Chapter 3

I wasn't sure whether to tell my parents about the separation just yet.

I'd grown up in this city. Most of my friends and relatives still lived close by.

After my father passed his title and lands to me, he and my mother moved to their country house so he could rest. I was their only child.

They'd always been open-minded. But for the past two years, an old wound inflicted by silver had been troubling my father again.

I'd intended to wait a little longer.

Within a couple of days, Calvin called.

He hardly ever called me.

He preferred sending messages because he knew I'd always answer right away.

The night before, I'd removed him from my contacts.

When I answered, he sounded as if nothing had changed.

"Amaya, your mother just called. She's making dinner tonight and wants us both to come.

"Since your father hasn't been well, maybe we could wait until he's feeling better to tell him about the bond. What time should we go over?

"And his birthday's next Sunday. I'll come with you for that, too."

I'd been on the fence until I heard him say that. Suddenly I knew I was going to tell them.

"There's no need," I said.

"You don't have to put on a brave face. Think about your father's health."

"If you were really thinking about him, you wouldn't have picked this moment to cheat and ask me for a divorce. My father is ill, Calvin. His mind is perfectly clear. He wouldn't want me to stay married to a man who'd betrayed me."

"Calvin?"

"Yes?"

"Don't call me about things like this again. If you want to see Noah, follow the agreement. Once a week."

At that, he stopped trying to sound conciliatory.

"Amaya, how many times do I have to say this? Noah's my son, too. He's my family."

"And you chose to leave the home he knew, didn't you?"

There was a thud on the other end, as if he'd slammed his phone down on the table.

I hung up. Once I'd pulled myself together, I drove to the shops.

I wanted new bedding, a new living room sofa, replacements for every piece of furniture Calvin had picked out.

And I wanted it all in stock.

Once everything was delivered, the staff and I put the house in order, and I drove out to see my parents.

When my mother saw me alone, she assumed Calvin was busy.

For a moment I couldn't speak. Then I managed a shaky "Mom."

She knew straight away. She put down the flowers she'd been arranging, took one look at me, and gathered me into her arms.

I hadn't told her a thing, but she knew I was hurting.

I did my best to tell her calmly. By the time I was done, she was handing me tissues.

She spoke very softly.

"It's all right. A bond can be dissolved. Given what he did, I'd rather you find out now than later.

"Amaya, I'm only going to ask one thing of you."

Her eyes filled as she took my hand.

"If you've made up your mind to leave him, then whatever happens, don't go back."

I nodded through my tears. "I won't."

After dinner, my parents went into their room and talked for a long time.

When they came out, my father handed me an envelope with a check inside.

He said it was a new beginning and that was worth celebrating.

"I want my girl to be happy. I always have."

After I left their house, I sat in the car and cried for a long, long time.

All the way there, I'd been afraid I'd disappoint them.

They'd spent years together and hardly ever argued.

When I'd wanted to marry Calvin, his family was still struggling. Other people had their doubts, but my parents trusted my judgment.

Now he was a wealthy prince, and everyone congratulated them on their foresight. Yet they supported my decision to leave just as readily as they'd supported my decision to marry him.

I dried my eyes and checked my calendar.

Twenty-eight days to go.