Brandon stopped pacing. He took a deep breath, running a hand down his face. His face softened. He walked over and took my hands.
“You’re right,” he sighed. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I didn't think about how it looked to you. I’m just… I’m under a lot of pressure with the family and work. I shouldn't have snapped.”
He kissed my knuckles. “But you can’t just kick her out tonight. It’s late. And you were harsh, Maureen. She’s just a kid. She looks up to you.”
“She doesn't respect me,” I muttered.
“She does,” he insisted. “She’s just immature. Look, you should apologize. Just to keep the peace. For me? Please? I’ll talk to her about the clothes. I promise. But don’t make enemies with Kyle’s sister. Kyle is my best friend, and he will be back soon.”
“Fine,” I whispered, defeated.
Later that night, Brandon fell asleep instantly, exhausted from his day of juggling lies.
I lay awake for a long time. Then, quietly, I slipped out of bed to prepare a gift for him he’d never forget.
The ballroom was suffocating. Crystal chandeliers dripped light onto the crowd, the air thick with the scent of lilies and old money. It was a celebration for the Miller family closing a massive merger, a deal that would secure their empire for another generation.
I stood by the champagne tower, a flute of untouched sparkling water in my hand. I was wearing a midnight blue gown, smiling until my cheeks ached.
“Maureen!”
A booming voice cut through the polite chatter. I turned to see Kyle, Denise’s brother and Brandon’s best friend, striding toward me. He looked tanned, fresh from his business trip in Dubai.
“Kyle,” I smiled, genuinely this time. I had always liked Kyle. He was brash, but he was honest. Unlike the rest of them.
He pulled me into a bear hug. “Good to see you, Mo. You look stunning as always.” He released me and clapped a hand on Brandon’s shoulder, who had just materialized beside me. “And you, you lucky bastard. Still punching above your weight, I see.”
Brandon laughed, clinking his glass against Kyle’s. “Always, Kyle. Always.”
“Hey,” Kyle’s expression turned serious. “I wanted to say thank you. For taking care of Denise while I was gone. I know she can be a handful.”
“Oh, it was nothing,” Brandon said quickly, his smile tight. “She’s been great. Very… quiet.”
I took a sip of my water, hiding a smirk. Quiet?