As she started to hop away, Lewis did not even hesitate, he lifted her effortlessly into his arms. "Let me take you over first, Kate. Grace, wait here for me."
Kate.
The nickname struck me like a blow to the chest. He did not just give me a special nickname; he had one for her too.
The energy drained from my body, leaving me weak and lightheaded.
What was more, Lewis did not ask for my permission, he simply walked away, carrying her toward the other clinic as if I did not exist.
No matter how well he acted toward me, his true feelings always slipped through when Katrina was around.
And the worst part? He didn’t even realize it.
The bitterness boiled over, but I held it in, swallowing the lump in my throat.
Turning away, I walked to the clinic alone.
After finishing the hospital administration, I hailed a taxi and left Lewis behind, who seemed more preoccupied with his Kate than with me.
My destination was Tobias’ office.
As soon as I arrived, I burst through the door and shouted, “Tell our parents I accept the arranged marriage!”
Tobias looked up from his desk, startled, his confusion quickly turning to alarm as he noticed my arm wrapped in gauze. “Are you… did you try to hurt yourself by cutting your wrist?”
He rushed toward me, gripping my arm and inspecting the gauze with panic in his eyes.
“Of course not,” I snapped. “It’s just a burn. Don’t change the subject, call our parents and tell them I’m ready to go home and get married.”
“You’re serious?” he asked, his tone incredulous. “But what about Lewis?”
I forced a smile, even as bitterness clawed at my throat. “I’ve figured it out. Mom and Dad want me to get married anyway, so does it matter to whom? Besides, I trust their judgment. They’ve probably already vetted the candidate thoroughly.”
Tobias hesitated before speaking. “Do you want to meet him first? Maybe date him a little before getting married?”
“No need,” I replied firmly. “The sooner, the better. Set the date for a month from now.”
Still cautious, Tobias nodded. “Got it.” He gestured to the couch. “Sit for a bit. I’ll let them know. After all, you’ve been out of the house for two years.”
“Do you think they’ll forgive me?” I asked quietly, realizing just how much time had passed since I left home.
Tobias shrugged. “Not only will they forgive you, but they’ll probably celebrate. This marriage strengthens ties with the Livingston family, it’s a big deal.”