so important that you can’t wait for your wedding to end before telling me?”

Looking at her now, she didn’t look like someone who had been crying long enough to sound like that on the call. I guess she had to fake those sobs to lure me out here. Tsk. If only she knew those things don’t affect me anymore.

“It’s Joanne.” She replied, her voice filled with panic. “I’m scared she might tell Enzo about our affair.”

I lazily arched an eyebrow, openly unbothered as I watched her face crumple with fear.

“Say something, Cillian!”

“I have nothing to say.”

She shot me a dirty look. “What do you mean you have nothing to say?” She added, panic clearly taking over. “If this gets out to our families, we are both fucked!”

If anything, I remained calmer as I spoke. “You should worry about yourself, Monica. Not me. You know that.”

Actually, I had nothing to lose. No scandal would surprise anyone when it came to me.

She desperately grabbed my arm as I turned to the door, stopping me from stepping out of the car.

“Please, Cillian, you have to help me stop her.” Monica begged me like her life depended on it. “She might ruin the wedding!”

There was genuine fear in her eyes now. Not manipulation. Not acting. Fear.

I was irritated at first. But then, I began considering it, not because she was begging me. I probably wouldn’t care if she bawled her eyes out right now.

It was more that I couldn’t pass up her request because it seemed like a chance with Miss Lawson.

A woman who looked at me with hatred should not have been this interesting, yet somehow she was.

“Fine.” I finally said.

Monica sharply let out a deep sigh of relief, releasing my arm as she quietly watched me retrieve a phone from my pocket.

“What are you doing with Enzo’s cell phone?” She frowned and eyed me suspiciously.

“Would you rather mind your business or handle your mess yourself?” I asked gruffly.

She had no choice but to close her mouth at once and swallow her questions, just as I expected.

I returned my focus to the phone, inputting the password. Right as I was about to look for Miss Lawson’s contact, a message popped up on the screen.

Joanne: Can we meet in the restroom area for a moment?

I need to tell you something important.

I couldn’t hold back a grin after reading the message.

“Looks like someone can’t keep your little secret, Monica.” I said to her.

“Oh no.” Monica’s face turned chalk white as I showed her the message on the phone. “She is going to tell Enzo!”

“That’s if Enzo sees the message.”

“What do you mean?” She asked, genuinely confused.

Leaving Monica’s question hanging in the air, I texted Miss Lawson.

Alright, I’m on my way.