Just for Fun, He Said
"Mr. Sterling shows Maeve a level of care and respect you will clearly never understand."
"Papa, don't," I said, gently touching my father's arm. "There's no need to explain anything to him."
I turned to Rhys. "Rhys, don't bring up that childhood betrothal again. It was just a joke made by the dons over drinks. It was never real."
"Those were your words. Are you taking them back now?"
Rhys opened his mouth, but no words came out.
"The answer should be obvious," I said, standing up. "It was a joke then, so let's not pretend it's serious now."